What "hospital-grade" means for a pump
Why the FDA does not use the term, and what multi-user means.
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A term, not a category
The FDA says: "the term 'hospital-grade pump' is not recognized by the FDA and there is no consistent definition for this term, so individual companies could mean different things when they label their breast pumps as hospital-grade."
Not a safety label
The FDA says it does not recognize the term "hospital grade," so this term does not mean a pump is safe.
What multi-user means
The FDA says many hospitals, lactation consultants, and specialty medical supply stores rent breast pumps that are safe for multiple users, sometimes referred to as hospital-grade pumps. It says multiple-user pumps are designed so that the breast milk can never touch the working parts of the pump that are shared.
Your own accessories kit
The FDA says each renter is required to buy a new accessories kit that includes breast shields and tubing. It says the only part of a multiple-user pump that you can safely share is the pump itself.
Ask before you rent
The FDA says to rent only if the pump is designed for multiple users and you have your own accessories kit. It says to ask whoever provides a multiple-user pump to make sure all parts, including internal tubing, have been cleaned and disinfected according to the maker's instructions.
FAQ
General information only, not medical advice. For questions about pumping, breastfeeding, milk supply, or feeding your baby, talk to your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant, or your baby's pediatrician. Follow the maker's instructions for your pump and its parts. The FDA says that if you are injured while using a breast pump or have pain, contact your health care provider. In an emergency, call 911.
Next: renting a pump
Multi-user pumps and your own kit.
