Access to a breast pump is necessary for many parents to provide breast milk for their infants, but the purchase price can be a significant barrier for families in need. Donating a gently used pump provides a valuable resource to support maternal and infant health. Successfully passing on this medical device requires navigating specific safety, legal, and logistical steps. This ensures the pump is safe for a new user and legally compliant for the receiving organization.
Determining Pump Eligibility and Safety Requirements
The most significant factor determining a pump’s eligibility for donation is its internal mechanism: whether it is an open-system or closed-system model. An open-system pump lacks a barrier, allowing air and tiny milk particles to potentially enter the motor. This makes internal cleaning and sanitization impossible. Because of this contamination risk, reputable organizations generally do not accept open-system pumps for donation.
A closed-system pump incorporates a physical barrier, such as a backflow protector, which prevents milk from reaching the tubing and the motor unit. While this design reduces the risk of cross-contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally classifies most personal breast pumps as single-user devices. The FDA advises that only pumps explicitly designed for multiple users, often described as hospital-grade, should be shared. Therefore, donation is typically only possible if the pump is a closed-system model and the receiving organization accepts used single-user devices.
Organizations accepting donations require that the used motor unit be accompanied by a completely new set of accessories. The donor must provide factory-sealed components, including:
- New tubing
- Backflow protectors
- Valves
- Membranes
- Flanges
These parts are categorized as single-user items that contact milk or moisture. Replacing them ensures the new user is protected from residual contaminants or infectious particles. Before moving forward, confirm your pump model is a closed system and verify that the intended recipient program accepts that specific used model.
Preparing the Unit for Donation
Once the pump’s eligibility is confirmed, the motor unit requires thorough physical preparation before transfer. The exterior of the pump motor should be deep-cleaned and sanitized to remove external dirt, dust, or residue. Use an appropriate disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with a mild soap and water solution. Be careful to avoid letting moisture seep into the power ports or internal vents.
It is important to test the motor to ensure it is in full working order. Check that it powers on and that the suction mechanism functions correctly across all settings. A non-functioning pump motor is not accepted and should be directed toward an electronic recycling program instead. Inventory all components included with the donation: the motor, the power cord, and the brand-new, sealed accessory kit.
For safe transit, package the motor and the new accessories securely. Use the pump’s original box or a sturdy, appropriately sized shipping container. Proper packaging protects the motor from physical damage during shipping or handling at the donation center. Keeping the motor and the new parts together prevents separation in the organization’s inventory, ensuring the pump is immediately ready for a new user.
Identifying Approved Donation Programs
Locating a verifiable, reputable organization is necessary to ensure your pump donation reaches a family in need through a safe and legal channel. The most common recipients are national non-profits specializing in maternal and infant support, and local women’s shelters or community clinics. These organizations often partner with lactation consultants who inspect the donated units and provide the new accessory kits to recipients.
Human milk banks, while primarily focused on collecting and processing donated breast milk, sometimes coordinate the donation of used breast pumps as a supplementary service. Contacting a local hospital’s lactation department or a community health center is another option. They may maintain a list of local organizations or run their own small-scale donation programs. It is important to contact the organization directly before sending the pump to confirm their current need, accepted models, and exact shipping or drop-off procedures.
Always prioritize organizations that are registered 501(c)(3) non-profits. This designation provides assurance that the donation is handled responsibly and provides the necessary documentation for your records. Many organizations require pre-approval and may have specific intake days or times, especially for larger items like breast pumps. Verifying the organization’s procedures in advance prevents the pump from being rejected or misplaced upon arrival.
Necessary Documentation and Tax Deductions
The final part of a legal donation involves administrative requirements that protect both the donor and the receiving organization. Upon dropping off or shipping the pump, you must obtain a contemporaneous written acknowledgment, commonly known as a donation receipt. This receipt must come from the qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The receipt should include the organization’s name, the date of the contribution, and a description of the item donated (a used breast pump motor and accessories).
This documentation is essential if you plan to claim the donation as a deduction on your federal income taxes. Charitable contributions of non-cash property, such as a breast pump, are deductible at the item’s fair market value (FMV) at the time of the donation. The FMV is defined as the price a willing buyer would pay for the item in its current condition.
It is the donor’s responsibility to determine the accurate fair market value of the used pump, which is typically much lower than the original purchase price. The IRS requires that the item be in good used condition or better to qualify for the deduction. Keeping records of the pump’s original cost and condition, along with the organization’s receipt, ensures compliance with tax regulations.