I, too, feel that just because one orders from the LLLI catalogue doesn't
mean that person will have had good advice, but at least hope they will seek
it out.
As a 5-1/2 year member of LLLI, I started in a group that knew nothing about
pumping. I was trying to succeed at nursing, pumping, working and luckily
started out with a rental, and proceeded to get started with my own rental
station (our town had none available, I had to drive 50 minutes to get one).
When I would mention pumping, and the problems I would encounter at work,the
members were not very receptive and so, I never discussed it for a long
time. Then our group changed evenings, got a different leader, and we lost
a lot of members, gradually a few new ones have come and gone and the
questions about pumps come up and I generally, have some answers (but these
girls have never been clients, they just ask questions and, I assume, get
their pumps elsewhere, unfortunately, I live 40 minutes from my group)
Anyway, a few of the original members, usually got very upset with the
mention of pumps and would say things about 'just being there for your baby
to breastfeed' and 'why would one need a pump or any artificial device?'
They were, of course, the girls who felt that we who worked outside the home
were wrong. This was a nighttime group, which did consist of some working
mothers, but not many. Now, I have been home for 2-1/2 years with my
children but did not get to spend the first year with my two boys at home.
It was just not possible and some of these gals just did not understand that
there are many, many women in that situation. I do understand and try to
help. Because, we are not bad mothers, the bills just have to get paid, and
not bills for luxuries, just house,food,clothes,utilities.
Anyway, I love LLLI, am even trying to become a Leader, but have had to do a
dialogue about my working while the boys were babies, (I was lucky enough to
spend the first 2-1/2 years with my daughter before going back to work) and
haven't heard back from them for sometime. But just wanted to say that just
because someone orders from the LLLI catalogue or any catalogue for that
matter,they may not have sound advice for use.
I do hope that more and more women/girls will become comfortable enough to
ask questions, whether buying from Walmart or an LC or LLLI. And someday,
realize that it is worth it to spend a little more money on a good pump even
if they have already spent $45.00 to $100.00 on a pump they thought would
work but of course was the one sold at the department store.
Sorry, for rambling, but just wanted share my thoughts.
Cheryl Marian, CLC, CLE
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