I have been thinking about the terminology used to describe breast pumps. When I called the FDA to ask them what their definition of a “hospital grade pump,” they stated they did not have one and that it was an industry term. The FDA referred me back to the lactation community for a definition. If this is a term the lactation community has created, would it make sense for us to come up with the definition? Our industry has established terms such as “hospital grade” and “retail pump” without defining. Rather than creating new terms, which might be more confusing, shouldn’t we agree on a definition for each term as the industry standard? 
 
Here are some ideas:
 
Hospital Grade - multi user:
 
Evidenced based pump
Barrier to prevent cross contamination and/or re-infection
Able to establish and maintain a milk supply
3 year warranty or longer (durable)
UL approved (electrical requirements by hospital)
 
Retail - Single user:
 
Does not prevent cross contamination or re - infection
Limited warranty
Able to maintain a milk supply
Portable
 
Cost or weight should not determine hospital grade vs retail pump; it should be based on the features and effectiveness of the pump. 
 
Just some thoughts...
 
Joan Ortiz RN, BSN, IBCLC
Vice President, Limerick
President, Limerick's Workplace Lactation Program
2150 N. Glenoaks Blvd
Burbank, Ca 91504

Phone: 818-566-3060 ext 102
Fax: 818-566-1260
 www.Limerickinc.com 
Limerick is WHO code compliant
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