Just a few thoughts about breast pumps from recent posts.  Spectra has quite a few different pumps, some are considered “multi-user” pumps and many others "personal use pumps”   I have reviewed all of the Spectra pump two years ago when I needed to revise “The Nursing Mothers’ Companion” for its 7th edition.  With that being said, I do believe that a couple of the pumps have been changed somewhat recently.

Another thought when reading some recent posts about “hospital grade” pumps.  I try not to use this term as what it really means is that a pump has an electric three prong (grounded) that can safely be plugged into the wall at the hospital.  The term has absolutely nothing to do with how effective the pump is.  This term comes from the time when the Egnell SMB pump and later, the Medela Classic pumps were the only pumps available in the U.S.  These pumps were used in hospitals and rental stations.  There was no personal use pumps back even back in the early 80’s.  

I would like to see term “hospital grade” changed by all health care providers, and especially IBCLC’s, to something else.  I came up with a term I prefer, “clinical grade”.  I think “rental grade” is okay too.  Lastly, one can use the term “multi-user” pump. 

Kathleen Huggins R.N., M.S., IBCLC 

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