I do pump trials because nothing is so instructive and useful to the mother
as trying equipment first to test her own response to it.  It also prevents
returns and dissatisfaction.  I have always used an autoclave.  The first
one I had was an old one I purchased 2nd hand from a dental equip. supply
house.  I think it was around $500.  My new one is Medela's which I like a
whole lot because it is shaped rather like a crock pot and has a large round
basket suitable for dropping in all the weird shaped flanges and bottles I
need to sterilize.  I use it to sterilize nipple shields and other stuff I
use in consults, too.  It was expensive, but I consider equip. part of the
cost of doing business, and it gives me good protection for liability.
Ethically, we have an obligation to make sure we are not exposing mothers to
any harm.

I used to charge a fee for pump trials due to the time and cost to me.
However, with the proliferation of depots and over-saturation of the local
market consumers are no longer willing to pay for the service when they can
get it free elsewhere.
Barbara

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Private Practice, Austin, Texas
Owner, Lactnews On-Line Conference Page
http://moontower.com/bwc/lactnews.html