Tammi says,

<< If *one* of the ways in which moms are educated about pumps is through
 quality pump stations speaking at prenatal bf classes is unethical, then
call
 me thusly. >>

Why on earth are we spending time at prenatal breastfeeding classes teaching
about pumping? ?  This is not to bash pump rental stations, but IM(not so
humble)O, prenatal breastfeeding classes are to teach moms about
breastfeeding, and how to survive the first few days after birth.  The best
time to teach about pumping is when the mother needs the pump.  IF the mother
needs the pump.  I do teach a prenatal bf class, and when the issue of
pumping comes up, I tell them that yes, pumps are useful in some situations,
and that it's important to concentrate on breastfeeding and getting the
breastfeeding off to a good start.  If she has questions about pumping after
the baby comes, then I'll be happy to talk to her -- and she can call me
ANYTIME, day or night.  But I want her to concentrate on breastfeeding, not
pumping.  And prenatal moms are classed to death as it is -- they aren't even
sure they are going to live through labor and delivery, let alone discuss
going back to work 6 to 8 weeks after the baby is born.

I agree that I'd much rather have a good pump rental station that teaches
about pumping rather than handing the pump over without instruction -- but
the time to teach is at the time, not 3 or 4 months before the baby is born.

Which means that perhaps the pump companies should have an ethical
responsibility to make sure the pump rental stations they open up are ethical
in their dealings with mothers and are teaching appropriately.  Hmmm?

Jan