Am following the thread about the Breastbottle with interest.  I happen
to have one in my hand at this very moment.  I admit it is wierd.
Someone I know is considering importing it to Israel, and she asked that
I give my opinion.  I can see one possible use for it.  Here maternity
leave is over at 3 months.  This is exactly the age where babies are so
smart, especially breastfed ones that they refuse every sort of bottle,
spoon, cup, whatever just to make sure that mom doesn't leave them in
the hands of a stranger.  I have had moms bring me screaming infants to
try to get them to eat from some other source and I admit that it is
often a problem.  I doubt if this funny thing will work any better, but
I will try.  If we can get moms to feel that they can transition to
another feeding method when the time comes, they won't say to me.....".I
will not breastfeed the next baby if this is what it does to them when I
have to go back to work."
these babies are so clever.  Even if they agreed to take a bottle once
in a while previously, as soon as the date of mom's return to work
approaches, they refuse, as if they sense the impending desertion.  I
never worked when my kids were babies so I can't imagine the anxiety
this must cause.

As for selling stuff, I think that we provide a service by recommending
certain products that we know are more efficient and better.  How often
does it break your heart that a mom has bought a pump that doesn't work
well and has her convinced that she has no milk? Very often the fact
that the LC sells the product is more convenient for the mom.
I personally do not sell products, because I just don't have time and am
terrible at that kind of thing.  I have asked the little shop in the
lobby to stock the products that I recommend, and it is very convenient
for the moms.  As a result of high sales volume, I have received
donations of breast pumps for my breastfeeding room, as well as
wonderful breastfeeding chairs, Lazy Boy plush rockers, ( which are the
most wonderful chair for breastfeeding.....I always thought they were
for old people to watch TV in), even a mineral water bar with an endless
supply of mineral water for moms.
Since my hospital has no budget for breastfeeding, I have to get
everything by begging.  The AIM company that serves our hospital was
willing to fully furnish my breastfeeding room and give me all of this
plus more, but of course I refused even posters from them.  I am so
happy when the rep comes in and opens her eyes wide when she sees yet
another Lazy Boy rocker or whatever!!
I hope this isn't conflict of interest.  For me it is survival.  I would
never have been able to get a classic pump for my room.. They cost
almost two thousand dollars here!!
And my moms would still be sitting on hardback chairs that I borrowed
from the meeting room.
Hmmm, if I stop working in this hospital, do I take all this stuff
home?  Or to my next place of employment?

Esther Grunis, IBCLC
Lis Maternity Hospital
Tel Aviv, Israel
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