>I think what you are saying here is that given the same amount of milk
>removed,  the medela classic would be more likely to empty a larger number
>of ducts then the PIS. An interesting hypothesis and not one that i would
>have envisioned. Is there something about pumping physiology that makes
>you think this?

In both my experience and the opinions of many LC's, the Classic is a more
effective pump than the Pump-in-Style.  Although I don't have either on
hand to quote directly, it is my memory that this assertion is
substantiated in Kittie Franz's "Breastfeeding Product Guide Book
Supplement" (2000) as well as Lois Arnold's "Recommendations for
Collection, Storage and Handling of a Mother's Milk for Her Own Infant in
the Hospital Setting" (1999).

>You also seem to be suggesting that the classic would remove the milk more
>quickly thus diminishing breast stimulation and finally,
>overproduction.  I would be interested to hear from others on this,
>particularly in light of discussions over the last year or so regarding
>the idea that it is milk removal that drives milk production NOT breast
>stimulation.

No, I am not at all disputing that it is milk removal that drives milk
production and I do not believe that a Classic would remove the milk more
quickly.  I am simply stating that the Classic removes milk more *effectively.*

>Just out of curiosity, did it in fact require less time to remove the
>*same amount of milk* with the classic?

No, not to my knowledge.

>Sorry if I seem hung up on your suggestion to change from the PIS to the
>classic :).   <snip> The switch to the classic from the already purchased
>PIS was expensive for this Mom and I hate to hear the feedback (and I
>often do!) that certain LCs are gadget (sale!) happy. It reflects
>negatively on all of our practice!  A bigger issue than what you are
>talking about, I know, but one worth exploring!

In my practice, I am very sensitive to the financial concerns of my
clients.  It is my policy to only recommend the use of a Classic when
effectiveness is the paramount concern.  When a baby is not nursing and the
milk must be moved as effectively as possible, the use of a Classic is
appropriate in my opinion.  When a mother is exclusively pumping or pumping
to increase her milk supply, but has no other issues with her milk supply,
a Lactina Select is usually an appropriate pump.  When a mother is
partially pumping (e.g., at the workplace), a Pump-in-Style is
appropriate.  I would not recommend a Classic for a mother who has only an
occasional need to pump.

I think it is important to state that I do not rent or sell any pumps.  I
do not have a Medela rental or retail station.  My recommendations do not
profit me in any way.

Diana West, IBCLC

             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html