And maybe what we ought to use as a term is "initiation and volume increasing" pumps and "maintenance" pumps? Then we need objective testing to categorize what's out there.
-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Judy LeVan Fram
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2013 8:47 PM
Subject: Re: New USFDA article about pumps
Liz writes:
There is no such thing as a "hospital-grade breastpump", which is a suave marketing term (that absolutely *works* because I used that phrase for years). This link is to a nice, accurate article from the U. S. Food & Drug Administration (which oversees pump safety/effectiveness). Pumps are better described as single- or multi-user.
http://tinyurl.com/c4nzx9h
~~~
Hi Liz and all,
Wow thanks for this reference. As I read this I could see this causing some
issues for new moms trying to figure out what to do in terms of pumps.
Although the term "hospital-grade" may not have been well enough defined, the
term "multi-user" makes it sound like something new mothers wouldn't need
to share out of a hospital setting, when they are home, they are only one
mother using the pump they get, so why not get a new "single use" pump and
"save money" over months? The "multi-user" pump is noted not to be counted
on for being safe or clean, another reason why a mom would think that buying
is better and safer than renting. I see that the only discussion on this
page on how to know which pump is right for a mom includes only moms who are
returning to work. There is an assumption that breastfeeding is going
fine, mom has a great supply and is just looking for a machine to get the milk
out for the baby. If that is not the case, this page is not helpful. What
about renting vs buying for a mom whose baby is in NICU, or for a mom
whose labor and post-partum course has led to her milk supply being delayed or
low? There is no mention that "single user" pumps would sound appropriate
but would not be. I see too many moms buying a pump when their baby is
premature, or in NICU or for other reasons, and then they are upset that they
now have to go out and rent something appropriate to their situation. The
multi-user vs single user terms may be more clear in terms of definitions, but
are very unclear when it comes to sounding like something that can be
easily matched to a mom's unique situation. I think the issue is partly
perspective. A Multi-user pump makes sense in the hospital, it may have many moms
stopping by to use it, but the perspective shifts when looked at from a
"baby" vantage point. A multi-user pump doesn't describe the real need which is
to temporarily take the place of the baby who cannot breastfeed
effectively, or to overcome the medical or iatrogenic issues on the mom's side of the
equation, thereby helping the baby as well. These are pumps that need to
work comfortably and effectively when used as often as a baby would feed,
which is another aspect of use that is not adequately described by the term
"multi-" or "single" user pump. I may be talking in circles, but I feel like
even though those terms may be more accurate to describe the design and
function of the pump itself, they are less helpful to moms trying to decide
what to buy or rent. Maybe actually tightening up the definition of Hospital
Grade would have been more helpful.
Peace,
Judy
Judy LeVan Fram, PT, IBCLC, LLLL
Brooklyn, NY, USA
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