>First: Why--does Medela keep changing their kits? I'm sure some engineer has
>a good reason (probably to keep his/her job), but honestly if it ain't broke
>don't fix it!

Ok.....the engineer in me couldn't resist.  The pumps are updated because
there is progress made in design and technology.  Not all of the
"improvements" actually are improvements (remember those awful flat orange
valves?)  Mistakes can often be made - think of all of the mistakes made
while trying to improve formulas.  Pumps are updated basically for the same
reasons as the computer you bought this year is much better than the
computer you bought three years ago and the car you bought last year is
safer and more fuel efficient than the one you bought ten years ago. The old
computer and the old car were good designs and "worked" but the technology
has increased and now they are better.

 Change is difficult.  As humans we are often more comfortable with what we
are used to using, seeing, or doing.  It is natural to dislike change.  Not
all change however is a desperate plots for engineers to keep their jobs.
If the pumps didn't improve with technology, we would still be using bicycle
horn pumps!


>Secondly--Why would a company who appears to make the majority of its capital
>from pump rentals--sell a pump for $20 more than a 5 month rental?? Is that
>flawed logic or just plain crazy?

Because the Pump in Style doesn't work for everybody.  Everyone doesn't need
a Mercedes.  Many of us do well with a Oldsmobiles.  Othes even do OK with a
Yugo.  Some moms do need the higher suction, more frequently suctioning
hospital quality pumps (Mercedes), others do well with the mid priced
alternative such as Nurture III or Pump In Style (Oldsmobiles).  Some moms
even do OK with the cheap over the counter battery operated pumps (Yugos).

> I'm a flat rate station and the overhead is killing me!!

I have a rather large rental station.  The PnS has reduced my rentals as
well.  Unfortunately the higher profits and autonomy of being a flat rate
station needs to be balanced against the lower risk of renting pumps on
consignment.  That is business.  I believe that I heard some 80% of
businesses fail in the first 5 years.  Just because we are doing a wonderful
and helpful service for mothers and babies does not insulate us from
business failure.   Sometimes it takes more than our hard work and good will
to make a profit, sometimes it takes being in the right place at the right time.

Linda Pohl, IBCLC
Phoenix, Arizona USA
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