Hi All,

I too got rid of most of my retail stuff several years ago when a huge
"baby superstore" opened up less than two miles away from my home office,
and started carrying decent pumps, all the pillows and other "comfort"
items anyone could want, etc etc. I keep a few rental pumps, which go out
to my clients and on weekends when the institution-based LCs are on call
and less reachable. I see mostly referrals and word-of-mouth, and the
"tough cases" that others are uncomfortable or less experienced with. I
only carry equipment needed for clinical support of lactation, plus a few
demonstration items for use when I teach and lecture.

This is OK with me, as long as I acknowledge that it ain't gonna pay the
rent. I refuse to rely on pushing products to parents for my income. It's a
mixed blessing that my community is so well-covered by institutionally-paid
LCs. (Really - this is no joke.)

Now the rant: Why, oh why do we feel no qualms about paying $60/hour and
more for auto repairs (etc etc) and then balk at paying for qualified help
FEEDING BABIES? Where are our priorities????

Climbing down now,

Linda Smith
Dayton OH