I am sure that all you eloquent and educated Lactnetters can't
possibly think that the discussion on pumps is a personal indictment
of your practices. Personally, I don't feel we are 'bashing each
other', just discussing and exchanging ideas that will stimulate our
thinking and broaden our horizons. We all have our own opinions, let's
share them.

I realise that a good pump is a better alternative to a 'bad' pump,
but why are we encouraging mums to buy pumps at all, let alone
providing one at each discharge? I feel it simply reinforces the idea
that a mum can't possibly breastfeed without an accessory. Then we
have problems with mums who are not confident. Please realise too, I
am not talking about mums who need to return to the workforce or have
ill babies or are ill themselves, we are considering the 'normal' mum
and baby diad.

All the cleanliness issues then become part of the breastfeeding
culture, sterilising and washing bottles and many of the things that
make bottlefeeding so unattractive.

because mums believe what they can extract by pump is what baby gets,
they then pump to 'see what he is getting'. Shock, horror, I must have
a low milk supply, I can only get X amount! No one has explained that
baby gets more than a pump can, or that she needs a let down, or any
of the pumping skills!

Then mums pump to increase their supply, they don't contact an LC who
may tell them to feed more frequently, they become less confident and
rely on the pump for reassurance.

Pumps as an accepted accessory mean that mothers can be pressured by
family members to pump milk for others to bottlefeed baby. This can be
done with all good intention, but will have the effect of lowering her
supply if it is not well established, so pumping so that dad can do
the night feeds can lead to other problems.

Most of all though, we are giving a strong suggestion that you need
this gadget to breastfeed. The only one who really profits from this
is the manufacturer of the pumps.

I don't believe "pumps are here to stay" at least not for every mum.
They are essential for some mothers, but should be regarded as a non
essential item for most mums, who, if they are going out for the
night, or want to have some milk in the freezer 'just in case' can be
taught to hand express. Lack of time by staff? what about a video, or
produce a brochure and encourage mums to try.
I was taught by a nursing sister in the maternity ward when I had been
sitting with a pump for about 20 minutes and had got about 10 ml. This
lovely lady told me to forget the gadget and do this: the effect of
her hands drawing the milk down was wonderfully effective. She helped
me for a few minutes, then told me to practise!
Maybe the issue is that our staff can't do it themselves, on a mum, so
can't teach it effectively.

I almost cried when I read Anne's post about the Peds requiring each
mum to have a pump - and allowing the ABM gifts. The suggestions of a
baby sling, bibs, etc, are so much more baby friendly.

JMHO
Querida

Querida David
Alyangula, NT. Australia
Counsellor, NT Correspondence Group
Editor 'Upfront'
Member NT Publications review team
Email: [log in to unmask]
"To achieve, you need thought.....you have to know what you are doing
and that's real power."     Ayn Rand