Tina wrote she was advising a mom about what kind of pump to buy when she
returns to work.   There are many questions to ask a mom and I always
recommend waiting til 3-4 weeks after the baby arrives to get a pump.
  First this gives mom a chance to get a supply established.  She may learn
to do hand expression in this time, she may decide not to return to work so
soon--or at all,  she may not even have a job yet but was thinking she
would get one, and she may decide that this BF relationship is so
wonderful, she will only return part time, or have the baby brought to her
at work, etc, etc.   The pumps people are buying  at the local toy stores
should be returned to the manufacturer since 95 %, at least, don't work.
   Even the Me..... one that is there sometimes is not as good as the more
efficient ones which can be rented.   True, some people can use any
pump--these are probably the same women who can produce milk under any
conditions.   Women who are pumping at work need the best, quietest, and
most efficient pumps and they need a place to pump.    So many questions,
considerable time for the LC, and not a small investment in time and money.
        I have a project.   Everytime a mother tells me that she has such and such
a pump and it does not work, I tell her to return it to the store or
manufacturer and get her money back.  If she has no time, or interest in
doing this herself, I tell her to put her name and address on the pump,
bring it in to me and I will return it!    Women are spending millions on
useless pumps!
        Phew.   Got that off my chest.  Michelle Scott, RD,MA, IBCLC at the local
WIC Program in S. New Hampshire  where we are having the most beautiful of
summers....