I agree with a lot of what Michelle Scott wrote re maybe mom won't go back to
work, etc. when deciding what kind of breaspump to get.  However, I've come to
change my advice about when to start pumping if mom intends to return to the
workplace.  The trouble with waiting 3-4 weeks to start and waiting for the milk
supply to "get established," is that by that time most mom's milk supplies have
adjusted downward.  I still don't advise moms to do a lot of pumping the first
few weeks, but I do tell mothers that in the beginning most moms have excess
(hence the fullness, leaking, etc.).  If they choose to pump and start stocking
up the freezer at that point, pumping is usually much easier and faster, and
pumping is a positive experience.  Too often if the mom waits and is past the
"excess" stage she has to work hard at it to get some milk to store and then is
not confident that she's going to have enough to feed her baby when she goes
back to work.

I'm also interested in people's reaction to the Little Hearts pump.  My hospital
offers a SpringExpress to every mother at no extra charge, and in the current
cost-cutting frenzy I'm looking for a way to reduce the cost but still make sure
mothers go home with an effective pump.  I've been off Lactnet for months, so if
there was a major discussion on this I'd appreciate some kind soul directing me
to when, or e-mailing me with the concensus.  Thanks!

Becky Krumwiede, RN, IBCLC, Appleton, WI
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