>I often get mothers returning pumps after
>only a few weeks, not because their infants are out of the hospital and at
>home nursing, but because they are weaning to formula.  I would love to be
>more persuasive to try to get these mothers to reconsider, however, I am
>afraid of alienating customers to our pharmacy and store.  I would love to
>hear suggestions on how to be a better nag without nagging.

Consider putting a standard packet of information in each pump case for
moms to keep.  It amounts to just a few sheets of paper, but it means you
don't have to "nag", and it can make a big difference to the mom.  If you
like, I can e-mail you copies of the pages I use in mine.  They change
somewhat according to my whim, but basically they cover:

The most basic of pump info and costs
pumping and milk storage hints
something comparing breastmilk and formula
something describing how much fun breastfeeding is once it gets going
a sheet promoting La Leche League
a summary of the new AAP recommendations on breastfeeding
a sheet describing benefits that have accrued if mom nurses to varying ages
my fee schedule, which also includes area phone numbers for related services

Cost to me is less than 40 cents.  I also used to include a $1.50 booklet
on pumping, with a sticker on it requesting that it be returned w/ the pump
to avoid an extra $1.50 charge.  It was rarely returned, tho moms didn't
necessarily want to keep it.  Then someone suggested I put it in a plastic
bag before I put it in the pump case.  Voila:  it virtually always came
back.  (I've since stopped including it because I figure there's enough
stuff to read as it is.)

Diane Wiessinger, MS, IBCLC, LLLL  Ithaca, NY