I'd like to cast my vote FOR hand expression. Almost every mother has two free pumps attached to the end of her arms- in an emergency, knowing how to hand express can be a lifesaver. I have found that many mothers can hand express very quickly and effectively and may prefer to hand express over using equipment. I have worked with many employed mothers- US Army, nurses, MDs, agricultural workers,teachers, office workers etc, etc that chose to hand express because they preferred it. I think it should always be offered as an option to a mother. When I returned to work as an auditor, I didn't want my employer or the audit client to know I was collecting milk for my baby, so I hand expressed. I could fill a 4 oz bottle in less than 5 minutes and was able to provide for all of my child's milk needs. I have also found that women who are separated from their babies are better able to maintain a good supply when combining pumping and manual expression. I see manual expression as a free, convenient, natural way to collect ,ilk for a baby. All we need is to teach the skill and encourage the mothers. Cathy Liles PS I don't rent pumps.

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