The new introduction at the LLLI Conference that has been referred to as the
Whisper is actually called the Ellen Breast Pump by Whisper Wear.
It was the dream of and designed by Ellen Lundy of Georgia, a former LLLL,
NICU RN, and private practice LC.  Most recently a hospital based LC.
The pump is unlike anything currently on the market.  It will probably be
available in early 2002.  Probably for under $200.
The flange is most similar to a breast shell. Within this "shell" is the
motor and two AA batteries. Tiny recessed buttons control suction and
cycling. It feels like suction and not exactly compression - perhaps
vibration would be more accurate - when you place your finger into the
opening.
This shell is worn in the bra - so it will be entirely hands free and
discrete. An ingeniously designed tube plugs into the underside of the
"shell", extends and flattens  down under the bra band and into an equally
ingeniously designed long necked plastic milk sac.  Mother can remove the
filled sac, set it down  and not lose a drop of milk, even before sealing
it.
It will come with a small case that will hold the shells and rolls of sacs
in the top zippered compartment, and about 8, 4 oz. sacs in the lower
compartment with a cooling element.
I, like others, am anxious to trial all these new pumps. This one,
especially because it's so intriguing  and I know the designer and what her
dream has been= to design a pump that would be simple, effective, have few
pieces to clean, be wearable by mothers who otherwise would have no time to
pump.  A premie mom in a metro area,   for example,  who has to spend hours
on the road back and forth from the hospital, then has no close family or
friends to help out at home during a crisis of long duration needs a pump of
this sort that will work while she drives, does dishes, laundry, childcare.
I believe those involved in the marketing of this pump to be sincere in
their desire to hear from LCs on how mothers can be best served and the
interests of LCs respectfully considered.
I have no current financial investment or gain in this product.

Anne Grider, LLLL, IBCLC, Private Practice, Marietta, GA, USA

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