I'm really enjoying the conversation on the list about breast pumps,
technology, and hospital gifts-just wanted to offer my two cents worth.

First, about hospital gifts following birth.  When was the last time you
went to your attorney or accountant and received a gift?  When was the last
time you saw a CPA give you free accounting software?  Aside from the
occasional calendar, I haven't received any gifts from the professionals
I've sought services from.

At our hospital, we give out a car seat to everyone who gives birth there.
I don't even think this is necessary.  Didn't all of this start in the name
of competition between hospitals and public relations?  IMHO, I'd rather be
known for the fantastic care given than the freebies given.  I keep using
the same CPA because she does a great job preparing my taxes each year.  I
keep going back the same pediatrician for my kids because he provides
wonderful care for my kids and is a staunch BF advocate.  I recommend my
realtor to anyone I know that's looking for land or a new home, not because
of the free calendar I get from her every year, but because she provides
great service.

About the crummy breast pumps-this problem won't go away for awhile.  You
all know the ones I'm talking about- the substandard ones that are sold at
the post or base exchange or your favorite department store.  I even bought
one after the birth of my first child and it was a most horrible
experience.  I wouldn't  wish purple cracked nipples upon my worst enemy!
However, I continue to see the same problems among the people we all want
to help.  They buy a worthless pump, can't take it back, and are on the
phone crying for you to help them.  You help them through whatever BF
crisis it is, based upon your knowledge and experience, and that might
include (heaven forbid) selling them a quality breast pump, one more tool
to help them be successful.  There are some problems that hand expression
or a warm shower won't fix.  Why are we bashing each other about this?  I'd
rather see a baby receive a bottle of EBM than ABM any day and so would the
rest of you.  In a perfect world, we'd have our babies in slings nursing
while we worked, but I can't do that and help a mom birth a baby at the
same time in America's society these days, now can I?

About technology-yes, we are a technocratic society, but if it weren't for
the technology age, you wouldn't be receiving my post or Lactnet!  My
microwave broke the day before Thanksgiving and I thought it was the end of
the world.  I got by, but I can't wait to have it back!  My premise is that
technology needs to be balanced with common sense.  I see an 85% epidural
rate at our local military hospital and a 25% breastfeeding rate at 2 weeks
of age and think, gee, was the Surgeon General's mandate that epidurals be
available to everyone say that everyone should receive one???  Did anyone
think about the impact this technology would have?  Four years ago, I wish
I'd had the advice of an LC to direct me to buy the right breast pump for
my needs.  I've hung onto my crummy breastpump and any others that I can
have someone donate to show in our BF class about what not to buy (learned
that trick from Debi Bocar).  I wish the technology available with breast
pumps today had been available four years ago-maybe I could have maintained
my milk supply for a longer time.

OK I'm done.  Looks like you got $2.00 instead of 2 cents.  Belated
Thanksgiving wishes to you all...  I am so thankful for the knowledge I've
gained from the bright folks on the Lactnet list.  Time to warm up the
leftovers (in my electric oven instead of the microwave : (   ).

Maurenne Griese, RNC, BSN, CCE, CBE
Birth and Breastfeeding Resources
Manhattan, KS  USA
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