In a message dated 11/5/01 11:28:23 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< I see the pumps the same as the jack and spare tire in my car. I know how
to

use it, hope I don't have to, but I'm more comfortable knowing it's there if

I need it. >>

But, Gail, the difference is you under the impression that you can't drive a
car w/o a jack and spare tire. So many moms think they can't nurse a baby w/o
a pump. But, I do understand your dilemna and I don't necessarily think that,
given your circumstances, you are making the wrong choice. When I ran a peer
counseling program, one of the things I did was help convince the hospital to
stop giving free hand pumps. We arranged that mothers who use the pedi clinic
could get them pp, if needed, and anyone in our program could get one
directly from us. Not a perfect solution either. But, I am still of the
opinion that the benefits of giving pumps to all mothers do not outweigh the
risk of conveying the idea that women need a pump to bf. I don't see how it
is so different from giving AIM, b/c the perception is that whatever you give
is needed. There has to be a better way to deal with the pump issue, since a
pump really can keep a baby from getting AIM, but it can also interfere
terribly w/ bf. I will say, though, that I think far more mothers will pump
and delay getting the help they really need than will give AIM when they
would have preferred to pump .
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

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