Ann Perry wrote:

>I have not seen any studies on this pump.  I like the concept but wish they would use the LC community to help study and test it.
>
>
I hope that this response does not seem in any way negative, that is not
my inent.  I just want to share some information that I have.

I do not work for WW but I do sell them, and I also use it and love it.
 (I used the PIS for 13 months of full-time employment with my
firstborn, that is my "comparison pump."   For me, the Whisper Wear
works just as well as the PIS and is more comfortable and convenient.

Several of the company's employees are  IBCLCs with many years of
clinical experience, and the pump was tested with 200 volunteer mothers
prior to going into production.  I would be happy to post a copy of
Whisper Wear's efficacy report that is the summary of the clinical
testing that they did prior to release. (I'm not sure if attachments are
allowed.)

There were some problems with the first production run of pumps that
came off the line in January, and the company has been very good about
replacing defective units. They have also made several minor
modifications to the pump design in response to issues that became
apparent as the pool of women using it went from 200 to several
thousand.  These were not defects, but things that they discovered would
improve performance or ease of use.  They are also doing 100% quality
control inspections on all pumps now.  Initially they were doing a
standard 25% inspection but quickly discovered that 100% was needed.

Based on my personal experience and that of the 13 mothers that I have
sold this pump to,  I would guess that most of the women who are unhappy
with the pump's performance have defective pumps from the first
production run that should be returned to the company for  replacement,
or purchased it from somebody who did not take the time to demonstrate
proper assembly and use.  I have worked with 2 women who would not have
been able to continue exclusively breastfeeding without the WW because
they were waitresses and their employers would not allow them to take
pump breaks.  (The ethics of that action is another issue entirely!)

I have spent quite a bit of time on the phone with WW staff, because if
they had not  addressed the initial problems adequately, I  was going to
discontinue carrying their product.  Based on my dealings with them, I
believe that they are in touch with current lactation research and
practice, and are truly dedicated to bringing a quality product to the
market which meets the needs of many women.

Just thought I'd toss my experience into the discussion.  Hopefully I
made sense, it's getting late here.

Trish,  Lactation Educator in VA

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