Linda - I didn't read this as a rant - you make some very valid points, and your concern for the well-being of the mothers we serve is evident. I think another component of this whole issue is the myth that seems pretty popular around here: one cannot nurse a baby without a pump. This is promoted in some of the childbirth/breastfeeding classes at the hospitals. Thus most moms get a pump before their baby is born - even the most service-oriented LC can't anticipate all the reasons a mom might need a pump once the baby comes. And, as you point out, they often get these "prenatal" pumps off the internet, where there is no hands-on service. I do refer to a local pump rental station, despite some philosophical differences with their practice - the issue for me is more that I get people who didn't go there are are using one of those weed-wacker pumps from the big toy store to cover for 8 hour separations, or that they did get a good one without the service and are using it incorrectly. Morgan On 1/20/03 12:03 AM, "Automatic digest processor" <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > Morgan, if you have a full-service lactation clinic in town, encourage your > clients to get pumps there and do not refer to the discount places. Believe > me, the full service places would be happy to have you be a second set of > eyes and ears to make sure the equipment works properly and, in general, > would be happy to teach you how to evaluate the equipment as well. > > Linda Pohl, IBCLC > www.eBESTFed.com > hesitantly hitting send from Phoenix AZ *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html