Kathleen,

I, too, do "pump trials", and obtained the pumps from the manufacturers
directly after explaining my intentions. While I am cognizant of the
risks invlolved, I am also acutely aware that no one pump is best for all
mothers, and I find this the best way to guarantee a satisfied customer.
I can never predict for sure what a mother is going to prefer (I maninly
sell/rent two top pumps, though I will demo many others for comparison),
and sometimes what she thought she wanted after hearing the descriptions
and prices turns out not to be the best choice for her. I recently had a
mom in on whom NO pump worked, not even the Medela. She had fibrous
breasts, and it turned out that manual expression was her best choice. I
would have felt bad had I sold her a pump and then had to deal with the
complaint of "it doesn't work on me".

In dealing with liability, I did contact my state health department to
make sure that I was not violating any codes. I boil all equipment for 20
minutes, air dry, then store; I have allowed mothers to keep collected
milk, but may reconsider after reading your thoughts. From what I have
reviewed of the research, and from inquiries made by others who do this
also, boiling has been considered adequate for sterilization. If there is
further info that I am not familiar with, I welcome anything put forth.

One thing that I can say is that I have many satisfied customers and
never a complaint, except for two defective motors over two years. I
would have appreciated the same service myself several years ago....
-Lisa

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Lisa A. Marasco, IBCLC                                /  [log in to unmask]
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant    /  [log in to unmask]

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