I also found that flyer disconcerting when I first saw it with a
shipment of pumps.  It was explained to me that the intention is to keep
the independent practitioners on an even footing with the 'big box
stores' who could buy in large volume and undersell independents.  The
small rental stations are still the backbone of their business and the
place where mothers get counseling and information as well as purchase
products.  A store clerk sometimes can't give the kind of factual
information about pump use and breastfeeding like an LC at an
independent rental station can.

Quite often I get calls from mothers who have purchased a PNS at a big
store or on the internet.  When they have questions, they call me
because I am at the top of one of the local hospital's resource list.
It is aggravating, but I try to keep my cool and generate good will in
the community.  Occasionally, I get in a word about why it is better to
buy from an LC than from a store.  By that time, the deed is done, but
maybe she will send a friend my way to rent or purchase a pump.

Diane Perrone, RNC,BS
Materna Wellborn Home Services
Algonquin  IL  USA

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