FROM: Sturgess, Frances Coulter
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SUBJECT: pumps in diaper bags/rebates
DATE: 03-21-97   16:51 EST
PRIORITY:


Part of me says, lets encourage these co's to find more profitable lines of
work/diversify away from the abm.  The other part of me says its too
profitable.  Seems like potential for abuse here is real.  Granted, it is good
that a quality manual pump is part of the package, and *somebody* would have
profited from it regardless  and pumps are sold OTC like diapers, without
benefit of education.  Still, we discouraged giving out pumps routinely at the
hospital at discharge because of concerns that they would be used too early,
before latch etc was well established, and that counseling for their use could
not be guaranteed to be consistent.  We also did not want to give people the
idea that *every woman needs* a pump.  (Have heard some depressing stories
from local pump rental LCs--particularly women who want the milk but don't
want to nurse--one was an attorney wanting to make partner and had c-sect
sched for Fri with return to work sch within "days"--don't know outcome)

I am still having trouble coming to terms with the idea that anyone supporting
lactation would affiliate with an ABM company, I guess.  After all that has
been said about ABM tactics/ads/coupons for merchandise and the subtle hints
they give about milk insufficiency and moms who brfd are tired and in
nightgowns and women who use abm are *free* *happy* *liberated* *wearing
lipstick and power suits*

Bad enough to give out abm coupons and tote bags with logos--at least its
*honest* advertising (oxymoronic as that is).  But pumps?  Still a bunch of
"feelgood, know we'll get you anyway, choose us instead of them when you go
abm" messages in MHO. (keeping in mind the depressing duration of brfdg
averages in this country...)   :'<

Too tired to write to the abm or the pump co at this point--any other ideas?