We never want to give a mother a "cheap pump". A low cost high quality
pump, yes.
Having said that, I must add that when do we allow mothers to take charge
of at least some part of their lives? Why does WIC  or somebody have to
GIVE mothers something that they can buy at a reasonable cost UNTIL we
figure out how to get medicaid, managed care, insurance etc etc to cover
this much needed product/service? Look at the mom who is asking for the
"free" "cheap" pump-does she have manicured fake nails? does she have an
expensive hairdo? Sneakers? for pity's sake we are talking about her
baby's and her health here. I would love to see the day when mothers are
expected to meet us half way. I;ve distriburted at least 4 dozen pumps at
WIC. HOw many moms are actually using them? How many actually extended
duration of breastfeeding bec. of a pump? Look at "Feeding LBW babies"
from UNICEF. Hardly a pump in sight, yet every mom of a premie was HAND
EXPRESSING her milk.
Believe me, I would love to see medicaid etc pay for this. But until
then, moms can probably afford a low cost effective pump or can be taught
to hand express.
There, I've said it...
Pearl Shifer, IBCLC
NYC
P.S. You won't BELIEVE the contortions I've gone thorugh to try and get
pumps for moms. Many thanks to Cyndy Saleeby of Hollister and  Anne
Charkutian of Medela   for their tremendous help and support. YET the mom
does not come through with her part of the deal...  :(

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