Hi all,
One thing I tell all my clients who have purchased the inferior pumps over
the counter at drug stores and other places is to take them back and demand a
full refund even if they have no receipt or the original packaging.  I
usually explain that these pumps are manufactured by ABM companies who have
vested interest in mothers failing at breastfeeding (in fact, last year I did
an informal study on the cost of ABM in San Antonio...ranging from $1500 to
$3000 for the first year for AMB alone!).  We have had excellent results with
this, and only one location has refused to refund in money but they will give
credit to other store items.  My reasoning is two-fold: first, that if these
stores find they are losing money on these items, they will either quit
carrying them or find a better pump, and secondly, that the manufacturers
should be held responsible for inferior pumps that are either inefficient or
causing pain and damage.  It only takes one mother at a time returning these
pumps to make a huge impact!!

Kathy Parkes, RN, IBCLC
San Antonio, TX