I've been following the pumping thread with interest - I never
realized that pumps were "the" accessory of the nineties.  <g>
Though I'm not a lactation professional, I am in touch with a lot of
moms and have not heard any reports of pumps being
advised/pushed/marketed to moms who plan to breastfeed.  I think
such a mindset only acts as another barrier to the "typical" mom who
is considering breastfeeding. (There *is* a lot of discussion about
pumps by moms who are returning to the workplace.)

Which brings me to the pumping vs hand-expression issue: I chose to
use a double pump when I went back to work, and pumped faithfully 2x
a day for 10 months.  Although I have hand-expressed on occasion
(usually for engorgement), doing it all by hand was a lot messier
and not as efficient for me.  I did, however, use nipple rolling
before pumping and a lot of kneading and "helping" during pumping to
get the most milk that I could.

I also know a few other moms who pumped by day - one was in her car
a lot, going from job to job and so pumped as she drove.  Another
would occasionally pump (as discreetly as one could with an electric
pump) during meetings.  I don't think hand expression would work too
well in these cases. <g>

Finally, about the AAP guidelines - I heard them mentioned this
morning on CBS national news (radio).  As soon as they stated the
one year guideline, they also noted that NOW was already
protesting, saying that moms who have to go back to work will feel
guilty if they can't breastfeed.  : O  Since when has breastfeeding
and work been an either/or option?  I no longer pump, but still nurse
mornings, evenings, and at night - and my daughter loves it.

-nancy
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Nancy J Price
Associate Editor/Webmother
Your Pregnancy Online
http://yourpregnancy.com
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