At our depot we have a variety of products for women who are
breastfeeding . I carry a lot of different products, not just ONE
manufacturer. I believe giving moms choices is the most important thing.
I am not beholden to one manufacturer of bfp. I let the mom choose, and
help her choose by listening to what she is saying. What kind of person
she is and what situation she is in. Whether she is going back to work
and needing a pump or needs to alternate feed her baby who is not
latching-on. Success depends on  letting her be a part of the decision
making. Some women Hate expressing milk by hand, others cant get a
let-down with a "milking machine" I respect her choices. I had a hard
time in the beginning 'selling' products. But, I cannot expect moms to
'do it like I did' stay at home and nurse until my babies were 2.5 years
and take them everywhere. I think what I did was the best for my kids
and would benefit all families if we all did it. That is not reality.
There are diverse backgrounds and situations, and choices families make.
It is not for me to judge if it is right or wrong. I make her goal, my
goal and give as much help and support as I can. I really try to help a
mom be with her baby and stay at home as much as possible and nurse as
long as she can. A breastpump can help a mom nurse longer. A lot of
times when a mom calls to say she would like to return her pump, at 4
months because the doc says her baby can now eat food (!) <this is a
trend BTW> I am able to give her accurate info on intoducing solids and
she continues to breastfeed..
        I recently read a fantastic book on 'generational marketing' called
Rocking the Ages. It was really insightful as to why people buy and
consume what they do. Gen xers and late boomers want convenience, they
are very social, want a traditional , non-traditional faimilies with dad
involved. They grew up in a technological age and are quite comfortable
with technology. Breast pumps fall right into this catagory. They WANT
the dad to feed the baby , they WANT to pump their milk and they ARE
working and socializing. I dont think  many of my clients would
breastfeed if they didnt have these breastfeeding aids.  Moms do NOT
want to breastfeed in public. Most of them are not crusaders like us,
(much to my surprise and dismay.) They feel it is private. Who am I to
tell them they MUST breastfeed in public for the good of all mankind?
They would just choose not breastfeed.
         I try very hard, but gently, to expose my clients to alternatives and
options that are more attatchment oriented, unfortunatly we are the
minority who breastfeed long term , use no bottles, stay home until
children are in school, wear our babies. If we want moms to breastfeed
we have to change with the times,(Oh my gosh does that sound preachy or
what?!) see what consumers want, and give them the education they need
to make the right choices. I cant force anyone to do it my way. Our
culture is a diverse one where Moms are returning to work, working at
home,some are staying home but want the freedom and convenience pumping
gives them etc. I like helping all of them all be successful with their
goals.
Diane