>I am curious about this.  How do you do pump trials with each mother?  Do you
>have a kit opened that you re-sterilize after the trial?  And, how do you
>sterilize it to be appropriate for multiple uses?  I was under the distinct
>impression that this was not done.

I just know I'm gonna regret bringing this up; I forgot it was a
Pandora's box issue.  <g>

I've trained at the Lactation Institute, and pump trials are part of what
they offer.  A while back they investigated the health/sterilization
issues with the local health department and came up with a protocol of
first washing parts promptly in hot, soapy water, then boiling them for
20 minutes (I add vinegar to the water to minimize mineralization),
followed by air drying and then covering with a dishtowel.  I have felt
very comfortable duplicating their methods and standards; I am very
meticulous in my cleaning.  I wish I could afford an autoclave; but alas,
it is a bit out of my reach.

I don't think I've ever had a mother bat an eye lash--- just other LCs.
My clients are very enthusiastic about having the opportunity to try out
competing pumps before making a decision, and they know up front that
they are using my demo equipment.  I've had many RN clients, and even one
infection control specialist, and they have all been comfortable with my
set-up.

I know the concerns that are out there in our field and the great fear of
liability. I've also considered the fact that many mothers take rather
dismal care of their pump parts, pass them around to friends, and
generally don't maintain them in near the condition that I do, and yet I
have never heard any stories of anything being transmitted or a baby
being made sick; have any of you?

The pump companies certainly don't encourage multiple use of pump kits,
again most likely for litigious concerns. Considering the condition I've
seen some kits in, I can understand why!  My standards are much higher
than the average mom's.

Okay-- no tomatoes, please.  :-)

-Lisa Marasco, BA, IBCLC