At our BF store we sell every Medela / Ameda-Egnell BF product available.  It
has proved to be a need in our area as many LC's (Certified or otherwise)
nurses, Docs, as well as plain ol' moms come in for these items and even
refer to us. When someone comes in to buy one of these items (SNS> CUP>
SILCONE NIPPLE SHIELD etc) It is our policy to alert the mom of potential
dangers of such devises as well as checking to see if she is working with
 someone who knows what their doing.( We are not interested in any Law
suits!! but want to help moms successfully BF.)

Our staff consists of MOM's who have breastfed and educated themselves in the
area of lactation through reading, conferences etc. Most of the mommies we
help are having very, very normal "problems" that take little more than a
word of support or basic info i.e.
sore nipples, how will i know my baby is getting enuff, when can i pump etc.
We in no way hold ourselves out as Medical Professionals. Fortunatly, we have
developed a fine reputation with many area hospitals and lactation
professionals. When there is a problem beyond our "scope of practice" we
refer back to the hospital the woman gave birth in. We also call the LC at
that hospital to alert them in these situations.  Unfortunaly, there are
those times when we do the best we can to help, refer, etc. and the mom is
just not "compliant."  In these cases are hands are tied.  Many times we have
refered to area LC's out side the hospital but, because of High Consultation
fees (this cost can be $60-$100, not including equipment rental/purchase),
many moms will not call. We also refer to LLL in many cases. We have
 assisted women who have had the unfortunate experience, for whatever reason,
with a hospital who's LC has so many other things to do that she cannot
fulfill the needs of all the newly birthed moms who need BF help. Many times
women call  AFTER seeking the help of another (whether it be LLL or a Private
Practice LC, or  the local drug store who rented them a pump w/o benefit of
instruction on how to use the darn thing), who has failed to respond to their
needs appropriatly. We try to facilitate the best care for each individual.
We cannot expect to be "all things to all women."  Everyone has an important
role to fill  in this field. Working togather to catch those who may "fall
through the cracks"is a very important goal in any breastfeeding community.
Moms will seek-out those who they feel most comfortable with. We do our best
to give TLC and meet the needs  of all who enter our humble Store Front. :-)
. We provide a service that people want.......Thats why we are successful!
WHEW! sorry to be so long winded!
Diane