You can actually get some rather excellent sci fi type electric pumps, but they can make you feel a bit like a dairy cow...
But yes, all that aside, I get quite annoyed at the attitude of some HCPs. Why judgement and not support? I'm guessing it's about targets, so they can tick the little box which says "discussed breastfeeding" and say that the baby was breastfed at birth. The stats say it all - the most recent ones from 2005: 78% of women want to breastfeed. By 7 days only 35% of babies are fully breastfed. Six weeks, 21%. By 4 months, (the absolute earliest age recommended to introduce solid food), it's only 5%.

If you want any kind of decent breastfeeding support the best thing to do is seek out one of the voluntary organisations - La Leche League, NCT, etc, or sure start can be good.

Well done to your wife, BTW - I take my hat off to anyone who manages to express for any length of time, it's bloody hard work.
(Marmite Omelette ...but I feel better having screamed, don't you?, Tue 1 Jun 2010, 23:12, Reply)