News

HOSPITAL STUDY ON PJ’S COMFORT ELECTRIC BREAST PUMP
2007 - In Progress

FDA INFORMATION

FDA states only hospital-grade (multiple user) breast pumps that have been cleared by the FDA should be used by more than one person.  Single-user devices means the breast pump should only be used by one woman because there is no way to clean and disinfect the pump. The FDA goes on to say that breast pumps that are reused by different mothers can carry infectious diseases, such as HIV or hepatitis

IPARENTING AWARD

Pj’s comfort presented with IParenting Award 2007

FIT PREGNANCY

PJ’s comfort listed on Fit Pregnancy buyers guide for 2007

September 21, 2007 by Amy Spangler MN, RN, IBCLC

In the market for a breast pump? Well according to my search engine, you won’t have difficulty finding one, with 1,900,000 websites to guide your selection - everything from what to consider before you buy, to why, when, where, and what to buy.

Buying a breast pump is like buying a computer (some pumps actually have a microchip inside!) They come in all shapes and sizes and offer a wide range of features. Usually, the greater the number of features, the higher the cost. The most expensive pumps are those described as medical- or hospital-grade or multi-user, since they can be safely used by more than one mother.

It’s important to remember that the best pump is a baby. But when babies aren’t available or are sick, the next best pump is the one that allows a mother to remove milk effectively, efficiently, economically, and equally important - comfortably. The pump of choice will vary from mom to mom, which is why there are nearly 2 million websites offering a wide range of products - apparently one size does not fit all - literally or figuratively.

One of the most common reasons mothers give for stopping breastfeeding sooner than they had intended is the need to return to work or school. A review of the Working Mother 2006 100 Best Companies finds that 7 percent of the companies offer no paid maternity leave and only 8 percent offer more than 12 weeks, despite the recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics that babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months.

I was fortunate in that I was able to stay home when my children were young. On those occasions when I was unable to breastfeed, I expressed my milk by hand or used a small, inexpensive battery-operated pump - admittedly, one that is no longer on the market (my age is showing!) So when I was recently introduced to a breast pump described as, “The only 1.5 pound hospital-grade pump that goes from hospital - to home - to work - PJ’s comfort breast pump,” I was intrigued.

It is produced by Limerick, Inc., a family-owned and operated business established in 1992 by Patricia Kelly and Joan Ortiz (mother and daughter). I must admit I am partial to family-owned and operated businesses. As the founder of Amy’s Babies and baby gooroo, I have the pleasure of working with my sister, who is in charge of sales, my brother, who manages production and distribution, and my son, who coordinates design and marketing. If you’re wondering what I do, it’s a mystery!

As for the mother-daughter operation of Limerick, Inc., Patricia is a registered dietitian and Joan is a registered nurse. Through Limerick they assist businesses and corporations in establishing workplace lactation support programs. Limerick has been in operation since 1992, but PJ’s comfort breast pump wasn’t developed until 1997. Its engineering and design was based on feedback from hundreds of working mothers.

Upon seeing the pump for the first time, two features caught my eye - the fact that it was light weight and the Sof-touch silicone cups - apparently in some instances, one size does fit all. Added features include a built-in timer, 12 volt car adapter, 3 year warranty, and my personal favorite (aside from the light weight and the silicone cups) it has only TWO parts to clean and assemble.

I am no longer breastfeeding (I used to think that at my age it would take a miracle) so I wasn’t able to test the pump. But the movement of the silicone flange against my skin was surprisingly comfortable and the mothers I spoke with who had used the pump were delighted with the results.

I am not suggesting that you surf 1,900,000 websites or that you buy a particular pump based on a single recommendation. While you’re doing your homework, be aware that there are lots of pumps on the market, ranging from bad to good and everything in between. Once you determine your needs, you can better narrow your choices. But if you decide to purchase a multi-user pump, PJ’s comfort breast pump deserves your consideration.

NUTRITION INFORMATION FOR PREGNANCY & BREASTFEEDING

The US Department of Agriculture website www.mypyramid.gov.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding this pyramid will be able to determine your calorie needs based on your age, weight and height.  It also has information on breastfeeding and losing weight.  After you enter your information you will be provided with the recommended serving size, how many servings per day and it includes tips. 

Los Angeles Times, Business Section August 2007

Family enterprise wants to expand to next level

BURBANK NOON ROTARY CLUB, NORTH YORK ROTARY CLUB, LIMERICK & JACK NEWMAN, MD Breastfeeding clinic at North York General Hospital, August 21, 2005

The Burbank Noon Rotary Club partnered with North York Rotary club and Limerick Inc in participating in a Rotary International project.  Joan Ortiz Burbank Noon Rotarian and Vice President of Limerick Inc coordinated the international project designed to assist low – income mothers and immigrant mothers who have a desire to breast feed their infant and are separated from their baby due to illness or work and are unable to afford a quality pump.  The donation of 40 PJ’s Comfort breast pumps went to Jack Newman’s Breastfeeding Clinic at North York General Hospital in Toronto, Canada. The Mothers were very grateful for the high quality breast pump and happy that they were able to continue to provide breast milk to their infants even in the difficult situation of having a premature baby or going back to work.  North York Rotary Club donated $1,000 for the purchase of a baby scale that is used in the clinic.

WORKPLACE LACTATION STUDY
PUBLISHED PEDIATRIC NURSING, 2004

DURATION OF Breast Milk Expression Among Working Mothers Enrolled in an Employer-Sponsored Lactation Program