A few days ago I called the breast pump manufacturer to tell them that my breast pump was acting strangely after owning it for only 3 months. During the "expression phrase" it would whirr its hypnotic pattern and then suddenly speed up, increasing its vacuum pressure as well. I was told that a certain amount of cycles per minute (with a range of about 20) was normal. Um, ok. I don't think so, but if you say so....
I also asked why it was cutting off after 30 minutes of pumping. Did it have some timer? I was told, no. It is a safety mechanism so it doesn't overheat. I thought, "like a hair dryer? strange..."
Then, today it happened. My fancy dancy overpriced double electric hands free pump died. It pumped for 3 minutes and cut off, never to return to the "on" position again. Panic struck! "ARGH! I don't need this now! I have a million things to do!!" Thankfully I have 2 back up pumps. That's right. You heard me. Two. One from my generous friend Robin and one from my cousin Elise. Yes - I know you aren't supposed to share them. I have my own tubing and Ari seems just fine.
I finished my morning pumping session on the borrowed Pump in Style and fished around for the service plan I bought when buying this new pump. I found it and quickly called BRU. They were great - said to go buy a new one and they would reimburse me for the original one. So, off I went. But - I didn't have as many coupons this go around and the new one cost me $10 more. I know you are thinking that is nothing, but it is THE POINT. I spoke to the manager and she would not honor the original price. I spoke to the service people and they would not reimburse the new price. UNACCEPTABLE.
So, I did what any consumer would do with no time on her hands and a lot of rage against pumping as well as a panache for finding a bargain...I called the manufacturer. I explain the problem. She asks if it is fully-charged (as it is a hand free system). Really? Does she think that my boobs have sucked out that much of my brain? "Yes, it's charged." She asks me to plug it in. I do so and voila! It turns on. It then proceeds to smell and smoke. "Please unplug it and remove the battery" she says as I describe what is happening. I think, "wow, thanks for the instructions there." Long story short - she is sending me a new one overnight (p.s. took 3 days to arrive). She asks, "Do you need a new pump immediately?" "Yes" I answer while my inner dialogue says, "No, I love sitting half-naked locked in my office twice a day with this torture device strapped to my chest." She tells me to buy a new one, save the receipt, and return the new one she sends me. She also wants the original pump back.
Hmmm...so what to do??? 2 pumps now and the opportunity to collect on the service plan. Now you know why I don't use the proper names of these companies. Thoughts?
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