Terms & Conditions

The Breastfeeding Shop’s Notices, Disclaimers, Terms, and Conditions

DISCLAIMER

As of 19 October 2020, this website and offerings supersede ALL previous versions.

Typographical or omission errors may occur in prices, descriptive copy, or photography. The Breastfeeding Shop reserves the right to correct these errors or withdraw the offer. Specifications, colors, legal restrictions, prices, and availability are subject to change at any time without notice. It may be necessary to substitute an item with a product of equal or better value that varies from our catalog description.

If we should run out of stock on an item, we’ll back order that item for you if the value is over $10. Items less than $10 will be canceled. Should there be a lengthy delay in the availability of an item, we will cancel and issue a refund if due.

PAYMENT TERMS

Our terms are payment with order. Make checks or money orders payable to The Breastfeeding Shop. Allow 12 business days for personal checks to clear. SORRY, NO C.O.D.’s.

NEXT DAY AIR SHIPMENTS

Available for phone orders only to physical street addresses in the continental U.S. Not available for P.O. Box, or APO/FPO addresses, or international addresses.

SHIPPING

Shipping, handling, and insurance charges are based on your order’s value, the destination of your package, and the service you desire. Due to restricted delivery areas, excessive weight, or oversized packages that one carrier cannot be serviced, we may be forced to substitute carriers when necessary. We will select the most economical method of shipment.

INTERNATIONAL ORDERS

International orders can only be shipped via U.S. Postal Service or International Air, excluding APO/FPO addresses. Telephone number, fax number, or email address must be included. Recipient is responsible for all duties and taxes that may apply. See the order form for payment methods.

MAILING LIST INFORMATION

We value the trust that you place in The Breastfeeding Shop. We are committed to respecting your privacy and the security of your personal information; therefore, we do not share our customer information or addresses with outside sources for marketing or solicitation purposes.

WARRANTY POLICY

We want every mom to feel confident with her breast pump and accessories. Below is everything you need to know about warranty coverage and returns.

Breast Pump Warranty

All breast pumps provided through The Breastfeeding Shop are covered directly by the manufacturer’s warranty.

If your pump is having issues, please contact the manufacturer directly for troubleshooting and replacement under warranty.

Need your proof of purchase?

Log into your account or contact our team and we’ll be happy to provide your receipt.

MEDICARE

If you have a Medicare covered item, we honor all warranties under applicable state law and or replace free of charge Medicare items that are under warranty.

RETURNS AND EXCHANGES

Merchandise must be returned within 30 days of the date of purchase. All returned merchandise must be in the original condition and packaging (for example, warranty information, instructions, box, etc.). A 20% restocking fee may apply on Special and/or Large orders.

Note: We reserve the right to either replace, repair or refund your money. Returns or exchanges will be accepted on items that have been used for their intended purpose. We are not required to accept items for return or exchange if they have been subjected to unusual application, abuse, or severe damage.

In the event that you need to return an item, please follow these directions:

1. Include a copy of the packing slip along with instructions for our return department (e.g., credit, refund, or exchange).

2. Return the package via post office (insured) to our mailing address.

3. For further assistance, please contact our customer service department at 866-255-6779.

DAMAGED OR MISSING ITEMS

For packages damaged during shipping or items missing (except for those on backorder), please follow these instructions:

1. Keep the original container.

2. Call 866-255-6779 for assistance.

Please note that due to federal law/ guidelines, if a breast pump is open or used, we cannot accept them back.

CONTACT FOR SUPPORT

1. Mail: 431 Chestnut Street, Emmaus PA 18049.

2. E-mail: CustomerService@TheBreastfeedingShop.com

Terms and Conditions 

Please read this agreement carefully.  This Agreement contains a mandatory arbitration provision (Section 17) and provisions that govern how claims that you and we have against each other are resolved.    Specifically, the arbitration provision (with limited exceptions for those opting out or proceeding in small claims court) requires disputes between us to be submitted to binding and final arbitration on an individual basis, rather than jury trials or class actions. Read carefully, including your right, if applicable, to opt out of the arbitration provision (Section 17).

Section 1. Authorization/Consent for Care/Service

The patient or representative signing below has been informed of the home care treatment and product options available to them and of the selection of providers from which the patient may choose. The patient further authorizes Scottie Girl LLC. d/b/a The Breastfeeding Shop (“The Breastfeeding Shop ”) under the direction of the patient’s prescribing physician, to provide home medical equipment, supplies and services. The patient has acknowledged that the Client/Patient Service Agreement has been explained and that the patient understands the information.

Section 2. Advanced Directives (Appendix A)

The patient understands their right to formulate and to issue Advance Directives to be followed should they become incapacitated.

Section 3. Assignment of Benefits/Authorization for Payment

All benefits and payments must be made directly to The Breastfeeding Shop, for any The Breastfeeding Shop furnished home medical equipment, products and services. The Breastfeeding Shop will seek such benefits and payments on the patient’s behalf. It is understood that, as a courtesy, The Breastfeeding Shop will bill Medicare/Medicaid or other federally funded sources and other payers and insurer(s) providing coverage, with a copy to The Breastfeeding Shop. The patient is responsible for providing all necessary information and for making sure all certification and enrollment requirements are fulfilled. Any changes in insurance coverage must be reported to The Breastfeeding Shop within 10 days of the change.

Section 4. Release of Information

The patient or representative requests and authorizes The Breastfeeding Shop, the prescribing physician, hospital, and any other holder of information relevant to service or equipment provided by The Breastfeeding Shop, to release information upon request, to The Breastfeeding Shop, any payer source, physician, or any other medical personnel or agency involved with service. The patient also authorizes The Breastfeeding Shop to review medical history and payer information for the purpose of providing treatment, equipment or products.

Section 5. Financial Responsibility, Arrangements, and Health Insurance

All payment and all sums that may become due for the services or products provided are due at the time services are rendered unless payment arrangements have been approved in advance by The Breastfeeding Shop staff. These sums include, but are not limited to, all deductibles, co-payments, out-of-pocket requirements, and non-covered services. If for any reason and to any extent, The Breastfeeding Shop does not receive payment from the patient’s payer source because the patient is no longer eligible for coverage or because the service or product is not covered, the patient’s balance will be due in full, within 30 days of receipt of invoice. The Breastfeeding Shop accepts cash, checks, & most major credit cards.

Payments by check may be converted into electronic fund transfers and funds may be debited from your account as soon as the same day payment is received.

All patient owed charges not paid within 30 days of billing date shall be assessed late charges and are subject to legally allowable interest charges. In such an event, the patient will be liable for all charges, including collection costs and all attorneys’ fees, as applicable. Balances older than 90 days may be subject to additional collection fees and interest charges of 1.5% per month. We realize that temporary financial problems may affect timely payment to your account. If such problems do arise, we encourage you to contact us promptly for assistance in the management of your account.

I understand, and consent to The Breastfeeding Shop sending me email or text reminders of any balance I owe.

I understand if I have an unpaid balance to The Breastfeeding Shop and do not make satisfactory payment arrangements, my account may be placed with an external collection agency.

In order for The Breastfeeding Shop or their designated external collection agency to service my account, and where not prohibited by applicable law, I agree that The Breastfeeding Shop and the designated external collection agency are authorized to (i) contact me by telephone at the telephone number(s) I am providing, including wireless telephone numbers, which could result in charges to me, (ii) contact me by sending text messages (message and data rates may apply) or emails, using any email address I provide.  I understand the methods of contact may include using pre-recorded/artificial voice message and/or use of an automatic dialing device, as applicable.

Furthermore, I consent to the designated external collection agency to share personal contact and account related information with third party vendors to communicate account related information via telephone, text, e-mail, and mail notification.

Section 6. Scope of Services

The Breastfeeding Shop has the following services available for patients: breast pumps, incontinence supplies, catheters, CPAP/BPAP/ASV/RAD equipment & supplies, compression, enteral nutrients, continuous glucose monitoring and supplies, and ostomy.

Section 7. Financial Responsibility for Non-Covered Items

By accepting these Terms and Conditions, the patient agrees that if the patient’s insurance does not cover all items ordered, even if the item is one that the patient or the healthcare provider has good reason to think is necessary, The Breastfeeding Shop will not charge the insurance company and the patient will have financial responsibility for payment for the non-covered item(s). The patient also agrees that The Breastfeeding Shop has offered alternative covered items (if any) and the cost of the non-covered item, and that the patient has then accepted financial responsibility for the non-covered item.

Section 7. Intent, Previous Receipt of Breast Pump

By agreeing to these terms and conditions, I am also attesting that I am pregnant, I desire to order a breast pump, and I have not already ordered or received an electric breast pump for this pregnancy.

Section 8. Insurance Upgrade Breast Pumps

If you chose to order a breast pump designated as an ‘Insurance Upgrade Option’ you have elected to order a breast pump that is not covered 100% by your insurance. You will be required to pay the difference out-of-pocket. After your insurance benefit has been applied you will be responsible for the out-of-pocket amount you authorized today at time of checkout. By checking the terms and conditions box you will be acknowledging that you had the option of selecting a breast pump 100% covered by your insurance, but you chose the one that required an additional upcharge.

Section 9. Lactation Consulting

By accepting these Terms and Conditions, if I am enrolling in Lactation Consulting services or classes with The Breastfeeding Shop Connect, I hereby give my consent for a Lactation Link lactation consultant to provide me with lactation consulting. I understand that this could involve working with my baby and me during this and subsequent consultations for my breastfeeding problem/concern. I understand that if the consultation is face-to-face, it may involve touching my breasts and/or nipples for the purposes of assessment, performing an oral digital examination on my baby in order to assess the suck, observation of a breastfeed, and demonstration of techniques and use of equipment that may be necessary to improve breastfeeding.

I understand that in the process of participating in Lactation Link virtual group classes, I may be sharing some of my personal health information with other class attendees. I acknowledge that my Lactation Link lactation consultant will provide information on avoiding the sharing of PHI at each class, and if I choose not to make my comments private, I consent to other class members hearing my questions and comments, including possible sharing of PHI.

Section 10. Returned Goods

Due to Federal and State Pharmacy Regulations ancillary items prescribed for home health care cannot be re-dispensed and cannot be returned for credit. Sale items cannot be returned.

Section 11. Consent for Contact

By signing and submitting this form, the patient or representative consents to receive phone calls, texts, e-mails, and pre-recorded messages from The Breastfeeding Shop or any of its subsidiaries regarding The Breastfeeding Shop products and services, at the phone number(s) or email address provided; including wireless number if provided. These calls may be generated using an automated technology and normal carrier charges may apply.

Please be aware that most standard email is not a secure means of communication and your protected health information that may be contained in our emails to you will not be encrypted. This means that there is risk that your protected health information in the emails could be intercepted and read by, or disclosed to, unauthorized third parties. Use of alternative and more secure methods of communication with us, such as telephone, fax or the U.S. Postal Service are available to you. If you do not wish to accept the risks associated with non-secure unencrypted email communications from us containing your protected health information, please indicate that you do not wish to receive such emails from us by contacting us at 844-867-9890. If you agree to receive information from The Breastfeeding Shop via email or text, you agree to accept the security and privacy risks of this type of communication.

I agree that if I consent to SMS notifications regarding my order, text alerts will be sent to the number I provide. I understand that anyone with access to the mobile phone or carrier account associated with the number I have provided will be able to see this information.

Section 12. Communication with Minors

We are committed to protecting the privacy of children. The Breastfeeding Shop’s websites and ordering ability are not directed at users under the age of 18. If you are under the age of 18, you are not permitted to register with The Breastfeeding Shop, submit personal information, or place orders. You represent and warrant that you are 18 years or older if you register with The Breastfeeding Shop, submit personal information, or place orders.

Section 13. Information for Medicare Patients

The products and/or services provided to the patient by The Breastfeeding Shop are subject to the supplier standards contained in the federal regulations shown at 42 Code of Federal Regulations Section 424.57(c). These standards concern business professional and operational matters (e.g., honoring warranties and hours of operation). The full text of these standards can be obtained at http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov. Upon request we will furnish you a written copy of the standards.

Section 14. After Hours Voicemail Service

The Breastfeeding Shop maintains accessibility through our after-hours voicemail service and can be reached by calling the main telephone number (866-255-6779). All voicemails will be received and returned on the next business day. This service is free to patients/clients. The recorded message advises patients that calls will be returned within the next business day and are advised that if a life- threatening medical emergency arises, the patient or caregiver should contact their local emergency services number immediately for assistance (usually 911).

Section 15. Patient Complaint/Grievance Process

In the event the patient should become dissatisfied with any portion of their The Breastfeeding Shop provided home care experience, a complaint may be lodged with The Breastfeeding Shop without concern for reprisal, discrimination, or unreasonable interruption of service. The patient has the right to present questions or grievances to an The Breastfeeding Shop staff member and to receive a response in a reasonable period of time. For concerns regarding quality of care or other services, please contact The Breastfeeding Shop’s office by phone or mail. Grievances can also be reported to the NC Division of Services intake unit, Medicare, or The Breastfeeding Shop’s Medicare accreditation agency, ACHC. All contact information and our process for handling complaints can be found below.

The following procedure details the steps that The Breastfeeding Shop will take when a client’s/patient’s complaint/grievance is received:

After receiving the concern, the The Breastfeeding Shop Customer Service Supervisor will take the following steps:

1. Contact the person making the concern within 5 days, if contact has not already been established.
2. Determine what actions the caller feels should be initiated regarding the concern.
3. Speak with involved employees and conduct additional training as appropriate.
4. Attempt to resolve the concern to the client/patient’s satisfaction.
5. Report status of activities to client/patient within2 days following receipt of concern.
6. Send complaint information to the Compliance Department so they can record it to the Complaint Log.
7. If the complaint remains unresolved, the Compliance Department will have a department supervisor contact the patient within 5 working days.
8. Within 14 days the company shall provide written notification to the patient of the results of the investigation.

Patient Satisfaction Surveys: The Breastfeeding Shop sends patient surveys via email approximately 5-7 days after the order has been shipped. Data is collected and analyzed on a weekly basis. By signing below, you acknowledge that you have been informed of this patient satisfaction survey procedure.

Section 16. Refer a Mama, Mother Pumper, and Social Media Giveaways

The Refer A Mama Giveaway, Mother Pumper Giveaway, and any giveaway hosted on an The Breastfeeding Shop Breastpumps’ social media profile are open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. Employees, affiliates, and advertising partners are not eligible to participate. The Breastfeeding Shop Breastpumps will choose the winner(s) at the end of each promotion. The winner(s) will be notified via email and will have 5 business days to respond. If no response is received, the winner forfeits the prize package. The Breastfeeding Shop Breastpumps will, at their sole discretion, determine if another winner will be chosen.

The company will have no liability for any losses or damages of any kind caused by prize possession. By participating in each giveaway, entrants agree to be bound by the contest rules. Subject to change without notice.

Section 17. Binding Arbitration & Class Action Waiver Agreement

1. Mandatory Individual Arbitration of Disputes; No Class Actions.  You and The Breastfeeding Shop agree that any and all disputes, claims or controversies directly or indirectly arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions or any aspect of the relationship between you, on the one hand, and The Breastfeeding Shop, on the other hand, whether based in contract, tort, statute, fraud, misrepresentation or any other legal theory – including, but not limited to, claims relating to your account, The Breastfeeding Shop products and services, and communications from or on behalf of The Breastfeeding Shop (“Disputes”) – shall be submitted to the American Arbitration Association (AAA), or its successor, for confidential, final, and binding arbitration to be resolved by a single arbitrator. As of June 24, 2025, information regarding AAA and its arbitration processes, rules, and procedures is available at the website: https://www.adr.org/. You and The Breastfeeding Shop further agree that the arbitration will take place on an individual basis, that class arbitrations and class actions are not permitted, and that you and The Breastfeeding Shop agree to give up the ability to participate in any class action. For avoidance of doubt, you and The Breastfeeding Shop are agreeing to give up the ability to bring a lawsuit in court (except small claims discussed below); and you and The Breastfeeding Shop are giving up the ability bring or participate in a class action in any form or forum, even if the Dispute is determined not to be subject to arbitration.

YOU UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE WAIVING ANY RIGHT YOU MIGHT OTHERWISE HAVE TO A TRIAL BEFORE A JUDGE OR JURY.

2. Exceptions and Option to Opt Out.  The only exceptions to Section 17 are the following:

1. You or The Breastfeeding Shop may seek to resolve a Dispute in small claims court if it qualifies. 
2.       You may also opt out of arbitration entirely and litigate any Dispute individually if you provide us with a written notice, personally signed by you, of your decision to do so by certified mail to 431 Chestnut St, Emmaus, PA 18049 within 30 days of the date that you first accepted any version of these Terms that contained an arbitration provision.
3.       If your last purchase of an The Breastfeeding Shop product or service was on April 10, 2024, or earlier, Section 17 shall be inapplicable and any Dispute between you and The Breastfeeding Shop will not be subject to arbitration.       

3. Notice and Informal Resolution Required Before Initiating Arbitration.  You and The Breastfeeding Shop agree that, prior to initiating an arbitration (i.e., before filing an arbitration demand with AAA), you and The Breastfeeding Shop will attempt to negotiate an informal resolution of the Dispute.  To begin this process, you will send a detailed notice of your dispute (“Notice”) by certified mail to 431 Chestnut St, Emmaus, PA 18049.     The Notice must contain all of the following information:  (1) your full name, address, and the email address associated with your account (if you have an account); (2) the facts giving rise to the Dispute and, if you are represented by counsel, the legal basis for the Dispute; (3) a description of the relief you want, including any money damages you request; and (4) your signature verifying the accuracy of the Notice and, if you are represented by counsel, authorizing The Breastfeeding Shop to disclose information about you to your attorney.  The Breastfeeding Shop will likewise identify itself and provide the information in (2)-(4) in any Notice we send you.  Any Notice sent to you from The Breastfeeding Shop will be sent to the address associated with your account or most recent purchase of an The Breastfeeding Shop product or service. 

After receipt of a Notice, you and The Breastfeeding Shop shall engage in a good-faith effort to resolve the dispute for a period of 60 days, which both sides may extend by written agreement (“Informal Dispute Resolution Period”).  During the Informal Dispute Resolution Period, neither you nor The Breastfeeding Shop may initiate an arbitration, and applicable statute of limitations shall be tolled during the Informal Dispute Resolution Period.

As part of this Informal Dispute Resolution Period, you and The Breastfeeding Shop agree to participate in a telephone settlement conference between you personally (along with your counsel, if you are represented) and The Breastfeeding Shop, if such conference is requested by either you or The Breastfeeding Shop.  If such conference is requested, you and The Breastfeeding Shop agree not to initiate an arbitration until the conference has occurred in accordance with this provision.

4. Initiating Arbitration and Arbitration Rules.  If the above conditions precedent to arbitration are satisfied and you or The Breastfeeding Shop initiate arbitration (i.e., file an arbitration demand), the arbitration shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) in accordance with the AAA Consumer Arbitration Rules and the AAA Mass Arbitration Supplementary Rules (the “AAA Rules”), available at https://www.adr.org/. The AAA arbitrator shall resolve the Dispute and is empowered with the exclusive authority to do so, except that any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, scope, or enforceability of these terms or the formation of this agreement and the Terms & Conditions, including the arbitrability of any dispute and any contention that all or any part of this agreement is unconscionable, void, or voidable, shall be resolved in court.  Any dispute as to whether the party initiating arbitration has complied with the conditions precedent to arbitration set forth in Section 17(3) above also shall be resolved in court.

Any demand for arbitration filed with AAA must include a certification that the demand complies with the notification and initial dispute resolution requirements set out in Section 17.3 above and Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11(b)(1)-(4).

You and The Breastfeeding Shop agree that the U.S. Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.) governs the interpretation and enforcement of this Section 17, and that any arbitration conducted pursuant to the terms of this agreement shall be governed by the U.S. Federal Arbitration Act. The party that prevails in the arbitration shall be entitled to recover from the other party all reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the arbitration; except that this provision shall not apply if I live in California.

The arbitrator may consider but will not be bound by rulings in other arbitrations where you and we were not both parties.  Any arbitration award and judgment confirming it will apply only to the specific case and cannot be used in any other case except to enforce the award.

Upon initiating the arbitration in accordance with the AAA Rules, you must send a copy of the Demand for Arbitration via certified U.S. Mail to 431 Chestnut St, Emmaus, PA 18049.  Any Notice sent by The Breastfeeding Shop will be sent to the address associated with your account or most recent purchase of an The Breastfeeding Shop product or service. 

5. How to Reject Changes to This Provision.  If The Breastfeeding Shop changes any terms of this binding arbitration provision after the date you first accepted these Terms or any subsequent changes to these Terms, you may reject the new changes to Section 17 by sending The Breastfeeding Shop a written notice, personally signed by you, by certified mail to 431 Chestnut St, Emmaus, PA 18049 within 30 days of the date such change became effective, as indicated by the earlier of (1) the “Last Updated” date of the Terms you seek to reject or (2) the date of The Breastfeeding Shop’s email to you notifying you of such changes.  Even if you reject a change, you will remain subject to the binding arbitration provision in the last version of the Terms you had accepted (if there was such a provision in the last version of the Terms you had accepted).
6. Severability.  If any portion of this Section 17 is found to be void, invalid, or otherwise unenforceable, then the remaining portions shall nevertheless remain in force with the following exception.  If a court determines that a public injunctive relief claim may proceed notwithstanding the “No Class Actions” provision (in Section 17.1), and that determination is not reversed on appeal, then the public injunctive relief claim will be decided by a court, and any individual claims will be arbitrated. The parties will ask the court to stay the public injunctive relief claim until the other claims have been finally concluded.

Section 18. Choice of Law

The formation, existence, construction, performance, and validity of this agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state of Pennsylvania and the United States, without reference to choice or conflict of law principles.

Section 19. Venue for Disputes Not Subject to Arbitration

You agree that, for any disputes or issues not subject to arbitration (including because of your exercise of the opt-out right specified in Section 17 above or because an issue is for the court, not the arbitrator, to resolve) or that have been determined by a court of law or an arbitrator as not being subject to arbitration and are not brought in small claims court, this Agreement, for all purposes, shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Pennsylvania and any such dispute must be brought in a state or federal court located in Pennsylvania, United States District Court. In addition, both parties agree to submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction and venue of such courts.

As detailed above, however, no such dispute may be brought on a class or representative basis.

Last Updated July 17, 2025

Appendix A

Advanced Directives

What is an Advance Directive? An advance directive is a set of directions you give about the medical and mental health care you want if you ever lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. There are two ways for you to make a formal advance directive. These include: Living Wills and Healthcare Powers of Attorney. Forms & additional information may be obtained from the Secretary of State website.

Do I have to have an Advance Directive and what happens if I don’t? Making an advance directive is your choice. If you become unable to make your own decisions, and you have no advance directive, your physician or mental health care provider will consult with someone close to you about your care. Discussing your wishes with your family and friends now will help ensure that you get the level of treatment you want when you can no longer tell your health providers what you want.

What is a Living Will? A Living Will is a legal document that tells others that you want to die a natural death if you: become incurably sick with an irreversible condition that will result in your death within a short period of time; are unconscious and your physician determines that it is highly unlikely you will regain consciousness; or have advanced dementia or a similar condition which results In a substantial cognitive loss and it is highly unlikely the condition can be reversed. You can direct your physician not to use certain life-prolonging treatments such as a breathing machine (“respirator” or “ventilator”), or to stop giving you food and water through a tube (“artificial nutrition or hydration” through feeding tubes and IVs). The document goes into effect only when your physician and one other physician determine that you meet one of the conditions specified in the Living Will. You can cancel anytime by communicating your intent to cancel it in any way.

What is a Healthcare Power of Attorney? A Healthcare Power of Attorney is a legal document in which you can name a person(s) as your health care agent(s) to make medical and mental health decisions for you if you become unable to decide for yourself. You can say which treatments you would want and not want. You should choose an adult you trust to be your health care agent.

Discuss your wishes with that person(s) before you put them in writing. The document will go into effect when a physician states in writing that you are not able to make or to communicate your health care choices. You can cancel or change while you are able to make and communicate your decisions.

How do I make an Advance Directive? There are several rules to protect you and ensure your wishes are clear to the physician who may be asked to carry them out. An advanced directive must be: (1) written; (2) signed by you while you are still able to make and communicate health care decisions; (3) witnessed by two qualified adults; and (4) notarized. A qualified witness is a competent adult who sees you sign, is not a relative, and will not inherit anything from you upon your death. The witness cannot be your physician, a licensed employee of your physician or any paid employee of a healthcare facility where you live or that is treating you.

Who should I talk to about an Advance Directive? You should talk to those closest to you about an advance directive and your feelings about the health care you would like to receive. Your physician or health care provider can answer medical questions. A lawyer can answer questions about the law. Give copies to your family, your physician or mental health providers, your health care agent(s), and any family members or close friends who might be asked about your care should you become unable to make decisions. Please furnish The Breastfeeding Shop with a copy of your advance directives.

Appendix B

Infection Control

It is the policy of The Breastfeeding Shop to conform to the acceptable standards of infection control pertaining to equipment and home health services issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in order to ensure the safety of clients/patients and employees, and also to ensure quality client/patient service

How infections occur and are spread: An infection occurs when germs enter the body, increase in number, and cause a reaction of the body.

Three things are necessary for an infection to occur:

1. Source: Places where infectious agents (germs) live (e.g., sinks, surfaces, human skin)
2. Susceptible Person: A person with a way for germs to enter the body
3. Transmission: A way germs are moved to the susceptible person 

There are a few general ways that germs travel in healthcare settings:

• Through contact (i.e., touching)
• Sprays and splashes (when an infected person coughs or sneezes)
• Inhalation (when germs are aerosolized in tiny particle)
• Sharp injuries (i.e., when someone is accidentally stuck with a used needle or sharp instrument)

How to prevent infection:

• Wash your hands often
• Get vaccinated
• Get vaccinated and use antibiotics sensibly
• Stay at home if you have signs and symptoms of an infection.
• Cover your mouth and nose
• Disinfect the ‘hot zones’ in your residence – the kitchen and bathroom
• Don’t share personal items
• Make sure health care providers clean their hands or wear gloves
• Clean equipment and supplies regularly
• Replace equipment on a regular schedule. Contact The Breastfeeding Shop (866-255-6779) when your supplies are to be thrown out.

Symptoms of Hepatitis infection: Extreme fatigue, mild fever, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms of Tuberculosis (TB) infection: fatigue, anorexia, productive cough, coughing up blood, weight loss, loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, night sweats, chills, flu-like symptoms and fever. Some people with TB may show no symptoms. NOTIFY YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF YOU FEEL YOU HAVE BECOME INFECTED.

Appendix C

How to Make Your Home Safe for Medical Care

At The Breastfeeding Shop, we want to make sure that your home medical treatment is done conveniently and safely. Many of our clients/patients are limited in strength or unsteady on their feet. Some are wheelchair- or bed-bound. These pages are written to give our clients/patients some easy and helpful tips on how to make the home safe for home care. Discuss these plans with your family members.

Fire Safety and Prevention

• Smoke detectors should be installed in your home: make sure you check the batteries at least once a year. If appropriate, you may consider carbon monoxide detectors as well. Ask your local fire department if you should have one in your home.
• Have a fire extinguisher in your home, and have it tested regularly to make sure it is still charged and in working order. 
• Have a plan for escape in the event of a fire.
• If you are using electrical medical equipment, make sure to review the instruction sheets for that equipment. Read the section on electrical safety.

Electrical Safety

• Make sure that all medical equipment is plugged into a properly grounded electrical outlet.
• If you must use a three-prong adapter, make sure it is properly installed by attaching the ground wire to the plug outlet screw.
• Use only good quality outlet “extenders” or “power strips” with internal circuit breakers. Don’t use cheap extension cords.

Safety in the Bathroom

• Use non-slip rugs on the floor to prevent slipping.
• Install a grab-bar on the shower wall and non-slip footing strips in the tub or shower.
• Ask your medical equipment provider about a shower bench you can sit on in the shower.
• If you have difficulty sitting and getting up, ask about a raised toilet seat with arm supports to make it easier to get on and off the commode.
• If you have problems sensing hot and cold, you should consider lowering the temperature setting of your water heater, so you don’t accidentally scald yourself without realizing it.

Safety in the Bedroom

• It’s important to arrange a safe, well-planned and comfortable bedroom since a lot of your recuperation and home therapy may occur there.
• Ask your home medical provider about a hospital bed. These beds raise and lower so you can sit up, recline, and adjust your knees. A variety of tables and supports are also available so you can eat, exercise and read in bed.
• Bed rails may be a good idea, especially if you have a tendency to roll in bed at night.
• If you have difficulty walking, inquire about a bedside commode so you don’t have to walk to that bathroom to use the toilet.
• Make sure you can easily reach the light switches, and other important things you might need throughout the day or night.
• Install night-lights to help you find your way in the dark at night.
• If you are using an IV pole for your IV or enteral therapy, make sure that all furniture, loose carpets, and electrical cords are out of the way so you do not trip and fall while walking with the pole.

Appendix D

Emergency Planning

Every client/patient receiving care or services in the home should think about what they would do in the event of an emergency. Our goal is to help you plan your actions in case there is a natural disaster where you live and to try to provide you with the best, most consistent service we can during an emergency.

Know what to expect: If you have recently moved to this area, take the time to find out what types of natural emergencies have occurred in the past, and what types might be expected. Find out what, if any, times of year these emergencies are most prevalent. Find out when you should evacuate, and when you shouldn’t. Your local Red Cross, local law enforcement agencies, local news and radio stations provide excellent information and tips for planning.

Know where to go: One of the most important pieces of information you should know is the location of the closest emergency shelter. These shelters are open to the public during voluntary and mandatory evacuation times. They are usually the safest place for you to go, other than a friend or relative’s home in an unaffected area.

Know what to take with you: Some shelters may have restrictions on what items you can bring with you. Not all shelters have adequate storage for medications that need refrigeration. We recommend that you call ahead to find out if you can bring your medications and medical supplies. In addition, let them know if you will be using medical equipment that requires an electrical outlet. During our planning for a natural emergency, we will contact you and deliver, if possible, at least one week’s worth of medication and supplies. Bring all your medications and supplies with you to the shelter.

Reaching us during an emergency: In case of an emergency, please call our main phone number (866-255-6779). If the office is closed due to an emergency, our on-call services are always available. If you have no way to call our number, you can try to reach us by having someone you know call us from his or her cellular phone. Should a life-threatening medical emergency arise it is suggested the patient or caregiver contact their local emergency services number for assistance (usually 911).

Appendix E 

Client/Patient Bill of Rights & Responsibilities

Client/Patient has the right to:

1. Receive reasonable coordination and continuity of services from the referring agency for home medical equipment services
2. Receive a timely response from The Breastfeeding Shop when services/care are needed or requested
3. Be fully informed in advance about service/care to be provided, including the disciplines that furnish care and the frequency of visits, as well as any modifications to the Plan of Care
4. Participate in the development and periodic revision of the Plan of Service or the Plan of Care
5. Informed consent and refusal of services, care or treatment after the consequences of refusing services, care or treatment are fully presented
6. Be informed in advance of the charges, including payment for service or care expected from third parties and any charges for which the client/patient will be responsible
7. Have one’s property and person treated with respect, consideration, and recognition of client/patient dignity and individuality
8. Be able to identify visiting staff members through proper identification
9. Voice grievances/complaints regarding treatment of care or lack of respect of property, or recommend changes in policy, staff or service/care without restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination or reprisal
10. Have grievances/complaints regarding treatment or care that is (or fails to be) furnished, or lack of respect of property investigated
11. Choose a health care provider and have access to information regarding provider’s work history and training
12. Confidentiality and privacy of all information contained in the client/patient record and of Protected Health Information
13. Receive appropriate service/care without discrimination in accordance with physician orders
14. Be informed of any financial benefits when referred to an organization
15. Be informed in advance of care/service being provided and their financial responsibility
16. Be fully informed of one’s responsibilities and The Breastfeeding Shop’s policies regarding patient responsibilities
17. Be informed of client/patient rights under state law to formulate advance care directives
18. Be informed of anticipated outcomes of service or care and of any barriers in outcome achievement
19. Be informed of The Breastfeeding Shop’s on-call service
20. Be informed of The Breastfeeding Shop’s patient satisfaction survey process
21. Be informed of supervisory accessibility and availability
22. Fair treatment, regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender, age, health status, or source of payment for care
23. Be advised on The Breastfeeding Shop’s policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of clinical records, clinical guidelines, and management of care
24. Be advised of The Breastfeeding Shop’s procedures for discharge
25. Report fraud, waste, or abuse
26. Be notified within 10 days if The Breastfeeding Shop’s license is revoked, suspended, canceled, annulled, withdrawn, recalled, or amended
27. Know of their rights and responsibilities in the treatment process (and the laws that relate to them), and to make recommendations regarding the organization’s rights and responsibilities policy
28. Be informed about advocacy and community groups and prevention services
29. Access care easily and in a timely fashion
30. Candid discussion about all their treatment choices, regardless of cost or coverage by their benefit plan
31. The delivery of services in a culturally competent manner
32. Receive information about the scope of services that the organization will provide and specific limitations on those services
33. Be free from mistreatment, neglect, or verbal, mental, sexual, and physical abuse, including injuries of an unknown source, and misappropriation of client/patient property.

Client/Patient has the responsibility to:

1. Client agrees that rental equipment will be used with reasonable care, not altered or modified, and returned in good condition (normal wear and tear excepted).
2. Client agrees to promptly report to The Breastfeeding Shop any malfunctions or defects in rental equipment so that repair/ replacement can be arranged.
3. Client agrees to provide The Breastfeeding Shop access to all rental equipment for repair/replacement, maintenance, and/or pick-up of the equipment.
4. Client agrees to use the equipment for the purposes so indicated and in compliance with the physician’s prescription.
5. Client agrees to keep the equipment in their possession and at the address, to which it was delivered unless otherwise authorized by The Breastfeeding Shop
6. Client agrees to notify The Breastfeeding Shop of any hospitalization, change in customer insurance, address, telephone number, physician, or when the medical need for the rental equipment no longer exists.
7. Client agrees to request payment of authorized Medicare, Medicaid, or other private insurance benefits are paid directly to The Breastfeeding Shop for any services furnished by The Breastfeeding Shop.
8. Client agrees to accept all financial responsibility for home medical equipment furnished by The Breastfeeding Shop.
9. Client agrees to pay for the replacement cost of any equipment damaged, destroyed, or lost due to misuse, abuse or neglect.
10. Client agrees not to modify the rental equipment without the prior consent of The Breastfeeding Shop.
11. Client agrees that any authorized modification shall belong to the titleholder of the equipment unless equipment is purchased and paid for in full.
12. Client agrees that title to the rental equipment and all parts shall remain with The Breastfeeding Shop at all times unless equipment is purchased and paid for in full.
13. Client agrees that The Breastfeeding Shop shall not insure or be responsible to the client for any personal injury or property damage related to any equipment; including that caused by use or improper functioning of the equipment; the act or omission of any other third party, or by any criminal act or activity, war, riot, insurrection, fire or act of God
14. Client understands that The Breastfeeding Shop retains the right to refuse delivery of service to any client at any time.
15. Client agrees that any legal fees resulting from a disagreement between the parties shall be borne by the unsuccessful party in any legal action taken.
16. Patients/Clients have the responsibility to give providers the information they need, in order to provide the best possible care and to ask questions about their care.
17. Clients have the responsibility to treat those giving them care with dignity and respect and not to take actions that could harm others.
18. Patients/Clients have the responsibility to understand and help develop and follow the agreed-upon treatment plans for their care, including the agreed-upon medication plan and to let the provider know when the treatment plan no longer works for them.
19. Patients/Clients have the responsibility to keep their appointments. Patients should call their providers as soon as possible if they need to cancel visits.
20. Patients/Clients have the responsibility to let their provider know about any changes to their contact information (name, address, phone, etc.) and insurance coverage.
21. Patients/Clients have the responsibility to tell their provider about medication changes, including medications given to them by others.
22. Patients/Clients have the responsibility to let their provider know about problems with paying fees.