There is most definitely an alternative, Desirre.  I suggest you take 
look at:

www.ameda.com

Ameda invented the modern breast pump. When it began in 1961, Medela was 
a distributor of Ameda pumps in Switzerland, splitting off as an 
independent company around 1980.  Ameda is not only still around (in the 
U.S. and internationally), it is also WHO Code compliant and with Marsha 
Walker and NABA's help is working to bring its new parent company 
Evenflo into Code compliance. 

Ameda has very different business practices.  That's one reason I 
decided to join Ameda as its lactation consultant.

Please feel free to write to me directly if you'd like more information.

Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant, Ameda Breastfeeding Products, Illinois USA

Desirre asks:

>In light of Medela basically undermining the local IBCLC's businesses (and
>perceived/real expertise) and a mother's ability to breastfeed by not
>requiring trained and qualified personnel to rent, explain how to use, why
>to use, norms in feeding, etc. when renting the equipment, it would be
>fabulous to be able to boycott Medela the way that many of us boycott Nestle
>and other products.
>
>Is there another product on the market that is usable?
>
>Medela has completely crossed the line of having a good product for women
>who need or desire it in the marketplace to treating breastfeeding like the
>formula companies.  It is a business plain and simple.
>
>BRU shouldn't be taking items into inventory such a breast pumps without the
>ability to properly educate and inform on the product, however, they are
>working under the confines of what Medela as a manufacturer is allowing. As
>much as I will not support BRU, I believe the problem inherently lies with
>Medela's business practices.
>
>
>
>
>  
>

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