While I have no personal experience in the retail aspect of Medela Pump in
Styles, I was told by my hospital's Medela rep that the price for the Pump
In Style original was cut to $249.  Many private rental stations were
selling them for cheaper than this price and the big retailers (Babies R Us,
et al) were complaining to Medela because it was hurting their sales.  

My own take on this is that Medela doesn't want to do anything to jeopardize
their relationship with the big retailers but the little guy is expendable.
Let's face it; they're out to make a profit just like any other business.
Most of the small rental depots are lactation consultants, I assume, and our
motives are not profit driven.  I have really noticed lately that Medela has
come out with more and more advertising materials meant to be passed on to
the mother by RNs and LCs.  Even Hollister has jumped on the bandwagon with
their promotion of their Comfort Gels.  Personally I prefer the Hollister
brand for its quality, safety, and ease of use, but also because of their
softer sell and lower prices.

I believe the big retailers are exempt from their new online sales policy
because they have all agreed to sell them for the same price.  I don't know
how closely they will monitor the little guys but they sound like they mean
business (no pun intended).

I have no financial interest in any pump company.

Linda Anderegg, RNC, IBCLC, RLC  


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