Alright, everyone---
The moment that Patrica D. alluded to has come. I teach for a local
hospital, and when I went in today to pick up some handouts, there was
some info left for me, "from Medela", to review. Included in this info
was a slick ad for the new "Pump in Style Breastpump". It is the
equivalent of a Lactina model, but built into a discreet vinyl shoulder
bag. No price is mentioned here, but what struck me immediately is the
fact that I am a Medela depot and to my knowledge have received nothing
about this, but the hospital *did*. Yes, Patricia, it would appear that
the company intends to bypass LCs completely and market this new pump
through the hospitals, hoping to pick up sales by getting the insurance
coverage.
I was getting prepared for this to happen, but the silence is offensively
deafening; I don't appreciate that the company has not been more forth
coming with us about this. It isn't listed in my latest price sheet, so I
know that they don't intend for us to market it, and yet it appears to be
a product that could make what we have obsolete. What gives?
I have left a message with my rep, and I would like some answers,
including having someone address the potential impact to breastfeeding as
a whole, as well as the LC profession. Just think-- every mom can go home
with a nice electric single/double auto cycle pump. If she gets engorged,
just pump. If she gets sore nipples, just pump. If bfg is inconvenient,
just pump. Why call an LC and spend money for bfg help when you can just
pump? How many times have I explained to a mom that she needs to fix the
bfg, not pump? But with a high quality pump on hand for "free", will they
call any more when breastpumps have been touted as cure-alls? What are the
real ramifications here? I'm wondering. What do you all think?
Sorry if this is a little more vehement than my usual posts; I'm feeling
betrayed, and I'm steaming right now. Gotta vent.
-Lisa
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Lisa Marasco, BA, LLLL, IBCLC
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