I agree, Morgan. :) I am finding the Medela conversation fascinating, but I
think that it is only a small part of a much bigger picture. As Morgan said,
the lack of legislation is certainly an issue here. I think that another
part of the big picture is why so many moms need pumps to begin with! There
is so much that needs to be done in terms of educating moms about the fact
that a pump is *not* a necessary part of breastfeeding, and (among other
things) educating them about the huge risks to breastfeeding that birth
interventions and supplementing in hospital have. Health care providers need
to be educated, the government needs to understand that breastfeeding is one
of the most important preventative health measures there is, and that
prevention is much cheaper in the long run, we need adequate maternity leave
and breastfeeding support for everyone etc.

I agree that we need to do what we can to let Medela know that their
marketing practices are unacceptable, but I also believe that if we focus on
teaching the parents, and get to the point where a breast pump is not on
everyone's baby registry and fewer moms need pumps due to mismanagement of
breastfeeding in the hospital, then that *will* hurt the pump companies. 

Just my quick thoughts as I procrastinate about studying for my
breastfeeding midterm tonight!

Warmly,
Fleur Bickford BSc., RN, LLLL (sitting the IBLCE exam in July and currently
taking the post-RN BScN program)
Ontario, Canada

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