I think that we as the professionals have to be very savvy when it comes to
equipment and reps, even if they are from companies that support
breastfeeding. I am not bashing any one company, but to say that Medela is
the only company whose income is derived solely from babies being "breastfed"
successfully is a misstatement. Many of their products are geared for the
baby who is not breastfeeding successfully, if we define breastfeeding as
feeding directly from the breast. Check out their ads, many are very
interesting in how they portray what you need to "breastfeed." I think that
both Hollister and Medela are reputable pump companies. Both companies
provide pumps, shields, shells, teaching materials. Yes, Medela has other
alternative devices, but if you truly like the Hollister pumps/kits, you can
use those and buy the other Medela products to use. Medela will tell you that
you can only have an exclusive contract for their products, not so. Hollister
is being responsive to our requests for our mothers needs, they now have
larger flanges available, and they are packaged in a much more economical
manner, they are working to refine the nipple shields they currently have,
and many other products are in development. Their equipment tends to be more
reasonably priced. Their Purely Yours came with a built in battery option
long before Medela included that with their pumps, something that mothers
were looking for.
I am hoping that we as the professionals look closely and deeply at what is
presented to us. Look beyond the nice rep, the "freebies" (which translates
into higher prices for the consumer just like drug/formula company
promotions), the "free" educational opportunities. I get tired of hearing,
"we liked Hollister better but they don't give as many free lunches,
conference money...." We are quick to pounce on the drug and formula
companies for their tactics and yet it is happening to us as well. Make an
educated, informed, unbiased choice. Some of us will choose Medela as it
suits the needs of our clients, others will choose Hollister. Some choose
both as mothers have varied needs. Just be well educated and look at where
your education is coming from. I should not be getting info on the Medela
pumps from Hollister or vice versa. Look closely at "Pump Chats" as Medela
gives us "unbiased" info on the pumps on the market.
This post is not meant to push one company over another. Both have their
place. I just want everyone to look closely at how and why they are making
decisions that affect our clients.
This really pushes my buttons as you can see, but I'll stick my head back in
my shell now.
Lisa Enger RN BSN IBCLC
Boston, MA
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