Nikki writes:  Please remember that pump companies make money when women make milk,
NOT
when women breastfeed. Their marketing has also worked; women want pumps
because they are breastfeeding.
    One does not need a pump to breastfeed.
    Like formula, pumps have their specific uses and importance. (At least
until there is a milk bank in every city where there is a NICU.) They are some
of many tools at our command. They are not for routine use, nor are their
marketing practices any more ethical or better than any other company.
    Please consider the impact of using company publications and related
materials, whether it comes from the formula or the pump companies. Breastfeeding
helpers get used to sell pump products just as hospital staff gets used to
sell formula.

This is an issue I can speak to from personal experience, since I am the one women
call at Hollister to ask pumping questions.  (Obviously, I can't speak to Medela's
practices.)  I am also responsible for writing or reviewing all of Hollister's
written materials relating to breastfeeding.  As I was considering whether or not I
wanted to take a job at Hollister, I asked about my role and what their expectations
would be if--as often happened in my private practice--a mother called with pumping
questions and she didn't really need a pump.  I was told that I should provide the
best breastfeeding help I could--not to promote pump rentals and sales (the same
approach I took for my ten years in private practice).

I also know from being a part of strategy meetings at Hollister that their goal is to
support breastfeeding, NOT to encourage women to buy pumps who don't need them or to
promote pumping and bottle-feeding.  If that were not the case, I would not have
chosen to work there.

Almost daily, I explain to the women who call why it is in their and their babies'
long-term best interests to first work on solving their breastfeeding problems before
considering pumping and bottle-feeding.  The ILCA referral list is the most
frequently used website on my business computer.  Many of you have no doubt gotten
calls from the mothers I have convinced to contact their local LC for help.

Regarding the Hollister written materials, it is my goal to reflect only the highest
values there, as well.  Nikki, if you see anything coming out of Hollister that does
not truly support breastfeeding, I'd appreciate it if you would bring it to my
attention so that I can make sure it is revised immediately.

Thanks for the opportunity to clarify.

Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC
Lactation Education Specialist, Hollister, Inc.
Chicago suburbs, Illinois USA

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