The only real money in breastfeeding is in women struggling with it. That includes us, as LCs. But given the comparative dollars involved--I cannot think of an LC who would not be willing to do some other work if all babies fed effortlessly. There is no pharmaceutical or pump company that would do likewise. The agenda with Medela is clear and obvious and needs to be called for what it is. It's not about that bottle design--it's about the way to sell that bottle design--watch that video--the message is clear--breastfeeding is a part-time thing. For all women. 

I have a problem with the term "demonization" whether it be of industry, the medical model or the media. I especially have a problem with it when we turn it on one another. For one thing, it seeks to silence opposition by implying that the opposed has taken an extreme and unfounded position. Yet, history shows us clearly that the slippery slope of marketing in this industry serves one purpose only and that it to undermine breastfeeding. All of these industries actually benefit from the continued existence of breastfeeding, if only because it creates more educated and demanding consumers, willing to buy the best product to have the best compensatory outcome. This is especially true for the pump companies. But no industry benefits from the "extreme position"--physiologically normal feeding at breast, including the pump companies. 



 

Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, FRANCE
Intuitive Parenting Network, LLC
 



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