These are many facets for a company to meet its obligations under the Code. A website is only one of them, as is product packaging, any materials designed for mothers, and any ads about products. Medela at this point in time does not meet its obligations under the Code. I have listed a few of the items that violate the Code. 
 
Language that idealizes the use of bottles and artificial nipples as seen on Medela website
- Wide base silicone nipples complement breastfeeding
- Medela breastmilk bottles are made from safe, BPA-free polypropylene that retain breastmilk's beneficial properties. 
- Everything you need to collect, store and feed breastmilk. 
- Natural feel and shape complements breastfeeding. 

Gifts of products within the scope of the Code
-Free gifts of feeding bottles with the purchase of a breast pump

Product packaging that contains photos of mothers and babies or photos of products covered by the Code
- Nipple packaging features a picture of a mother and baby
- Image of feeding bottle and artificial nipple on pump packaging

Inducements to mothers to buy products covered by the Code
- $3 off coupon for Medela feeding bottle inside Pump in Style box

Medela 2010 Co-op advertising offer to those who rent/sell Medela products which will reimburse dealers for advertising Medela feeding bottles

There are certainly more. None of these are difficult to change. My sincere hope is that Medela as well as other manufacturers and distributors of products within the scope of the Code work to meet their obligations under the Code and relieve some of the relentless commercial pressures on mothers of advertising that idealizes the use of feeding bottles and nipples by equating them with breastfeeding.

Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA


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