Hi All,

Here is the deal in my area:  Regardless of how Medela became THE go-to for
these types of products, this is what the parents want.  I believe Ameda
products to be of good quality - but since my area is not Ameda friendly (so
to speak) it makes it quite difficult for me to take the risk financially to
go with them and stop using Medela entirely.  Also, Ameda's wholesale policy
makes it difficult to too - but that is another story.  Medela isn't much
better in some ways, but I know how to jump through those hoops - Ameda's
are a tad more difficult, unless they have changed them since I last took a
look at their policies.

>>I want to play devil's advocate here, though, and ask if you would
feel the same if I was talking about selling Enfamil or Playtex
bottles or Gerber pacifiers or even a Nestle product? 

Respectfully, Medela used to be Code compliant.  The companies you mention
have never to my knowledge been Code compliant.  Medela was Code compliant
when I opened my account which was one of the reasons I DID open the account
- now they are not which angers and frustrates me tremendously.  This is the
crux of the problem with Medela and why many of us are in a real pickle:
The company we trusted, who supported us and who we supported and promoted
at one time, has now turned their back on us, the WHO Code and breastfeeding
for the almighty dollar.  They have no shame and even worse, deny that they
are violating the Code by some strange logic that only they can understand.

>>The thing is...Ameda does make a product that will serve our clients.
>>I don't know enough about your practice or community, 

In communities where one brand is THE brand it is very hard to be the lone
practice that has the competition and not all moms will believe what you say
- which is fine (albeit frustrating).  However, if you have already been a
vendor for THE brand and are trying to switch out to the competition there
is a tremendous financial risk.  I cannot afford to take that risk and
others cannot also.

>Do I like it?  No.  But the Medela products are good - the company is just
having a serious ethical issue right now.  >>I guess I just don't see that
as a *just*.

Then I'll rephrase - the company is having a serious ethical issue right
now.  It is an issue that affects many, if not all of us in one way or
another.

>>Or you could use a Lact-Aid and Ameda shields/pumps. 

True enough - except that moms here don't like the Lact-Aid and it is
expensive for me to get.  I can't use Ameda shields without an account and I
can't rent the pumps without putting my business at risk.  I am not in the
position to making business choices that can risk my family.  Unlike other
people, I cannot take a 2nd job due to physical conditions that severely
limit my ability to do most jobs I'd actually enjoy and could be paid well
for.  Doing my own job aggravates my injuries regularly, but I can take a
day off when I need to without the risk of being fired.  So, while I am not
happy about Medela's behavior, I am also in a sticky position...

>Again, I was only putting it out there that we are enabling a
>non-compliant company to continue to be profitable and make bad
>ethical decisions by continuing to support them regardless of those
>decisions. It is not my intention to "go after" our own in any way.

This may be true - but it sure felt like with the way your comment was
phrased...  I agree we are enabling in some if not many ways - but quite
frankly, Medela really doesn't need us IBCLC's so much anymore.  They are
too big and are too well known - and I agree with whoever it was who said
that we are unlikely (sad as it may be) to make a big difference by not
purchasing from or promoting them.  There are too many people, clinics,
hospitals, etc out there who don't care an iota about the Code and they will
make Medela's money for them...boycotting Medela would be about as effective
as boycotting Nestle was...they are now one of the biggest food companies in
the world (if not the biggest) and a boycott on their formula does nothing
to hurt them.  I may be wrong here...and I sure hope I am.

>I am not trying to minimize the importance this income holds for you. I'm
just trying >to share my perspective on it, which, I am gathering, is
unpopular and seemingly
>judgmental. The judgment is meant for the violating company. Not you.

Thank you for that - yes it came across judgmental - but I'm happy to set
that aside and move on to other issues.  I appreciate the dialogue.  I have
received other e-mails saying thank you because we are all in this together
and it isn't easy for anyone who sells these products, or uses them.  None
of us wants to be a part of a company who blatantly violates the WHO
Code...but they didn't start out doing that, and now many of us are firmly
entrenched in using their products.  Until another company comes out that
can give Medela a damn good run for their money we will continue to have to
deal with this.  In those areas where Medela is not entrenched and Ameda is
THE brand I am envious!  

There are different situations all over the world, everyone has their own
unique perspectives and needs.  My need is to provide for my family and help
my community to the best of my ability with the products that are most
easily available to me and of good quality.  Sadly, the company I used to
rave about has let me down tremendously and I am at a loss as to how I can
continue to provide easily for my clients and my family and maintain my own
ethics...it will figure itself out in time...

Warmly,
Jaye

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