This just in from LLL today:

"The LLLI Board of Directors addressed this issue at its March 2009 Annual Meeting.  The Directors carefully considered the WHO Code and the LLLI Code of Ethics:

woah! good for LLL!

Good for them standing up for the Code!  And too bad Medela has chosen to take that path.  :(

Thanx for sharin this info with us.  I'm glad they choose do this.  Goin to pass this on.

Have pass this on to the most other boards that I belong to.  Have posted this on my Facebook Page.  Emailed a couple of friends this.

Now, I'm thinking maybe WHO Code needs to be rework for today's moms?

Have read that blog entry on all of this.  I'm all for this, but still totally think the code needs to re worked for, todays moms.

I'm confused. Why would they sever ties with them because they produce bottles? Didn't they already? Who's to say those bottles wouldn't be used for breastmilk? Do you have an article I can read on this?

The bottles that Medela produced in the past were sold as part of their pump packages.  They did not sell individual bottles and artificial nipples (teats).  The selling of individual bottles and artificial nipples is in direct violation to the WHO code.  Medela now sells "feeding systems".  The best "feeding system" is mom herself according to the WHO code.

This is completely incorrect. The selling of feeding bottles and teats is not addressed by the WHO Code at all. (And Medela has sold separate bottle packs for a long time - it just hasn't advertised them until recently.) What is prohibited is the direct advertising and promotion of items within the scope of the Code, which includes bottles and teats as well as infant formulas and complementary foods aimed at the pre 6 months market. You can read the full code at IBFAN.

http://www.ibfan.org/site2005/Pages/article.php?art_id=52&iui=1

It's right there in the preamble:

Considering that when mothers do not breastfeed, or only do so partially, there is a legitimate market for infant formula and for suitable ingredients from which to prepare it; that all these products should accordingly be made accessible to those who need them through commercial or noncommercial distribution systems; and that they should not be marketed or distributed in ways that may interfere with the protection and promotion of breastfeeding;

Thanks for correcting me.  Maybe next time you could be a tad more gentle and use what LLL calls "loving guidance".