Insane in the Medela Membrane

The Medela brand breast pumps are great products, but they are obviously greedy folk who do not understand the lifestyles of today’s pumping mother. If they did, they would make those stupid, tiny, necessary membranes more accessible. The membrane is a tiny rubber piece that attaches to the valve. The problem is that these membranes are very easy to lose and expensive to replace. Nevermind that I have scalded my hands twice using their microwave steaming bags, that’s my fault. After 3 kids, I am still a fumbling noodad. But come on Medela! These membranes are nearly impossible to keep track of while we are disparately trying to fit pumping and proper cleansing of gear into our schedule which also includes getting to work and caring for a toddler and a preschooler.

I am sure that Medela will say “foodad! Do not fear, we offer replacement membranes for those of you feeble morons who have trouble keeping track of a small, white object that is smaller than a dime. You can buy a pack of six Medela membranes for around $6.19.” This is where I say wawawewah. These things are probably made in China and most likely cost pennies to make. The markup on these is insane in the membrane. Well done Medela. Way to take advantage of people who have no alternative but to buy your overpriced membranes.

[Update: 1/2/2008]

I spoke with Laurel at Medela customer service. She took my complaint very seriously and is sending me a package of membranes for my troubles. She also said she would look into the cost of these and make an attempt to let me know why they cost so much.  This is certainly a step in the right direction.  Laurel certainly was not the corporate Snidely Whiplash sitting in a board room twisting her moustache and laughing menacingly, but let’s see if Medela practices what their customer service preaches which, according to Laurel is that Medela cares about today’s breastfeeding mother.