Four Companies Innovating In Breastfeeding Support
Written by Dr. Brittany Barreto, Founder & CEO, FemHealth Insights
The CDC recommends six months (26 weeks) of exclusive breastfeeding for babies. 83.8% of mothers attempt breastfeeding, and 60% of mothers stop breastfeeding before they had planned to. While the duration of breastfeeding varies widely, one study found the average length was 17 weeks. This is far from the 26-week (6 months) benchmark of exclusive breastfeeding.
Some of the most common reasons women stop breastfeeding include issues with lactation and latching, concerns about infant nutrition and weight, medication compatibility concerns, limited parental leave, and cultural norms, bias, and lack of family support.
Luckily, the world of maternal health is experiencing a significant transformation. And thanks to innovative companies like SimpliFed, Nyssa, Work & Mother, and Lactamo addressing the most common breastfeeding challenges, more women may meet the six months of exclusive breastfeeding goal. These companies are at the forefront of developing solutions that address the diverse needs of breastfeeding mothers, demonstrating how technology and thoughtful design can significantly enhance the breastfeeding experience.
SimpliFed: Virtual Support for Infant Nutrition
SimpliFed enters the scene as a virtual support platform, offering a judgment-free environment for mothers seeking advice on breastfeeding, formula feeding, and breast pump usage. Their virtual video appointments, often covered by health plans, represent a significant stride in making professional breastfeeding support more accessible and inclusive.
Telelactation was first introduced in 2015 and gained significant traction during the COVID-19 pandemic when the CDC began advocating for the use of telehealth by breastfeeding specialists wherever feasible. Following these recommendations and broader reimbursement policies, telelactation became widely adopted. A 2020 survey revealed that 34% of US parents utilized telelactation services.
SimpliFed's mission is ambitious yet critical: creating a new model for optimal feeding that prioritizes health and economic equity from the very start of a baby's life. Their approach is comprehensive, covering every aspect of infant nutrition. From establishing a good latch and milk supply to advising on safe formula use and preparation, SimpliFed addresses the myriad of concerns new parents may have.
The company's strength lies in its team of compassionate and knowledgeable providers, who bring a blend of medical and clinical expertise to each consultation. These providers are more than just experts; they are advocates and supporters, guiding mothers through their feeding journey with respect and understanding.
Nyssa's Boon for Postpartum Breast Care
Nyssa, a company focused on postpartum care, has introduced a product that could be a game-changer for new mothers - the FourthWear Postpartum Bralette. This unique garment, designed with soft, gentle compression fabric, serves a dual purpose. It provides comfort and support for postpartum bodies and features pockets for ice and heat packs. These packs are a crucial element in the product, offering relief from common issues associated with frequent breastfeeding or pumping such as engorgement which affects 65-75% of breastfeeders and mastitis which affects 20%.
The Bralette’s design, which facilitates easy insertion and removal of ice/heat packs, is a testament to Nyssa’s understanding of a mother’s postpartum needs. The product’s seamless, wire-free design ensures maximum comfort, and the eco-friendly fabric adjusts to changing postpartum figures. Additionally, its FSA/HSA eligibility and professional endorsements underscore its practicality and effectiveness in providing postpartum breast care.
Work & Mother: A Solution for Working Moms
Work & Mother addresses a significant challenge in the professional world: the lack of adequate lactation facilities for working mothers. Their commercial lactation suite amenity offers a safe, compliant space that aligns with FLSA regulations. This initiative not only supports working mothers but also assists employers in creating a more inclusive and accommodating work environment.
Work & Mother's Suites are a response to a critical issue: the attrition of new mothers in the workforce. Despite many women planning to return to work postpartum, a significant percentage end up leaving their jobs due to inadequate support for breastfeeding. Work & Mother's solution involves providing private rooms, hospital-grade pumps, and an array of amenities that ensure mothers can pump effectively and comfortably at work. Additionally, the suite includes refrigeration, storage, and a private booking system, making the process seamless and stress-free.
Over 48.5% of the global workforce comprises women, representing the largest share in history.
The benefits of providing lactation suites in places of employment extend beyond convenience; they encompass health, productivity, and cost savings. By facilitating breastfeeding in the workplace, Work & Mother helps reduce work absences, supporting both the baby's health and the mother's professional continuity.
Studies show a 94% retention rate of working moms at companies with lactation support programs, compared to the national average of 59%. This is significant considering that the average cost to replace an experienced employee is one and a half to two times their salary, equating to more than $160 billion per year in turnover costs for US employers. Additional costs include legal fees with an 800% increase in breastfeeding-related lawsuits over the past decade.
Lactamo: Breastfeeding Aid in the Form of a Soft Silicone Ball
Joining the ranks of these revolutionary companies is Lactamo. This super soft silicone ball, crafted from medical-grade silicone and matched to the elasticity of breast tissue, has been developed in collaboration with leading lactation specialists. Lactamo stands out for its proactive and reactive applications in breastfeeding, designed to address common issues such as engorgement, blocked milk ducts, and mastitis. The product's soft, jelly-like texture is specifically crafted to suit the needs of lactating breasts, demonstrating Lactamo's commitment to providing a solution that is both effective and gentle.
Lactamo's unique approach combines temperature, movement, and compression to offer a myriad of benefits. This patented combination is effective in resolving the most prevalent breastfeeding challenges faced by 92% of mothers including engorgement, blocked milk ducts, mastitis, low milk supply, oversupply and the let-down reflex. Breast massage has been shown to aid lactation, improve blood circulation, facilitate lymph drainage, and improve breast milk quality by increasing its nutritional content.
The efficacy of Lactamo is underscored by its successful clinical trial, which was published in the International Breastfeeding Journal. Conducted by Deakin University and the Western Health Partnership, the trial’s findings are compelling: 100% of participating mothers reported
Conclusion
SimpliFed, Nyssa, Work & Mother, and Lactamo are reshaping the landscape of maternal healthcare, extending their impact beyond mere solutions to breastfeeding challenges. Their approach represents a significant cultural shift, normalizing breastfeeding across various contexts, including postpartum recovery, the workplace, and digital support platforms. These companies are redefining the support system for breastfeeding mothers, advocating for their needs, and contributing to a societal movement that prioritizes maternal and child health. Their innovations reflect a deep commitment to maternal health, ensuring that breastfeeding support is not only accessible and comprehensive but seamlessly integrated into every aspect of a mother's life.
Looking toward the future, the work of these companies underscores a broader call to action for businesses and policymakers. Their success in addressing the historically underserved needs of mothers highlights the importance of innovative solutions coupled with systemic changes. By advocating for maternal health and well-being, these companies are not just facilitating easier breastfeeding experiences; they are driving a movement that recognizes and supports breastfeeding as an integral part of maternal and child health, setting a new standard for how society supports breastfeeding mothers and their families.
About the Author:
Dr. Brittany Barreto, Ph.D., is Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at FemHealth Insights. Every day, Brittany dedicates her work to advancing women’s health innovation by equipping key stakeholders with data-driven insights and strategic advice on the FemHealth market. She is also host of the FemTech Focus Podcast - the number 1 femtech podcast globally.
