FDA clears ‘revolutionary’ breast pumping solution for employees

A breast pumping solution designed for workplace wellness rooms has received market clearance from the US FDA.

MilkMate is a multi-user breast pumping solution, purpose-built for workplace wellness rooms to create a safe environment for women who wish to breast pump at work.

The product includes modular furniture components that comes with a built-in multi-user breast pump and single-use parts ready for immediate use.

The solution is adaptable to any existing office space and aims to help employers meet regulatory requirements such as those most recently brought forth by the PUMP Act in December 2022

“MilkMate is designed to support both working moms and their employers by offering a more streamlined way for employees to breast pump at work following maternity leave,” says Patrice Meagher, founder and CEO of MilkMate.

“As a parent of four, breast pumping at the office was by far the most inefficient thing I did as a working mom. I knew there had to be a better way and that’s why I created the MilkMate solution.

“We are thrilled to receive FDA market clearance and announce the close of our US$5m series seed round. Both are huge milestones that will enable us to officially launch this much needed solution for employers and working moms everywhere.”

The company is currently entering a soft launch phase with a select few early adopter customers before its formal launch to the greater Manhattan market this upcoming summer.

In the US, one third of working mothers return to work within three months of the birth of their child and two thirds return within six months. However, support in the workplace is limited.

MilkMate says without affordable and functional options readily available, well-meaning employers are at a loss for practical offerings.

“With our solution, we aim to make breast pumping in the workplace more approachable and manageable for both employees and employers everywhere.”