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MilkMate

MilkMate, a forward-thinking startup, set out to revolutionize the way companies support breastfeeding employees by offering a full lactation room solution. The company’s goal was to design a multi-user pump system that would allow mothers to leave their equipment at home and travel light—only needing to bring milk back after a day’s work.

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By offering shared lactation spaces that include a sustainable, recyclable pump system, MilkMate sought to create a solution that could cater to the needs of modern working moms in a way that was practical, cost-effective, and supportive of employees' well-being. 
With the recent passage of the PUMP Act, requiring companies nationwide to provide dedicated lactation spaces, MilkMate recognized an opportunity to address a widespread challenge—supporting breastfeeding mothers without asking them to sacrifice their careers or personal health. To ensure the system’s effectiveness and viability, the company conducted tests with real users and HR managers before launching it into the market.

<h2>The Challenge </h2>
MilkMate faced a challenge with multiple aspects to consider. The product had to balance sustainability with usability, addressing the pain points of working mothers who face a difficult daily commute while managing the logistics of breast pumping at the office. Additionally, the solution needed to appeal to HR managers, who would be the decision-makers on whether to implement this type of system in their companies. 
The company’s hypothesis was simple: A multi-user, sustainable pump system would alleviate the burdens many mothers face, but they needed unbiased feedback on its effectiveness and the potential cost structure. MilkMate also wanted to understand any overlooked barriers and gain insights into the true emotional and logistical challenges that mothers experience in the workplace.

Milk Mate high fidelity prototype

Our work with the innovative startup MilkMate is illustrates the critical importance of user research for businesses and how to conduct it effectively.

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<h2>Our Approach </h2>
Delve’s approach was rooted in user-centered design and extensive research to ensure the solution met both the practical needs of users and the business objectives of MilkMate. 
<ul><li>User Research: Delve’s Insights team moderated user testing sessions with real working moms and HR managers. These sessions involved real pump experiences, allowing participants to experience the lactation room system in action. This immersive approach provided invaluable feedback on the user experience and helped uncover key insights into unseen pain points. </li></ul>
<ul><li>Collaborative Client Engagement: Throughout the process, Delve worked closely with MilkMate, providing ongoing debriefs and sharing real-time findings. Patrice Meagher, CEO and Founder of MilkMate, even assisted as a second moderator to better understand the process from the user’s perspective. </li></ul>
<ul><li>Actionable Insights: In addition to user testing, Delve facilitated discussions on the sustainability of the system, providing recommendations in a “Now, Soon, Later” framework. These insights helped MilkMate understand how to scale the product effectively and how to refine its value proposition.</li></ul>

Milk Mate Install Interior3

Milk Mate Install Pump Detail

<h2>The Solution </h2>
The research revealed several key insights that shaped MilkMate’s strategy. Delve’s findings provided clear recommendations on system sustainability, pricing, and potential obstacles with HR managers' perceptions. Delve’s analysis provided actionable steps for improving the product, from making small design adjustments to enhancing the overall user experience.
Key Findings
<ul><li>User Experience: Participants praised the convenience of the multi-user system, noting how much easier it made their daily routines. One mom shared that it “took 20 lbs off my back,” highlighting how critical this solution was in relieving the physical burden of pumping and commuting.</li></ul>
<ul><li>Sustainability Insights: Delve helped MilkMate evaluate the environmental impact of single-use pump parts and suggested enhancements to increase sustainability without sacrificing ease of use.</li></ul>
<ul><li>Implementation Considerations: Insights into the best ways to implement this product into office environments were also crucial, with suggestions around pricing structures that would align with HR managers’ budgets without compromising the value of the system.</li></ul>

Research enables you to make good decisions throughout new product development, speeding up product development and creating a product that resonates with users. Here’s what research-driven NPD looks like.

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Milkmate website photos

<h2>Results and Impact</h2>
Following the successful research phase, MilkMate moved forward with the development of the FDA-cleared pump system, which is now being implemented into offices across New York and beyond. The system and service&nbsp;have been met with positive feedback, and the growing visibility of MilkMate on LinkedIn and in press outlets reflects the market demand for this kind of product.

Key Outcomes: 
<ul><li>Successful Launch: The all-in-one&nbsp;lactation room system has been well received, with offices now adopting the multi-user pumps and ready-for-use breast shield kits&nbsp;as a sustainable and supportive solution for breastfeeding employees. </li></ul>
<ul><li>Increased Awareness: By addressing the overlooked needs of working mothers, MilkMate has not only improved the workplace experience but has also become an advocate for better policies and support systems for new mothers in the workforce. </li></ul>
<ul><li>Business Growth: The positive reception has driven significant press coverage, establishing MilkMate as an innovator in workplace wellness. </li></ul>

Learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.delve.com/services/strategy/design-insights" target="_blank">Delve Product Design Insights & Market Research Services</a>.

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For nursing mothers, an assigned space in the workplace for pumping is only part of the answer. MilkMate developed a comprehensive lactation room solution.

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MilkMate: Lactation Room Solutions

For nursing mothers, an assigned space in the workplace for pumping is only part of the  answer .  MilkMate  d eveloped  a comprehensive lactation room…

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MilkMate: Lactation Room Solutions

A Complete Lactation Room Solution for Pumping Moms at Work

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