Wearable Breast Pumps Market

Market Overview

The global wearable breast pump market size was valued at USD 507.21 million in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 815.81 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.12% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

Wearable breast pumps are a category of breast pumps that have been specifically developed to be worn on the body, enabling mothers to express milk without using their hands. Battery-powered pumps worn discreetly under clothing are popular among working mothers and frequent pumpers. The market offers a range of wearable breast pumps, including single-breast pumps, double-breast pumps, and models that feature flanges of varying sizes to cater to different breast sizes.

The potential use cases for wearable breast pumps include aiding lactating mothers in sustaining their milk production while separated from their infants, enhancing the ease and discretion of pumping, and facilitating more productive and streamlined pumping sessions. Wearable breast pumps are a convenient option for nursing mothers who require a discreet and mobile pumping solution, particularly when pumping in public or while traveling. There is an anticipated growth in the market for wearable breast pumps in the upcoming years, driven by a rising need for advanced and convenient products.

Highlights

• Battery-operated wearable breast pump dominates the product segment
• Breastmilk storage and feeding dominate the breastfeeding accessories segment
• North America is the most significant shareholder in the global market.

Market Dynamics

Global Wearable Breast Pumps Market Drivers

Surge in Women's Employment Rate

The breast pump market will benefit from women's employment growth. Working mothers earn more but have less time to breastfeed, making them great breast pumps and accessory buyers. According to the ILO, gender equality and employment have improved over the previous 20 years. Furthermore, the COVID-19 outbreak helped working women. Previously, after taking maternity leave, they had to return to work, making it challenging to breastfeed frequently. Companies have increased the time employees can work from home because of the pandemic, allowing more mothers to breastfeed their children whenever necessary. Breast pumps and other breastfeeding aids have become widely used at this time. It has made it easier for moms to pump and work simultaneously, contributing to the rise in demand.

Growing Awareness about the Breastfeeding Accessories

As more individuals become aware of smart breast pumps and governments take action to support them, the market for them is likely to expand globally. For example, insurance companies in the U.S. have to cover the cost of breast pumps, accessories, and lactation therapy that help women breastfeed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, information campaigns by the CDC, WHO, and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) to feed babies with produced breastmilk using breast pumps are also expected to help the market. Therefore, more women are likely to use breast pumps as stricter safety measures are expected to drive the reusable breast pump market.

Global Wearable Breast Pumps Market Restraint

High Prices of Breastfeeding Supplies

One of the main things that slow market growth is the price of breast pumps and other items used for breastfeeding. Accessories for breastfeeding can cost as much as USD 51.5 in North America, USD 45 in Europe, and USD 40 in Asia-Pacific. In North America, baby scales cost an average of USD 1,521.50, and in Asia-Pacific, they cost an average of USD 1,450. In the same way, manual breast pumps cost an average of USD 40 in North America, USD 35 in Europe, and USD 20 in Asia-Pacific.

Similarly, pumps that run on batteries cost an average of USD 150 in North America, USD 120 in Europe, and USD 90 in Asia-Pacific. Such high prices could hurt sales of products and accessories, especially in developing countries where people have less money to spend overall. Manufacturers are working on setting prices that will encourage people in the middle class and homes with two incomes to buy these gadgets and the accessories that go with them. The pricing will likely have a medium effect on the world market over the forecast period.

Global Wearable Breast Pumps Market Opportunities

Increasing Number of Milk Banks

The number of milk banks is growing because of the high demand for breast milk storage and nipple care goods. Milk banks are helpful for moms and a step in the right direction. If the mother is sick and could pass on the illness to the baby, if she cannot breastfeed, or if the baby is an orphan, milk banks can be very helpful. Brazil has the most milk banks, which could lead to chances for market growth in this region. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected how donated human milk banks work in many countries.

In developing economies, mothers of newborns who stay in the hospital longer are the main givers. This scenario is not the case for developed countries. This longer hospital stay for mothers makes it more likely that they will donate milk because they can access breast pumps to express their milk. WHO and the CDC suggest that women start or keep breastfeeding, even if they or their baby has COVID-19 or is thought to have it. During the pandemic, it is safe to breastfeed or get breast milk from milk banks as long as you take the usual steps. This has a big impact on market growth.

Regional Analysis

North America Dominates the Global Market

Based on region, the global wearable breast pump market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America is the most significant global wearable breast pump market shareholder and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.21% during the forecast period. This is due to a rise in women's employment rate in the U.S., developing healthcare infrastructure, and increasing customer awareness about breast pumps and breastfeeding. North America is the only most developed market for wearable breast pumps because it has a well-developed healthcare system, good laws, and government programs to help the market grow. Various laws, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (1938) and the Employment Standards Act of 2000, say that a working mother should be able to take breaks to express (pump) milk for her baby. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and medical professionals claim that breast milk has significant immune-boosting effects for fending off illnesses in the short term and promoting long-term health.

Europe is anticipated to hold a significant market share during the forecast period. The observed growth in this region can be attributed to the rise in milk banks. In addition, the introduction of convenient and comfortable breast pumps by market players is expected to contribute to the growth of this region's wearable breast pump market. Research has revealed that breastfeeding mothers who have had COVID-19 have antibodies in their breast milk, which may assist in passing immunity to their newborns. This shows that mothers' nursing continued throughout COVID-19, positively impacting the market growth.

The Asia-Pacific market for wearable breast pumps is being propelled by a range of awareness campaigns, which can be attributed to the region's sizable population and heightened healthcare awareness. Nevertheless, the market is anticipated to experience moderate growth due to limited affordability and awareness in low and middle-income countries. The demand for breast milk pump equipment will be driven by the growing population and high birth rate, and the industry will expand at the fastest rate thanks to the rising employment rates in the major emerging economies of Asia.

Latin America is likely to grow slowly over the next few years. According to a study on breastfeeding support from the Pan American Health Organization and the WHO: According to Close to Mothers, only 38% of babies in Latin America are breastfed for their first six months. These things could slow the growth of the market. Also, women are less likely to breastfeed their babies during the pandemic because they have heard untrue about its safety. In some places, the number of breastfed women fell by 40% to 50%. During the pandemic, several companies that make baby formula have tried to use the misunderstanding about breastfeeding to sell their goods as a better option. This is likely to slow market growth over the next few years.

The Middle East countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman have strong economies. This area has good technology, but big cultural hurdles make it hard for people to use wearable breast pumps. According to UNICEF, the number of mothers who only breastfeed their babies for the first six months after birth has decreased in the Middle East and North Africa. But rising support from governments and non-profits to raise knowledge about breastfeeding will likely create growth possibilities over the estimated period. Therefore, the Middle East and Africa are mostly untapped markets for wearable breast pumps and other items that go with them.

In South Africa, the breastfeeding rate is very low due to the high presence of HIV among mothers and the common notion that nursing may transmit this disease to the child. As per the Department of Health rules on breastfeeding in 2017, nursing mothers must breastfeed their infants. Thus, the market for wearable breast pumps may witness considerable growth.

Segmental Analysis

The global wearable breast pump market is bifurcated into products and breastfeeding accessories.

Based on the product, the global wearable breast pump market is bifurcated into manual, battery-operated, and smart wearable breast pumps.

The battery-operated wearable breast pump segment dominates the global market and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.72% over the forecast period. The market has observed a surge in demand for battery-operated wearable breast pumps owing to their efficient and comfortable pumping capabilities for women. This category of breast pumps is generally appropriate for women who are solely breastfeeding or require to extract a significant volume of breast milk daily. Silent motors and other accessories advancements will likely drive the segment's growth.

The market offers various battery-powered breast pumps that cater to various demands. These pumps have features such as compact and lightweight motors, optional battery power, and smart functionalities like Bluetooth compatibility. The market's growth can be due to the rise in awareness and employment rate of women. Battery-operated pumps offer convenience and flexibility for women, as they can be integrated into a bra and allow for milk expression anywhere.

Based on breastfeeding accessories, the global wearable breast pump market is bifurcated into nipple care products, breast shells, breast pads, cleaning products, breastmilk storage and feeding, perineal cooling pads, breast heating pads, breast cooling pads, baby weighing scales, maternity/nursing bras, nursing tank tops, lactation massager, breast pump carry/tote bags, and postpartum recovery accessories.

The breastmilk storage and feeding segment owns the highest market share. Accessories for storing and giving breast milk are made to make it easier for moms to pump and store milk and feed it to their babies later. There are bags, bottles, containers for storing breast milk, breast pumps, and nipple covers. The ability to pump and store milk for later use is one of the benefits of breast milk storage and feeding devices. This can be helpful for women who work or are to be away from their babies for long periods. These items can also make it easy for moms to keep making milk and nurse for longer.

Accessories for postpartum healing are made to help new mothers feel better after giving birth. Some of these items are nursing pillows, breast pads, nipple creams, ice packs for the perineum, and plant treatments. Using these items can help ease pain and speed up recovery after childbirth, making it easier for mothers to care for their new babies. For instance, nursing pillows can help support the baby while the mother breastfeeds, making it easier on her arms and back. In addition, breast pads can help soak up any milk leaking and keep you from feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed. Nipple creams and other treatments can help soothe sore or cracked nipples, which can happen when nursing.

Recent Developments

• December 2022- Willow Innovations, Inc., a Femtech pioneer changing the pumping business with cutting-edge technologies, expanded into Canada. Willow created the in-bra wearable breast pump to let moms pump hands-free without wires, bottles, or tubes. Willow GO is an efficient and easy double-entry pump system with cord-free, hands-free pumping, double pump with optimum comfort, ultra-powerful suction, variable capacity, easy setup, clean up, safe, and reliable.
• November 2022- Medela, trusted by millions of moms, launched its first wearable breast pump, the Freestyle Hands-free Breast Pump. The lightweight, comfy, and inconspicuous collecting cups link to a Medela-developed portable pump motor for hands-free pumping. Medela's 2-Phase Expression technology and 105-degree breast shields make hands-free pumping easier.