Overcoming regrets about past mistakes
The "Make The Breast Pump Not Suck Hackathon," held at the MIT Media Lab, was a groundbreaking event that brought together engineers, designers, developers, and healthcare professionals, many of them unaffiliated with MIT. The hackathon was the brainchild of a group of Media Lab students and researchers who are also parents, aiming to revamp the breast pump, an aspect of modern parenthood that is nearly as maligned as it is necessary.
The breast pump, often referred to as an "ugly blue machine," is a device that is necessary but often criticized for its experience. Breast milk is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics as the primary food for babies up to 6 months old, if possible. However, the pumping experience can be challenging, with an estimated 25% of new mothers pumping breast milk daily.
The hackathon encouraged participants to think innovatively about anything that might improve the pumping experience, including architectural changes and maternity-leave policies. One team, "Team Batman," focused on improving the pump itself. Their design, a CamelBak-style backpack for pumping on the go, is discreet, quiet, portable, and hands-free. The backpack evolved into a utility belt with tubes that can be flattened and cleaned in the dishwasher (ZipTubes).
Anya Burkart, a biological engineering graduate student at MIT, participated in the hackathon and expressed a desire for real-world application and change. Team Batman's innovative design won the hackathon, receiving $3,000 and a trip to California to discuss potential investments.
The winning design, the Mighty Mom Utility Belt, is a wearable pump with a quiet motor, easy-clean ZipTubes, and a hands-free sensor. The idea of the Mighty Mom Utility Belt was first presented to the public by its creator, who sought to address the practical challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers. Since then, the product has undergone development through user feedback and design improvements to enhance comfort and cleanliness during breast pumping.
The members of Team Batman acknowledge the responsibility of accepting the prize and promise to work towards real-world application. The "Make The Breast Pump Not Suck Hackathon" was a first step towards potential innovation and change in the breast pumping experience.
