The Bridge: Breastfeeding Assistance System
The first easy-to-use, breastfeeding assistance system that helps babies latch to the breast and helps promote milk production.
Project Description
Want to know more?
Breastfeeding importance:
Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial source of nutrition and provides the healthiest start for an infant. (1) Breast milk has significant advantages over formula, and is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and The World Health Organization that all babies breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months.
The problem:
Breastfeeding has its challenges and when a mothers’ milk doesn’t come as quickly as expected or supply begins to diminish, there aren’t many solutions to help continue the breastfeeding process and many feel defeated and switch to formula.
Currently, of the 4 million U.S. births a year, (1) approximately 80% of newborn infants initiate breastfeeding. Of these, only 25% continue to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months. (2) Of the mothers who stopped breastfeeding, 60% did so earlier than desired. Early termination was positively associated with mothers’ concerns regarding difficulties with lactation; infant nutrition and weight; illness or need to take medicine; and the effort associated with pumping milk.
Some difficulties mom's encounter when breastfeeding:
Low milk supply: when mothers experience low supply and have to supplement, they can do so directly at the breast. Low milk can occur due to multiple reasons. It can happen from infrequent emptying of the breast or insufficient breast tissue, as well as breast surgery (among many other issues). Regardless of the reason, the Bridge helps mom give extra nutrition while providing extra stimulation to promote milk production.
Baby doesn’t latch: this usually occurs when bottles are introduced early in the breastfeeding process. The Bridge teaches the baby to latch to the breast.
Doctor recommended supplementation: if baby loses >10% of weight after birth or has jaundice, frequently supplementation is recommended by medical staff. This is usually done via bottle, interrupting the breastfeeding relationship. The Bridge gives you the opportunity to give milk to the baby without taking them away from the breast. You also know exactly how much the baby is taking and are promoting milk production in the process.
Pain: if mom is supplementing due to pain, the Bridge will provide a barrier as the nipple is healing. If pain is not improving readily, mom should see a lactation consultant.
Our Solution: The Bridge
We believe that our product, Bridge™, is the solution to improving breastfeeding rates. It is a simple-to-use system that helps babies latch to the breast and stay latched by motivating with them with instant milk (reward system). Further, it helps the mother continue to build a milk supply by increasing breast stimulation. Finally, it helps avoid nipple confusion between the breast and bottle.
Other solutions in the marketplace are either difficult to use, require assistance in operating, or are priced too high. Our proprietary manufacturing method makes the Bridge™ easy-to-use while being affordable.
Team behind the Bridge:
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Kate Spivak is the inventor of The Bridge and the founder of Laally, a Certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) in New Jersey. Kate is a Physician Assistant (PA) and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and above all, she is a mom to two beautiful children. She helps moms resolve breastfeeding issues on a daily basis and seeing their struggles inspired her to create the Bridge. Kate received her Bachelor and Master degrees from Wagner College. |
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Max Spivak is a former consultant at McKinsey & Company where he worked primarily on strategy development in healthcare. Before McKinsey, Max led operations and finances at Quick Rx, a privately-held chain of retail pharmacies. He also has experience as a floor trader on the American Exchange and as a Human Capital consultant at Deloitte. Currently, Max also advises medical practices and sits on the Young Leadership Council of Brooklyn Hospital. Max has a B.S., M.S., and M.B.A. from Cornell University. |
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Aaron Bronshtein is an innovative, creative and passionate mechanical engineer with extensive skills and experience in technical sales, development of scientific laboratory equipment, and product design. He has designed several medical devices over his career and continues to passionately help healthcare product start-up companies. Aaron graduated from the Wentworth Institute of Technology. |
How your contributions help:
Over the past year we successfully launched and tested our beta version of the Bridge, patented the design, attended trade shows and sold through our initial inventory of product. We self-funded all these efforts. Currently, we are able to produce 1,000 pieces per mold. In order to scale production to make the product cheaper and to be able to add much needed options like bigger syringes, gravity bags, and different sizes of the Bridge, we need to invest into new molds and more R&D. We also need to invest in an education and marketing campaign that helps parents learn about breastfeeding and how the Bridge can help if they encounter issues.
What lactation professionals and customers are saying:
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
- What resources are available to resolve breastfeeding issues? Resources include lactation consultants, doctors, and Dr. Google. However, there aren't many (or any) physical tools available to help physically resolve breastfeeding issues. This is where we play.
- Who are our competitors? Medela makes the Supplementary Nursing System (SNS), but the system cost 125% more and is difficult to use since you need to place a tube into a baby’s mouth. Other competitors are smaller and involve a simple tube and fluid container, making it difficult for mom to use.
- Do you have a patent? We have a design and utility patent pending on the Bridge.
- It’s so simple, why do you need so much money to manufacture it? Each commercial mold will cost $150K, packaging line can cost $150-250K and the rest of the logistics, marketing and regulatory costs are even more.
- Has this product been tested? Yes!! Kate has used this in her lactation consulting practice many times with great success. We have also shipped many demos kits and received amazing feedback.
- Can Laally really make an impact? We think so. This will be the first tool marketed as a device that helps resolve breastfeeding issues, which 92% of women face. Key component is the education piece. Not everyone will need our product, but everyone should have one in case they do need it.
- What are your social impact goals? We plan to get the pricing of this device so low that we can work with countries that need it most. Our goal is to increase GLOBAL breastfeeding rates, not just the U.S.
Meet Biet Simkin, Spiritual Teacher & Author. Biet was raised by an awakened Shaman to meditate as a toddler. Signed to Sony Records at the age of 19, she lived the rock ‘n’ roll glam life in New York City for years, until she finally fell to pieces as a heroin addict. In rapid succession, a near death experience, the tragic deaths of her infant child and father, as well as a fire that burnt down her home, propelled her to sober up. As she moved from meltdowns to miracles, she began to teach meditation to private clients, eventually founding a one of a kind system, Center of the Cyclone™ meditation. Get her signed book and speak with her for 15 minutes for a clarity call.
Because you care about empowering and enabling parents, improving breastfeeding rates, and/or helping us develop more options for the Bridge!
You will receive a full Bridge kit.
*Shipping within the U.S. Included
You will receive a set (2) of hand-made breast shaped live-edge wooden coasters.
You or a loved one will receive a one-hour lactation consultation via video chat or at our Mountainside, NJ office with our founder, inventor and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Kate! This also makes for an excellent shower gift.
From an all-female rock star group of doctors at Audiology Associates of Westchester, receive a top-of-the-line hearing aid package worth $7K. Services include fitting, verification, newest technology, 3 year manufacturer warranty and 4-years of follow-up care. Devices can be any style (in-the-ear or behind-the-ear) and selected from any of the 6 major hearing aid manufacturers. Audiology Associates of Westchester is NYS’s highest rated audiology facility and is also owned and operated by two female entrepreneurs. https://www.hearing-care.org/
Name a goal. Any goal. A seemingly impossible goal. We'll help you get there. Conductive is a premier global coaching organization. Through our data-based approach and the encouraging support of an executive coach, everything is within reach. Are you ready to activate yourself?
With this receive a one-hour in-person or telephone coaching session valued at $500 with one of our certified coaches.
Have a Pilates class or simply have a career chat with a well-rounded female consultant at Ernst & Young who is able to manage a high-flying career as an M&A consultant and as a Pilates teacher. Your session can be over the phone or in person anywhere in NYC.
Tranquility Den is a spa for massage & relaxation. Every element has been thoughtfully designed with your enjoyment in mind. What makes the spa distinct is the "lavishly zen" ambiance and their commitment to providing their guests with an exceptional relaxation experience. Swedish massage for $75, normally $100. Ellen, the founder, has also generously donated 4 person spa-parties for $300 campaign contribution (please contact directly if interested). http://www.tranquilitydenmassage.com/
Receive 60-min consultation on topic of your choice with Jenny Peysin, founder and managing partner of JPA, a Brooklyn-based architecture and interior design firm rooted in a modernist philosophy. Clarity of detail creates timeless value.
40-minute physical therapy evaluation at your home in Brooklyn with superstar DPT, Yelena of Via Physical Therapy! You can also use the time for a career chat about Physical Therapy. To learn more, visit https://www.viaphysicaltherapy.com.
1-hour marketing strategy session with Monique Miller, a Senior Manager of eCommerce & Integrated Marketing at Doll 10 Beauty. Her extensive experience in reaching and engaging with an audience has helped companies like Doll 10 succeed in competitive industries, and she can help develop a strategy to do the same.
30 minute career or entrepreneurship chat with Basha Rubin, CEO and Co-Founder of Priori. She speaks and writes extensively about how technology is changing – and will change – the market for legal services. Her writing has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, Inc, Women 2.0 and Under30CEO.
Cheryl (Yeoh) Sew Hoy is a Chinese-Malaysian entrepreneur, board member, speaker and angel investor. Cheryl is currently Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Silicon Valley Bank, and Advisor to blockchain project Tendermint/Cosmos Network and Culture Summit, among others. She is best known for being the Founding CEO of the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC) and as the Co-Founder of Reclip.It, acquired by Walmart Labs. This is your chance to spend 30-minutes speaking to an absolute rock star entrepreneur and mom!
Working Mother is mentor, role model and advocate for the country’s more than 17 million moms who are devoted to their families and committed to their careers. This is your opportunity to virtually meet and chat with the editor-in-chief, Meredith Bodgas! Meredith is a mom of two young sons, an advocate of fairness and good ideas, and an incredible writer. She has written for NYTimes.com, Glamour, Redbook, WomansDay.com and more.
Emily Walsh is a venture capital investor who makes investments in high growth business software companies including sourcing investment. Emily is also an incredible mom, a former McKinsey Consultant and Juilliard graduate. Chat with Emily for 30 minutes to hone in your pitch or have a career chat.
LAvish Travel is a female team of travel gurus. Receive a 20 minute private phone consultation with a luxury travel agent specializing in the Caribbean and Mexican regions. You will also receive a special $200 discount on applicable bookings!
30-minute chat about a career in Investor Relations, Private Equity or an Investment Bank with a Wall Street veteran and mother. Currently with a top private investment management firm, Zhanna is a rock star at every level. Zhanna is a Bridge supporter and wishes she had it when she gave birth!
Mallory is an Associate Partner at McKinsey and Company, a client whisperer, an incredible mother, and a member of a dual-career household. Spend 30 minutes chatting with her about her MBA experience, her work-life balance, her career, and what it takes to share the boardroom with leaders of some of the largest companies in the world.
Sean specializes in all aspects of family law. As a member of the LGBT community, he has counseled many gay and lesbians clients on topics of adoptions and surrogacy. He is a big supporter of chest-feeding and doing what’s best for the baby. Chat (up to 40-min) with Sean about any family law needs! https://www.sobottkalaw.com/
Sky Events is a premier event entertainment company created by Skylar Grossman and Mitchell Bronshtein. Sharing the same love and excitement in helping people create life-long memories, Sky Events prides itself in delivering high-quality entertainment services to those celebrating Weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvah’s, and any private or corporate events.
Our animator / designer will create an animation (up to 20 seconds) for your product or service. Once the animation idea is agreed on you will have 3 revisions for a final product. Most likely will need only 1.
Rewards
Meet Biet Simkin, Spiritual Teacher & Author. Biet was raised by an awakened Shaman to meditate as a toddler. Signed to Sony Records at the age of 19, she lived the rock ‘n’ roll glam life in New York City for years, until she finally fell to pieces as a heroin addict. In rapid succession, a near death experience, the tragic deaths of her infant child and father, as well as a fire that burnt down her home, propelled her to sober up. As she moved from meltdowns to miracles, she began to teach meditation to private clients, eventually founding a one of a kind system, Center of the Cyclone™ meditation. Get her signed book and speak with her for 15 minutes for a clarity call.
Because you care about empowering and enabling parents, improving breastfeeding rates, and/or helping us develop more options for the Bridge!
You will receive a full Bridge kit.
*Shipping within the U.S. Included
You will receive a set (2) of hand-made breast shaped live-edge wooden coasters.
You or a loved one will receive a one-hour lactation consultation via video chat or at our Mountainside, NJ office with our founder, inventor and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Kate! This also makes for an excellent shower gift.
From an all-female rock star group of doctors at Audiology Associates of Westchester, receive a top-of-the-line hearing aid package worth $7K. Services include fitting, verification, newest technology, 3 year manufacturer warranty and 4-years of follow-up care. Devices can be any style (in-the-ear or behind-the-ear) and selected from any of the 6 major hearing aid manufacturers. Audiology Associates of Westchester is NYS’s highest rated audiology facility and is also owned and operated by two female entrepreneurs. https://www.hearing-care.org/
Name a goal. Any goal. A seemingly impossible goal. We'll help you get there. Conductive is a premier global coaching organization. Through our data-based approach and the encouraging support of an executive coach, everything is within reach. Are you ready to activate yourself?
With this receive a one-hour in-person or telephone coaching session valued at $500 with one of our certified coaches.
Have a Pilates class or simply have a career chat with a well-rounded female consultant at Ernst & Young who is able to manage a high-flying career as an M&A consultant and as a Pilates teacher. Your session can be over the phone or in person anywhere in NYC.
Tranquility Den is a spa for massage & relaxation. Every element has been thoughtfully designed with your enjoyment in mind. What makes the spa distinct is the "lavishly zen" ambiance and their commitment to providing their guests with an exceptional relaxation experience. Swedish massage for $75, normally $100. Ellen, the founder, has also generously donated 4 person spa-parties for $300 campaign contribution (please contact directly if interested). http://www.tranquilitydenmassage.com/
Receive 60-min consultation on topic of your choice with Jenny Peysin, founder and managing partner of JPA, a Brooklyn-based architecture and interior design firm rooted in a modernist philosophy. Clarity of detail creates timeless value.
40-minute physical therapy evaluation at your home in Brooklyn with superstar DPT, Yelena of Via Physical Therapy! You can also use the time for a career chat about Physical Therapy. To learn more, visit https://www.viaphysicaltherapy.com.
1-hour marketing strategy session with Monique Miller, a Senior Manager of eCommerce & Integrated Marketing at Doll 10 Beauty. Her extensive experience in reaching and engaging with an audience has helped companies like Doll 10 succeed in competitive industries, and she can help develop a strategy to do the same.
30 minute career or entrepreneurship chat with Basha Rubin, CEO and Co-Founder of Priori. She speaks and writes extensively about how technology is changing – and will change – the market for legal services. Her writing has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, Inc, Women 2.0 and Under30CEO.
Cheryl (Yeoh) Sew Hoy is a Chinese-Malaysian entrepreneur, board member, speaker and angel investor. Cheryl is currently Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Silicon Valley Bank, and Advisor to blockchain project Tendermint/Cosmos Network and Culture Summit, among others. She is best known for being the Founding CEO of the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC) and as the Co-Founder of Reclip.It, acquired by Walmart Labs. This is your chance to spend 30-minutes speaking to an absolute rock star entrepreneur and mom!
Working Mother is mentor, role model and advocate for the country’s more than 17 million moms who are devoted to their families and committed to their careers. This is your opportunity to virtually meet and chat with the editor-in-chief, Meredith Bodgas! Meredith is a mom of two young sons, an advocate of fairness and good ideas, and an incredible writer. She has written for NYTimes.com, Glamour, Redbook, WomansDay.com and more.
Emily Walsh is a venture capital investor who makes investments in high growth business software companies including sourcing investment. Emily is also an incredible mom, a former McKinsey Consultant and Juilliard graduate. Chat with Emily for 30 minutes to hone in your pitch or have a career chat.
LAvish Travel is a female team of travel gurus. Receive a 20 minute private phone consultation with a luxury travel agent specializing in the Caribbean and Mexican regions. You will also receive a special $200 discount on applicable bookings!
30-minute chat about a career in Investor Relations, Private Equity or an Investment Bank with a Wall Street veteran and mother. Currently with a top private investment management firm, Zhanna is a rock star at every level. Zhanna is a Bridge supporter and wishes she had it when she gave birth!
Mallory is an Associate Partner at McKinsey and Company, a client whisperer, an incredible mother, and a member of a dual-career household. Spend 30 minutes chatting with her about her MBA experience, her work-life balance, her career, and what it takes to share the boardroom with leaders of some of the largest companies in the world.
Sean specializes in all aspects of family law. As a member of the LGBT community, he has counseled many gay and lesbians clients on topics of adoptions and surrogacy. He is a big supporter of chest-feeding and doing what’s best for the baby. Chat (up to 40-min) with Sean about any family law needs! https://www.sobottkalaw.com/
Sky Events is a premier event entertainment company created by Skylar Grossman and Mitchell Bronshtein. Sharing the same love and excitement in helping people create life-long memories, Sky Events prides itself in delivering high-quality entertainment services to those celebrating Weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvah’s, and any private or corporate events.
Our animator / designer will create an animation (up to 20 seconds) for your product or service. Once the animation idea is agreed on you will have 3 revisions for a final product. Most likely will need only 1.