Breastfeeding can be hard and lonely. These women are trying to change that | CNN Business

CNN - Dec 21st, 2024
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Andrea Ippolito's personal struggle with breastfeeding led to the founding of SimpliFed, a virtual platform that connects new parents with insurance-covered lactation support. This initiative is part of a larger trend where tech companies are stepping in to provide much-needed postpartum services. Despite the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding, many parents face challenges such as low milk supply and lack of support. Companies like SimpliFed and Pumpspotting aim to bridge this gap by offering resources and community connections for new parents, fostering a growing industry projected to reach $22.6 billion by 2029.

The story highlights the significant challenges of breastfeeding, including societal pressures and logistical difficulties, especially when returning to work. Entrepreneurs are leveraging technology to address these challenges, driven by a greater awareness of the underserved needs in women's health. While there is growing investor interest, the path is fraught with challenges, particularly for female founders in the tech space. Concerns about racial and socioeconomic disparities in breastfeeding support remain, underscoring the need for transparency and diversity in these emerging businesses. The shift towards tech-driven solutions marks a transformative period in postpartum care, though it raises questions about the role of profit-driven entities in healthcare.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides an engaging narrative on the challenges and innovations within the breastfeeding support industry. It effectively highlights personal stories, technological advancements, and the business dynamics that shape this sector. While it does a commendable job of illustrating the emotional and practical aspects of breastfeeding, there are areas for improvement in terms of source quality and transparency. The article could benefit from a more rigorous examination of its claims and a broader range of perspectives, especially concerning socioeconomic and racial disparities. Overall, while the piece is informative and well-structured, readers would benefit from more in-depth analysis and context regarding the broader implications and challenges faced by new parents.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article appears to be largely accurate in its depiction of the breastfeeding challenges faced by new mothers and the emerging market for lactation support services. It references the American Academy of Pediatrics' guidelines and the CDC's statistics on breastfeeding rates, lending credibility to the claims about breastfeeding practices and challenges in the U.S. However, the article could further enhance its accuracy by providing citations or links to the specific studies or data it mentions, such as the benefits of breastfeeding or the predicted growth of the postpartum services market. Overall, while the article is factually sound, it would benefit from additional references to support its assertions.

7
Balance

The article provides a reasonably balanced overview of the breastfeeding support industry, presenting both the challenges faced by new parents and the opportunities for tech companies in this space. It includes voices from various stakeholders, such as Andrea Ippolito, Sarah Kellogg Neff, and Gayle Shipp, offering a range of perspectives on the issue. However, the article could improve its balance by including more voices from parents who may have different experiences, particularly those from diverse socioeconomic and racial backgrounds. Additionally, it briefly touches on potential conflicts of interest in the for-profit sector but does not delve deeply into how these might impact the support available to parents. A more nuanced exploration of these aspects would provide a fuller picture.

9
Clarity

The article is well-written and effectively conveys the complexities of breastfeeding and the support industry. It uses clear and accessible language, making it easy for readers to understand the challenges and innovations discussed. The structure is logical, beginning with a personal narrative that draws readers in before expanding to broader industry trends and expert insights. The tone is generally neutral and professional, though it occasionally leans into emotive language, particularly when describing the emotional struggles of new parents. These instances enhance the narrative's relatability without detracting from its clarity. Overall, the article maintains a strong level of clarity, making it engaging and informative for a wide audience.

6
Source quality

The article cites several credible sources, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the CDC, and market research from Mordor Intelligence. It also quotes experts in the field, such as Ann Kellams and Gayle Shipp. However, the article lacks direct citations or references to specific studies or reports, which would enhance the reliability of its claims. Additionally, while it mentions the predicted growth of the postpartum services market, it does not provide detailed information about the methodology or source of these predictions. Including more detailed and varied sources, such as academic studies or government reports, would strengthen the article's credibility and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issues discussed.

5
Transparency

The article discusses potential conflicts of interest in the for-profit lactation support industry, highlighting concerns about transparency and the motivations of companies involved. However, it does not thoroughly explore these issues or provide detailed information about the affiliations and funding sources of the companies mentioned. For example, while it mentions that The Lactation Network is privately held, it does not disclose how this might impact its operations or objectivity. Additionally, the article could improve transparency by providing more context about the broader challenges in the breastfeeding support industry, such as insurance coverage and accessibility for diverse populations. A more transparent approach would involve a deeper investigation into these aspects and clearer disclosure of potential biases.