MILKMATE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs for Employees
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How does MilkMate benefit working parents?
MilkMate is an all-in-one, breast pumping solution specifically designed for places of work. The MilkMate offering enables pumping moms to pump breast milk without carrying anything additional to work, thus supporting their transition back to the office and facilitating increased productivity after parental leave.
Is it easy to learn how to use the MilkMate solution?
Absolutely! Learning to use MilkMate’s solution is very straightforward. Our parts kits come pre-assembled, pre-sterilized, and ready for immediate use so all you need to do is open a kit bag, position your parts, plug in the tubing to MilkMate’s multi-user pump, and begin your session.
Our pump includes a user-friendly interface with intuitive buttons, designed to operate similarly to other well-known breast pumps on the market, and we equip all users with step-by-step instructions to ensure a seamless experience. Also, you can always reach out to support@milkmate.com or contact us via the MilkMate app if you have questions or want to learn more.
How much does MilkMate cost me as a user?
Nothing :). The cost of MilkMate is fully covered by the employer or landlord, and is offered as a benefit to you!
What is included in each breast shield kit?
Each pre-assembled, pre-sterilized breast shield kit is comprised of essential pumping components including two breast shields, associated tubing and connectors, and milk pouches with secure lids. MilkMate also offers additional milk pouches as requested, ensuring a comprehensive and seamless pumping experience.
What size flanges does MilkMate offer?
MilkMate’s standard flange size, provided at all MilkMate locations, is size 27. For those who need a larger size, MilkMate has size 30 and 36 flanges available for use. For those who need a smaller size, we offer re-usable inserts in sizes 15, 17, and 21. We are actively working to add size 21 and 24 breast shields to our offerings. Please reach out to support@milkmate.com if you need a different size and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
How does the MilkMate pump compare with other breast pumps on the market?
MilkMate’s pump was designed to mirror the ‘at-home’ pumping experience, in-line with other multi-user pumps. Our high performance pump was cleared by the FDA, which means that it was required to pass robust testing protocols on performance, durability, and biocompatibility prior to hitting the market.
What happens if the pump breaks?
While we anticipate smooth operation of all our pumps, MilkMate maintains an extra pump at each location as a precaution. For any troubleshooting or support-related questions, you can always contact support@milkmate.com to get in touch with a MilkMate representative.
Do I need to download the MilkMate app to use the MilkMate service?
Yes, please! Downloading the MilkMate app and scanning the QR code on your MilkMate station after each use of a breast shield kit is the one requirement that we have for you as a MilkMate user. This is a key part of our inventory tracking process so we know when kits are running low and can send a restock.
In addition, there are fun ‘daily drop’ questions on the app and it’s an easy way to contact customer support should you need it.
Also, there are more features to come in the future… and we always welcome your feedback and suggestions 🙂
What happens if our workplace runs out of breast shield kits?
MilkMate is a service, meaning that we consistently monitor and replenish parts for you. Our goal is to ensure that the you always have the parts you need to complete your pumping sessions and get on with your day. That said, we need your help! As a MilkMate user, we need you to “help us help you” when it comes to inventory tracking by scanning the MilkMate-provided QR code each time you use a MilkMate parts kit.
While our commitment is to avoid this situation, if you ever do see your MilkMate parts running low and are concerned about inventory available, please reach out to support@milkmate.com so we can address the issue in a timely fashion.
How do I contact MilkMate as a user?
The MilkMate team is always here to support you and we do our best to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours. You can contact the MilkMate team via email at support@milkmate.com, via phone at 86-MILKMATE, or through the customer support feature on the MilkMate app.
FAQs for Employers
Our private, non-bathroom space dedicated for our employees’ lactation needs is small. Is there a minimum room size requirement for MilkMate?
No, there is no minimum room size requirement for MilkMate’s solution. Our modular furniture can be tailored to fit the specific needs and spaces of different workplaces, ensuring optimal functionality and user comfort. Find the menu of MilkMate product offerings here.
What if our company doesn’t have any breast pumping employees?
MilkMate’s solution is designed to help create a more equitable workplace. Regardless of whether your company has breast pumping employees today, offering a solution like MilkMate is a way to demonstrate your commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace for all employees. Installing MilkMate can help you better recruit and retain valued female talent, regardless of where you are now from an employee breakdown standpoint.
Who can benefit from MilkMate?
MilkMate’s revolutionary breast pumping solution was purpose-built for workplaces. MilkMate can benefit all industries and places of work including, but not limited to, traditional office spaces, building amenity centers, healthcare facilities, retail outlets, hospitality venues, and education centers.
How do we track the inventory of the breast shield kits at each MilkMate station?
A key part of our solution at MilkMate is our service. We consistently monitor and replenish your parts, to ensure that your supplies are adequately stocked at all times. Users are asked to record each pumping session by scanning the MilkMate-provided QR code on your station and we take it from there. We do not intend for employers to have to site check or count kits, as a huge part of our mission is to make things easier not only for employees, but also for the employers and landlords who support them.
How do users reach out if they have questions about MilkMate?
Users can contact the MilkMate team via email at support@milkmate.com or via phone at 86-MILKMATE. Additionally, users can easily contact us through our app’s customer support feature for quick assistance.
How much does MilkMate cost?
MilkMate has an upfront furniture, installation, and onboarding fee that varies depending on what components of our solution you select for your space. In addition, we charge an annual servicing fee that covers inventory management and restocking of breast shield kits as needed, access to our dedicated customer support team, your pump warranties, and any upgrades to your pumps and parts as available. Service fees vary based on company size and number of pumping stations. For a personalized quote, please reach out to sales@milkmate.com.
How does Milkmate practice sustainability?
MilkMate breast shield kits are fully recyclable and we provide a recycling collection bin as part of our solution so it is easy for employees to properly dispose of used breast shield kits. In addition, all our manufacturing partners honor sustainable practices for their manufacturing processes, and we continually evaluate additional ways to become more sustainable and minimize our environmental impact.
How can my company offer MilkMate?
You can learn more here about how your company can offer MilkMate’s turnkey breast pumping solution and service, and we encourage you to reach out to us directly at sales@milkmate.com.
FAQs for Landlords
Where is it typical for landlords to consider a MilkMate solution installation?
Typically, landlords install MilkMate within their building amenity centers and/or within corridor spaces shared by tenants who may or may not have their own office space to provide private, non-bathroom pumping areas, as required by the recently passed PUMP Act.
How is MilkMate maintained in a communal space?
A key part of our solution at MilkMate is our service. We consistently monitor and replenish your parts, to ensure that your supplies are adequately stocked at all times. Users are asked to record each pumping session by scanning the MilkMate-provided QR code on your station and we track inventory from there. We do not intend for landlords to have to site check or count kits, as a huge part of our mission is to make things easier not only for employees, but also for the employers and landlords who support them.
At what point in the building process should we get in touch to explore a MilkMate installation?
There is no right or wrong time to reach out to MilkMate to explore an installation! Our team can work with building architects and designers to help plan for future wellness room builds and/or we can help you install MilkMate to improve your existing wellness rooms. You can learn more about how we work with other landlords here or, if you’re interested in further exploring a MilkMate solution installation, we encourage you to reach out to sales@milkmate.com.
How does MilkMate practice sustainability?
MilkMate breast shield kits are fully recyclable and we provide a recycling collection bin as part of our solution so it is easy for employees to properly dispose of used breast shield kits. In addition, all our manufacturing partners honor sustainable practices for their manufacturing processes and we are continually evaluating additional ways to become more sustainable and minimize our environmental impact.
FAQs About the Pump
Was the MilkMate pump cleared by the FDA?
Yes, MilkMate received FDA market clearance for its breast pump. The MilkMate pump is a Class II Medical Device, meaning that to receive FDA clearance, MilkMate was required to prove that the device is safe, effective, and substantially equivalent to similar, legally marketed devices.
To prove safety and performance, MilkMate completed 10+ different types of testing on the device (including but not limited to performance testing, clinical testing, bio-compatibility testing, and anti-aging testing).
Where can I find performance data on the MilkMate pump?
MilkMate’s 510(k) summary is available publicly for reference and review, and states all technical data on the pump’s performance.
What impacts pump performance?
There are many technical and personal factors that go into ensuring maximum output per breast pumping session. This has led to a robust offering of at-home pumps on the market to meet individual users’ needs and preferences.
Technical specifications for weak vacuum include but are not limited to:
- Breast shield on each kit must fit tightly onto the breast shield body (but not too snug or this will cause poor vacuum)
- All parts must be totally dry and not damp
- Diaphragm must be properly attached to the casing
- All connections must be tight so no air can leak
- Tubing must be straightened to ensure proper air flow
- Breast shield must be well secured and tightly fastened to the tubing connector
- Tubing connector ends are tight and connected well to the tubing, breast motor unit, and breast shield
- Other considerations for output / different feel are caused by user emotions of stress or angst, user eating or drinking too much or too little prior to a pumping session, user posture, and the material of the breast shield membrane
MilkMate strives to create a universal pump for the workplace but understands that exceeding every user’s needs and preferences may not be possible with one device. Should you have questions around the MilkMate pump performance, we encourage you to reach out to us at support@milkmate.com.
Why can’t I find MilkMate’s pump available for purchase online for my at-home set up?
The MilkMate breast pump was specifically designed and developed for workplace use. MilkMate has no current intention of selling its breast pump to the single-user market, but rather intends to be complimentary to at-home pumps.
