In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty interviews Melissa Thurch, PhD, IBCLC, about her groundbreaking research on breast pumps in Germany. They dive into the Pumped Project, differences in insurance coverage between Germany and the United States, the challenges of regulating breast pumps, and the future of lactation research. Melissa also shares her journey from WIC nutritionist to international breastfeeding researcher, her private practice experience in Germany, and advice for aspiring IBCLCs and researchers.

Melissa’s Journey into Lactation Research

Melissa shares how her early work with the WIC program in the U.S. led her into the world of lactation, and how a personal move to Germany eventually launched her academic career in breastfeeding research.

The Pumped Project: Breast Pumps in Germany

Melissa introduces the Pumped Project, which aims to profile and understand the landscape of electric breast pumps available in Germany, including:

• The large number and wide range of pumps (over 200 designs found!)
• Differences between medical-grade and commercial pumps
• Lack of insurance coverage for many personal-use pumps
• How maternity leave policies impact pump usage

Margaret and Melissa explore:

• The limited regulation of breast pumps in Germany compared to the U.S.
• Issues with missing data on product specifications
• The challenges of tracking adverse events and injuries
• How the European CE mark system works (and doesn’t)

Melissa highlights:

• Pump prices ranging from 19 to 350 euros
• Most pumps offering only one or two flange sizes, with a heavy bias toward 24mm
• The growing market share of wearable pumps
• The market’s volatility, making it difficult to create a consumer resource

Melissa discusses the future directions:

• Wrapping up data collection
• Publishing scientific papers summarizing findings
• Investigating regulation and adverse event reporting further
• Conducting complementary research on routine health data and medical-grade pump prescriptions

Melissa describes the landscape for IBCLCs in Germany:

• IBCLC services are mostly private pay and not widely reimbursed
• Midwives are the primary reimbursed providers for breastfeeding support
• Families often rely on midwives, La Leche League, and peer counselors for lactation care

Melissa offers valuable advice:

• For researchers: Be prepared for funding challenges, use your networks, and stay motivated by the impact of your work.
• For future IBCLCs: Grow your network, join organizations like ILCA, and be strategic in finding mentors who inspire you.

Melissa Thurch, PhD, IBCLC, is a lactation researcher and private practice IBCLC based in Munich, Germany. She has worked internationally with organizations like WHO and UNICEF and is passionate about expanding the evidence base for breastfeeding practices.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

📌 La Leche League – Mother-to-mother breastfeeding support worldwide

📌 ILCA – International Lactation Consultant Association for networking and resources

📌 Pay at the Pump Study (Valerie Leider) – Adverse events related to breast pumps in the U.S.

📌 The Lactation Network – An insurance billing hub for U.S. private practice IBCLCs

Connect with Me:

Questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes? Reach out!

📧 Email: [email protected]

📸 Instagram: @margaretsalty

📘 Facebook: Margaret Salty

Credits:

🎙 Hosted by: Margaret Salty

🎧 Guest: Melissa Thurch, PhD, IBCLC

🎵 Music by: The Magnifiers, My Time Traveling Machine

Hashtags & Keywords:

#BehindTheLatch #BreastfeedingResearch #BreastPumps #LactationConsultant #MaternalHealth #PumpedProject #LactationScience #BreastfeedingSupport #LactationEducation

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