Science
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Scientific rationale: Breastfeeding establishment is the process by which milk supply and breastfeeding dynamics are developed in the first days to weeks postpartum. This is also reflected in milk compositional changes transitioning from colostrum to mature milk. Early identification and management of delays can improve outcomes for successful exclusive breastfeeding. By looking at the milk itself, the Mylee can help identify early trends within this dynamic process, in real time, from the first days after birth. Markers of breastfeeding and milk supply establishment have been reported in scientific literature starting as early as the 1950s. We bring it to the hands of mothers. Research has identified several biomarkers in human milk, like sodium, glucose, and protein, that reflect the transition to mature milk during lactogenesis II. These markers can indicate how well breastfeeding is progressing. High levels of milk electrolytes, such as sodium and chloride, may signal delays in milk production and potential breastfeeding challenges.
Patented technology Assessing milk maturation by reliably measuring conductivity in a tiny human milk sample. The MyLee system comprises a hand-held milk sensing device with a dual-sensor system configured to reliably measure milk sample conductivity in small (350ul) human milk sample, and a smartphone application implementing algorithms for data collection, processing, and visualization in a user-friendly manner. US registered patent – US 12/150,772 B2 PCT application – PCT/IL2024/050566 |
The system has been subjected to rigorous device performance testing including linearity, precision, accuracy, and repeatability using standard solutions and breast milk specimens, and was compared to lab-grade analysers.
- Excellent reproducibility CV95%<5%
- Excellent accuracy error<5%
- Almost perfect inter-device unit reliability ICC>0.90
The MyLee was designed by engineers for simple and precise operation, to be used with miniature milk samples, by moms, at home. Our team has tested several rounds of prototypes before bringing the sleek, easily operated, robust and accurate tool to mother’s hands.
The MyLee was designed by engineers for simple and precise operation, to be used with miniature milk samples, by moms, at home. Our team has tested several rounds of prototypes before bringing the sleek, easily operated, robust and accurate tool to mother’s hands.
Milk Maturation percent
A novel parameter for tracking secretory activation progress
HOW IS MILK MATURATION % COMPUTED?
Milk maturation % reflects breastfeeding establishment dynamics, not milk "quality" or sufficiency. While it does not diagnose feeding adequacy, it generally correlates with baby weight gain and breastfeeding exclusivity.
MILK MATURATION %
For each milk sample reading, MyLee computes a numeric milk maturation parameter from 0% (colostrum) to 100% (fully mature milk). it’s calculated using electrical conductance of milk samples, compared against a proprietary dataset of thousands of samples collected over the first 6 months postpartum.The lower the maturation, the less advanced a mother is in her supply establishment progress.First goal? Reaching full maturation within the first 2-3 weeks.
COLOR INDICATION
The index is color-coded: green (above average) or orange (below average) relative to MyMilk benchmarks for the specific postpartum day, based on MyMilk’s reference dataset. The good news? Orange results also indicate that by being proactive there is an opportunity to significantly boost supply!
TEXT INSIGHTS
Milk maturation % compares breasts and tracks changes over time, providing insights on supply, breast imbalance or restricted milk flow, which could signal the need for improved milk removal. It does not diagnose medical conditions.
DAY FROM BIRTH PREDICTION
Milk maturation % compares breasts and tracks changes over time, providing insights on supply, breast imbalance or restricted milk flow, which could signal the need for improved milk removal. It does not diagnose medical conditions.
ENHANCED PERSONALIZED INSIGHTS
ystem further generates enhanced personalized insights, augmenting milk insights, based on additional maternal-baby system records, E.g. breastfeeding efficiency and confidence scores, breastfeeding frequency and duration, breast pain, diaper counts, baby weight gain, feedings, infant conditions, OB/Gyn survey and more.
SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN
The MyLee was designed by engineers for simple and precise operation, to be used with miniature milk samples, by moms, at home. Our team has tested several rounds of prototypes before bringing the sleek, easily operated, robust and accurate tool to mother’s hands.
SYSTEM TESTING AND VALIDATION
The system has been subjected to rigorous device performance testing including linearity, precision, accuracy, and repeatability using standard solutions and breast milk specimens, and was compared to lab-grade analysers.
Excellent reproducibility CV95%<5%
Excellent accuracy error<5%
Almost perfect inter-device unit reliability ICC>0.90
Association with Na+ levels
Laboratory analysis of a set of breast milk samples demonstrated a strong reverse correlation between system's MM% results and milk sodium ion (Na+) levels, a well-studied biomarker for secretory activation states and lactation adequacy
REAL WORLD EVIDENCE
Data continuously accumulated on-the-spot with MyLee systems from moms and lactation consultants are aggregately analysed for improving system algorithms, and improve our understanding of the science of breastfeeding internally and together with academic partners.
Our Scientific Research
We’re proud to lead the research in this important emerging scientific field, and to work with experts at leading institutions to further scientific understanding of breastfeeding and maternal and infant health.
Research partners & peer-reviewed publications:
Novel At-Home Mother’s Milk Conductivity Sensing Technology as an Identification System of Delay in Milk Secretory Activation Progress and Early Breastfeeding Problems: Feasibility Assessment
The study demonstrated the feasibility of using the MyLee breastmilk sensor to monitor milk conductivity at home as an indicator for breastfeeding challenges. This technology tracks the progress of milk production in high resolution, by computing milk maturation based on conductivity as a reflector of electrolyte levels, particularly sodium ions, dynamics of which are known indicators of successful breastfeeding.
In a study involving over 500 mothers, the sensor reliably identified patterns linked to breastfeeding progress and challenges such as delayed milk production and low supply. By providing real-time, data-driven insights, MyLee empowers mothers and healthcare providers to detect potential breastfeeding issues early, supporting better breastfeeding outcomes.
BMC pregnancy and childbirth - collection of 'Digital tools for maternal health and wellness' (published soon)
A handheld milk conductivity sensing device (MyLee) for measuring secretory activation progress in lactating women: A device validation study
UCSF
MyMilk had collaboration with the lab of Dr. Nadav Ahituv of UCSF, integrating the MyLee breast milk scanner system intended for early monitoring of breastmilk maturation dynamics, as part of a research by Dr. Yarden Golan Maor, studying the biological basis of low milk supply.
Dr. Abigail Navarro, Seed Lab
Ongoing research titled: Optimizing Breastfeeding: A Home-Based Monitoring of Milk Maturity as indication for breastfeeding establishment progress and Personalized Tracking of Breastfeeding Progress in At-Risk Populations
References (for the full science section)
References
Haramati S, Novel At-Home Mother’s Milk Conductivity Sensing Technology as an Identification System of Delay in Milk Secretory Activation Progress and Early Breastfeeding Problems: Feasibility Assessment. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2023
Odom EC et al. Reasons for earlier than desired cessation of breastfeeding. Pediatrics. 2013 Mar;131(3)
Brownell, Does Delayed Onset Lactogenesis II Predict the Cessation of Any or Exclusive Breastfeeding? J Pediatr. 2012
Chapman DJ, Perez-Escamilla R. Does delayed perception of the onset of lactation shorten breastfeeding duration? J Hum Lact 1999.
Dewey KG. Risk factors for suboptimal infant breastfeeding behavior, delayed onset of lactation, and excess neonatal weight loss. Pediatrics 2003
Humenick, Breast-milk sodium as a predictor of breastfeeding patterns. Can J Nurs Res. 1998.
Galipeau R., et al. Infant and Maternal Factors Influencing Breastmilk Sodium Among Primiparous Mothers. Breastfeeding medicine, 2012, Volume 7, Number 4
Koo WW, Gupta JM. Breast milk sodium. Arch Dis Child.1982. 57(7): 500–502
Kulski JK et al. CHANGES IN HUMAN MILK COMPOSITION DURING THE INITIATION OF LACTATION. Australian Journal of Experimental Biology and Medical Science. Volume 59, Issue 1
Miller. Electrical conductivity and chloride content of women’s milk. Part 3. Relationship to adequacy of lactation,
Archives of Disease in Childhood , 1951, 26(128):325-9
Miller and Jackson, Electrical conductivity and chloride content of women’s milk. Part 4. Results and their relationship to milk yield and to duration of lactation, Archives of Disease in Childhood, 1951, 26(128):329-334
Morton J et al. The Clinical Usefulness of Breast Milk Sodium in the Assessment of Lactogenesis, Pediatrics, 1994
Neville et al. , Studies in human lactation: milk volume and nutrient composition during weaning and lactogenesis. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1991;54