Willow LC Equity Scholarship and Baby2Baby

 Recently, Willow Innovations, Inc., the creator of the first and only spillproof, in-bra breast pump, opens its second annual LC Equity Scholarship to support prospective lactation consultants. After a successful inaugural launch, the leading femtech company continues this effort to improve diversity in the lactation field and support moms of color to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration.

Studies have shown that Black babies are the least likely to be breastfed and 15% less likely to have ever been breastfed than White infants. Additionally, while Hispanic mothers have high breastfeeding initiation rates, only 18% of mothers breastfeed exclusively, with 86% of infants supplemented with formula by 5-months-old.

“In order to increase breastfeeding rates, we must address the structural barriers to breastfeeding,” said Wendy Wright, IBCLC and Mom Experience Lead at Willow Innovations, Inc. “Studies have shown the lack of diversity and inclusion among lactation consultants correlates with lower breastfeeding initiation rates among moms of color. In 2021, Willow announced the LC Equity Scholarship to shift this narrative and outcome for multicultural moms. We awarded 17 scholarships last year and are excited to further our commitment with this year’s scholarship.”

The Willow LC Equity Scholarship covers the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants exam fees, which can cost upwards of $660. By establishing this scholarship fund, Willow is helping to eliminate significant financial barriers and expand diversity within the industry. In addition, this year’s scholarship recipients will also receive test preparation resources to prepare them to soar.

Willow is partnering with Lactation Education Resources to provide online prep courses, including video lessons, self-study schedules, exam skills webcasts, access to an exclusive Facebook group to ask questions and network, and more.

In its inaugural year, the LC Equity Scholarship was awarded to 17 aspiring lactation consultants of color, including Ana Saldivar.

“Last year, I received one of Willow’s LC Equity Program scholarships, which paid for the costly certification exam that is required to practice in my field. I am incredibly proud to be a board-certified lactation consultant of color because it means that I am able to help other mothers in my community with the support they may not have received elsewhere,” said Ana Saldivar. “I am encouraged by Willow’s continued dedication to increasing diversity within the industry to help close the gap for mothers of color.”

In addition to the LC Equity Scholarship, Willow will donate 794 Perfect Pumping nursing bras to Baby2Baby, a nonprofit organization that provides basic essentials to families in need across the country.

Prospective lactation consultants can find additional information about the LC Equity Scholarship and the application process here. Applications must be submitted by October 15, 2022 at 11:59 pm PST.

About Willow®
Founded in 2014, Willow Innovations, Inc. forever changed the way women pump with the world's first all-in-one, in-bra wearable breast pump. The Willow Wearable Breast Pumps feature innovative technology, including the Willow Gen 3, which enables total spillproof mobility while pumping, ditching long tubes, cords, dangling bottles and loud sucking sounds so moms can pump wherever their day takes them.

With the launch of Willow Go, moms now have a more affordable option to cut the cord from traditional breast pumps and live life with both hands, without cords, tubes, or stress. 

Willow® and Willow Go™ are trademarks of Willow Innovations, Inc. All other marks are those of their respective owners.