A device for supporting the breast milk microbiome.

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The **microbiome** describes the collection of microorganisms, including bacteria, which reside on and in us. A healthy microbiome is crucial in regulating digestive, immune and metabolic functions. Babies **without** access to breastmilk, which **contributes 40%** of the first beneficial bacteria in infants' guts, are **vulnerable** to microbiome-related diseases such as necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), diabetes, IBS and obesity. However, current global rates of **breastfeeding are poor**, with certain babies such as preterm, C-section and formula-fed infants having reduced access to breastmilk. Consequently, these babies are particularly vulnerable to the aforementioned diseases.BoobyBiome is passionate about **empowering parents** and improving the **health** of their babies through designing products for those **unable** or struggling to breastfeed, by harnessing the power of the microbiome. Currently, BoobyBiome is developing a **breastmilk-derived** microbiome supplement for infants with **compromised microbiomes**. In conducting research and development for BoobyBiome, we have realised that some methods of breastfeeding **diminish the viability** of positive microbial communities in breast milk. With this in mind, we endeavour to implement a **multi-faceted** approach to improving infant gut health by **recovering** the bacteria that these babies are lacking.With this project, BoobyBiome intends to develop a method for **optimising** breastmilk such that all babies may be able to receive the vast array of functions associated with a healthy microbiome, irrespective of how they receive their milk. In this project BoobyBiome will 1) develop a **prototype**, 2) conduct effective iterations of prototype **testing** and 3) finish with a **patented, trademarked and finalised product.**As CEO of BoobyBiome, **Dr.** **Lydia Mapstone**, I am confident in our ability as a **team of female entrepreneurs** and scientists to meet these deliverables, in tandem with our efforts to be **leaders** in the infant microbiome sector. Key to completion of these milestones is our **experienced advisory team** and close associations with the academic community, including our scientific collaborator **Dr. Bajaj-Elliott** of the **UCL Institute of Child Health.****Effective** and **affordable** access to breastmilk microbial communities allows for all babies to develop a healthy microbiome and every parent to provide that. Ultimately, BoobyBiome aims to deliver a product from this project that is accessible to all babies, including C-section, formula-fed babies, preterm babies and babies of same-sex parents. We are committed to producing a **scientifically-valid product** which has the potential to exert real **change** in the healthcare sector. In doing so, we will be a reliable and trusted company to all parents.