Breast Shells Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Sales Channel (Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Store, E-Commerce, Distributor, Direct Purchase), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Breast Shells Market Size & Trends

The global breast shells market size was valued at USD 71.0 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% from 2024 to 2030. Increasing births worldwide are likely to surge the demand for breast shells. According to UNICEF, around 23 million births occur in India in 2023. Similarly, according to an article released by the National Vital Statistics System and the CDC in April 2024, the provisional number of births in the U.S. in 2023 was 3,591328. This was expected to increase the number of women breastfeeding their newborns. The rising number of breastfeeding women is anticipated to drive the market for breast shells. For instance, as per the CDC’s National Immunization Survey 2022, the number of women breastfeeding their child at 12 months has increased from 29.2% in 2012 to 35.9% in 2019.

As the number of breastfeeding mothers is increasing, the number of females suffering from nipple fissures is anticipated to grow, which may increase the use of breast shells, which may contribute to the growth of the market over the forecast period. Additionally, the inverted and flat nipples make it difficult for neonatal to latch on properly, which may further lead to complications such as sore nipples. According to an article published by the NCBI in July 2023, the prevalence rate of inverted nipples was 10%-20% in the general population. These nipples do not provide a proper latch for the baby to feed on; they irritate the skin and may cause the nipple to crack and bleed. Breast shells help correct flat or inverted nipples. Therefore, the use of breast shells may increase over the forecast period.

Additionally, there has been an increase in awareness regarding the benefits of breastmilk and breastfeeding. Various organizations and governments are holding numerous awareness campaigns to promote breastfeeding. For instance, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services celebrated August 2022 as National Breastfeeding Month to encourage mothers to breastfeed their infants. Such awareness campaigns are expected to drive the number of breastfeeding individuals, thereby impelling the market growth over the forecast period.

Sales Channel Insights

The hospital pharmacy segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 38.5% in 2023. The dominance of this segment can be attributed to the expected increase in demand for breast shells among new moms due to rising pregnancy rates around the world. Moreover, increasing births and the number of hospitals worldwide are expected to drive the market. For instance, according to the American Association of Birth Centers, in the U.S., around 98.4% of births occur in a hospital setting. Births in hospital settings are considered to be low-risk. Moreover, around 85% of women giving birth in hospitals are eligible for care at birth centers. Thus, many women prefer delivering in a hospital setting. In addition, due to safety concerns, people trust hospital pharmacies for such postpartum products. Therefore, there is a high level of parental trust in medical professionals, which supports the expansion of the hospital pharmacy.

E-commerce sales channel is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period. It can be accredited to a shift in preference from retail sellers to e-commerce settings offering low-cost products. The segment is projected to grow as breast shells are more widely available online through e-commerce. With the help of the e-commerce channel, customers can compare and choose the best products based on their brand, type, point of sale, and price. Some of the top online retailers that sell to consumers are Amazon, Walmart, Motherhood Maternity, and The Moms Co. These platforms use sales techniques such as buy one, get one deals, discounts, and freebies, further attracting more customers. This is likely to foster the segment growth over the forecast period.

Regional Insights

North America breast shells market dominated the market with a revenue share of over 38.3% in 2023 and is expected to grow considerably over the forecast period. It can be accredited to the increasing awareness regarding the importance of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding awareness campaigns such as the breastfeeding promotion program by the County Health Ranking Organization focused on providing information and education regarding breastfeeding practices to women throughout their pre-natal and post-natal periods are facilitating the growth. The organization is expected to increase the number of hygienic breastfeeding practices. Hence, due to such campaigns organized by various government and non-governmental organizations, the breastfeeding rate is expected to increase, thereby expanding breast-shell use.

U.S. Breast Shells Market Trends

The U.S. breast shells market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. Growing awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding has led to increased adoption rates, consequently driving demand for products such as breast shells. Moreover, the growing number of working mothers requires practical solutions for managing milk leakage, making breast shells an essential accessory. Moreover, the growing presence of breast shells in various retail outlets and online platforms has widened market access and availability, leading to overall market expansion in the country. 

Europe Breast Shells Market Trends

Europe breast shells market is anticipated to witness significant growth in the region due to the region's progressive stance on women's health and work-life balance, which has led to a surge in working mothers, necessitating practical solutions for milk management. Europe's focus on comfort, hygiene, and technological advancements has also created a favorable environment for innovative breast shell products.

The breast shell market in Germany is expected to experience significant growth in the upcoming years. This is due to the market's preference for high-quality, technologically advanced designs of breast shell products, which is driving the market expansion. Additionally, Germany's strong focus on maternal and child health, government initiatives, and healthcare policies supporting breastfeeding are contributing factors. For example, the German government's "Baby Friendly Hospital" program certifies hospitals for providing breastfeeding assistance, contributing to the country's increasing demand for breast shells.

Asia Pacific Breast Shells Market Trends

Asia Pacific is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 4.8% over the forecast period. The market is steadily increasing, offering several opportunities to introduce new products. Furthermore, rising birth rates and the increasing number of working mothers are anticipated to drive additional expansion. The rising awareness about maternal health is witnessing a surge in breastfeeding rates, consequently driving demand for breast shells. Moreover, the increasing disposable income in numerous Asian nations allows women to purchase high-quality breastfeeding products, which is helping the market's growth.

China breast shells market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years due to the growing recognition and acceptance of breastfeeding as the best nutrition for infants. Additionally, the increasing disposable income allows more women to purchase high-quality breastfeeding products such as breast shells. Furthermore, the growing amount of employed women requires effective methods for milk handling, leading to a high demand for breast shells in China.

Key Breast Shells Company Insights

Some of the key companies in the market include Koninklijke Philips N.V., Medela, Magento, Inc., Ardo Medical Ltd., Chicco., and others. Organizations are focusing on increasing their customer base to gain a competitive edge in the industry. Therefore, key players are taking several strategic initiatives, such as product launches, technology enhancements, mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships with other major companies. 

• Koninklijke Philips N.V., a leading company in healthcare technology, operates in the breast shells industry by emphasizing the well-being of mothers and babies. As a diversified health and well-being company, Philips provides different products and services to help women's health, including innovative solutions for breastfeeding mothers.

• Medela, a well-known leader in developing and manufacturing breastfeeding products, is a significant player in the breast-shell industry. The company is dedicated to offering creative solutions to assist mothers throughout their breastfeeding experience. With a dedicated focus on research and development, Medela provides a variety of breast shells that are designed to protect sensitive nipples, collect leaked milk, and offer relief to breastfeeding mothers.

Recent Developments

• In March 2021, Philips, a leading maternal and child care product brand preferred by pregnant women, launched the new Philips Avent Double Electric Breast Pump, Advanced. The product is designed with revolutionary Natural Motion technology and a small, easily transportable structure.

Breast Shells Market Report Scope

Global Breast Shells Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global breast shells market report based on, sales channel and region:

• Sales Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hospital Pharmacy

  • Retail Store

  • E-Commerce

  • Wholesaler/Distributor

  • Direct Purchase

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Australia

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • South Africa