South Africa Breast Pump Market Report

South Africa Breast Pump Market Executive Summary

The South Africa Breast Pump Market is at around $19.1 Mn in 2023 and is projected to reach $36.8 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.83% during the forecast period.

A breast pump is a mechanical device that lactating women use to extract milk from their breasts. They are available in two forms; they can be manual devices powered by hand or foot movements or automatic devices powered by electricity. Breast pumps are available in a variety of styles to meet the demands of moms. Hand-operated manual pumps are lightweight and silent, making them ideal for sporadic usage. Electric pumps are often used on a regular basis because of their higher efficiency and ability to run on mains or batteries. There are several uses for breast pumps. Many parents use them to continue breastfeeding after they return to work. They express their milk at work, which is later bottle-fed to their child by a caregiver. A breast pump may also be used to address a range of challenges parents may encounter during breastfeeding, including difficulties latching, separation from an infant in intensive care, feeding an infant who cannot extract sufficient milk itself from the breast, to avoid passing medication through breast milk to the baby, or to relieve engorgement, which is a painful condition whereby the breasts are overfull.

The South Africa Breast Pump Market is driven by significant factors such as the rising female workforce, technological features, and growing awareness. However, the high cost, physical discomfort, and societal judgments of breast pumps restrict the growth and potential of the market.

The major players in the South Africa Breast Pump Market are Bistos, Ameda, Avent, Evenflo, and Pigeon, among others.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Rising Female Workforce: In South Africa, where female labor force participation reached 52.38% in 2023, the growing number of professional women drives breast pump market growth. As women advance in their careers, the demand for solutions that balance work and family life increases. Breast pumps offer working mothers convenience and flexibility, supported by progressive workplace policies and increased breastfeeding awareness, leading to higher adoption rates and market expansion.

Technological Features: Technological advancements in breast pumps, including adjustable suction levels, portability, quiet operation, and smart connectivity, drive market growth. Innovations like wearable designs and smartphone apps for tracking milk production enhance convenience and efficiency, making pumps more appealing to tech-savvy parents. This increased demand for advanced features fuels substantial market expansion.

Growing Awareness: In South Africa, rising consumer awareness about breast pumps drives market growth. Increased knowledge about breastfeeding benefits and breast pump advantages—through educational initiatives, public health campaigns, and healthcare endorsements—boosts consumer confidence and demand. This growing awareness leads more parents to invest in breast pumps, fueling market expansion.

Market Restraints

High Cost: The cost of breast pumps can be a major restraint on market growth, as high prices may limit access for many potential users. Premium models with advanced features can be particularly expensive, making them less affordable for some families. Additionally, while insurance coverage for breast pumps is available in some regions, it may not fully offset the costs, leaving a financial burden on consumers. The high expense can deter new users and impact the overall adoption rate of breast pumps, thereby constraining market expansion and limiting the potential for growth in this sector.

Physical Discomfort: Physical discomfort while using breast pumps can be a significant concern for many users. The process may involve sensations of soreness, tenderness, or even pain, especially if the pump is not properly fitted or if it is used for extended periods. Incorrect suction levels, poorly designed flanges, or inadequate adjustment can exacerbate discomfort and lead to irritation or injury. This physical discomfort can discourage regular use and impact the overall effectiveness of the pump, potentially affecting a mother’s decision to continue using it and influencing her breastfeeding experience.

Societal Judgements: Some people perceive the use of breast pumps as a sign of failure or lack of commitment to traditional breastfeeding, viewing it as a departure from what they believe should be a purely natural process. This belief suggests that using a pump indicates a failure to adhere to the ideal of unassisted breastfeeding. Consequently, mothers who opt for breast pumps for legitimate reasons such as medical issues or returning to work may experience guilt or shame. Such negative perceptions can hinder the growth of the breast pump market.

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

The regulatory body for pharmaceuticals in South Africa is the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), operating under the National Department of Health. SAHPRA ensures the safety, efficacy, and quality of all health products in South Africa, including human and veterinary medicines, medical devices, and complementary medicines.

Before new drugs can be sold in South Africa, SAHPRA evaluates applications and authorizes their commercialization. Additionally, they grant licenses to producers, distributors, and wholesalers of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. When evaluating novel drugs, SAHPRA examines and approves clinical trial applications to guarantee participant safety and ethical research procedures. Moreover, SAHPRA gathers and analyses information on adverse reactions reported by patients and healthcare professionals in order to actively monitor the safety of pharmaceuticals once they are placed on the market. Overall, the rigorous review process of SAHPRA helps ensure that only safe and effective medications reach the market, thus safeguarding the public health in South Africa.

South Africa's National Health Insurance (NHI) is a proposed reform aiming to transform the country’s healthcare financing system. Regardless of employment or income level, the NHI aims to provide all South African citizens and permanent residents with universal access to high-quality healthcare services. By establishing a unified funding source for the public and private healthcare sectors, the NHI seeks to overcome current disparities in healthcare access.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Here are some of the major key players in the South Africa Breast Pump Market:

• Bistos
• Ameda
• Avent
• Evenflo
• Pigeon
• Playtex
• Horigen
• Perifit
• Kimetech GmbH
• Medela AG