Insights Into Policies, Stakeholders, and Governance of Breast Pump Provision in Germany

In Germany, low breastfeeding rates are a public health concern, undermining long-term health benefits for both mothers and children. To address this, some public health and workplace policies supporting breastfeeding and milk expression have already been established. This paper examines policies in Germany related to breastfeeding and human milk expression, with a focus on breast pumps as a key medical technology, and explores pathways for accessing breast pumps. Stakeholders relevant for governing aspects around breastfeeding at work and breast pumps in Germany were identified. In addition, we examine the existing German regulatory environment governing breast pumps as medical devices. This paper contributes to informing future research and policy on health insurance coverage of breast pumps in Germany.