Innovative Smart Lactation Pads Enable Real-Time Monitoring of Breast Milk Safety

Researchers at the University of Southern California have introduced a groundbreaking lactation pad embedded with sensing technology that allows breastfeeding parents to monitor the safety of their breast milk in real time. Published in the journal Device, the study highlights the device's ability to detect safe levels of the pain medication acetaminophen in breast milk—a common drug prescribed postpartum that can transfer to infants during breastfeeding.

First author Maral Mousavi, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at USC, explains, "This device is the first wearable to perform direct biochemical analysis of breast milk and incorporates real-time sensing technology. It empowers lactating individuals with actionable health insights, supporting maternal and infant well-being in a way that was previously impossible."

The smart lactation pad is designed with electrodes and tiny channels that analyze milk samples continuously as parents go about their daily routines. It requires no extra effort beyond typical breastfeeding practices. The device's ability to monitor drug levels in breast milk not only helps parents make informed decisions—such as when to discard milk containing high drug concentrations—but also provides scientists with valuable data on how medications are transferred into breast milk.

While acetaminophen is generally considered safe at recommended doses, overexposure can cause severe health issues, including acute liver failure in children and the need for liver transplants. The team was motivated to develop this technology after a postpartum mother prescribed the medication during recovery. Existing methods for assessing breast milk safety are often delayed and costly, involving mail-in testing kits that take days or weeks for results.

This innovation aims to change that by offering immediate, personalized data—improving safety and confidence in breastfeeding. The researchers envision expanding the device to detect other drugs and biomarkers, such as glucose levels, which could help manage conditions like gestational diabetes.

Currently, the device measures milk from natural leakage, which may limit its use when leakage is minimal. It is also disposable, requiring a new pad for each test, but plans are underway to adapt the technology to analyze pumped milk for more convenience.

By providing real-time safety monitoring, this smart lactation pad supports informed decision-making about breastfeeding and medication use, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for mothers and infants.