Alumni Ventures Invests in Work & Mother to Improve Workplace Lactation Solutions

Founded by CEO Abbey Donnell in 2018, Work & Mother is addressing a longstanding issue in the corporate world: inadequate lactation accommodations for working mothers. As more employees return to office settings post-pandemic, the company is responding to the renewed need for safe, private, and well-equipped spaces for breastfeeding and pumping during the workday.

Work & Mother operates suites located in common areas of commercial office buildings, offering services as an amenity covered by building owners or companies. Each suite is equipped with hospital-grade breast pumps, cleaning supplies, refrigeration for milk storage, and high-speed internet access.

“We’re creating a solution that benefits both employees and employers, providing high-quality facilities that boost employee retention and workplace satisfaction,” said Donnell, who recently discussed her company on AV’s Tech Optimist podcast. “Our goal is to have a suite in every major commercial office building, supporting parents and contributing to a more inclusive workplace.”

Work & Mother’s app, The Hub, allows users to reserve rooms, manage their schedules, and access wellness resources, making it easier for mothers to balance their work and parenting responsibilities. The company’s innovative model functions similarly to a building gym, with costs covered by landlords or employers, eliminating the need for employees to pay directly for services.

The company’s national expansion will be driven by its mission to improve breastfeeding success rates, increase workplace flexibility for parents, and ensure compliance with federal regulations such as the Pump Act. As of today, Work & Mother is operational in eight major markets, including Houston, Dallas, Chicago, and New York, with plans to continue expanding across the U.S.

“Work & Mother is addressing a critical need for working mothers as they return to the workplace.,” said AV Managing Partner Ron Levin, who hosted the conversation with Donnell on AV’s Tech Optimist podcast. “Abbey and her team are setting a new standard for workplace wellness and flexibility, which is increasingly vital in today’s corporate environment.”