Breast Shells Market (By Sales Channel: Hospital Pharmacy (Inpatient), Retail Store, E-commerce, Wholesaler/Distributor, Direct Purchase) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Revenue, Regional Outlook and Forecast 2022-2030

The global breast shells market was surpassed at USD 71.4 million in 2021 and is expected to hit around USD 92.77 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.95% from 2022 to 2030.

Report Highlights

• The hospital pharmacy (inpatient) segment held the largest share of over 35.03% in 2021. 
• The e-commerce segment is anticipated to expand at the fastest rate of 4.6% over the forecast period. 
• North America dominated the market with a revenue share of over 35.12% in 2021 and is expected to witness considerable growth over the forecast period. 
• Asia Pacific is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 4.7% over the forecast period. 

Rising breastfeeding rates are fueling the market growth. These products help pregnant women manage the leaking issues that arise during nursing. Additionally, rising levels of employment for women worldwide have increased the demand for easily accessible baby care items such as nursing breast shells. The surge in the number of working women across the globe has resulted in an escalation in the number of dual-income homes. This has resulted in an upsurge in average family income, which is expected to fuel the expansion of post-partum care products.

Since the majority of consumers choose new technologies and products with improved features, the market's leading competitors are focusing on upgrading their product portfolios in order to expand their consumer base. Prominent manufacturers are focusing on the development of more hygienic and user-friendly nursing breast shells as sanitation and comfort are the two key features that customers evaluate when buying products that come into direct contact with the skin.

Women's ongoing quest for comfort has encouraged manufacturers to create customizable breastfeeding accessories that fit breast shapes and prevent stains from leaking. Tech-savvy women have been gravitating toward breast shells with plenty of features, which has opened up lucrative potential for companies in terms of technological improvements, thereby leading to market expansion. For instance, the Ameda DuoShell Breast Shells shield uncomfortable or sensitive nipples from clothing pressure and friction, and they can also be utilized to draw out flat or inverted nipples. Hence, such developments are fueling the market growth.

Scope of The Report

Sales Channel Insights

The hospital pharmacy (inpatient) segment held the largest share of over 35.03% in 2021. 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 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 98.8% of births take place in a hospital setting. Births at hospital setting 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 at 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.

The e-commerce segment is anticipated to expand at the fastest rate of 4.6% over the forecast period. This can be accredited to a shift in the preference from retail sellers to e-commerce settings, which offer such products at low cost. 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, Belly Bandit, Walmart, Motherhood Maternity, and The Moms Co. These platforms use sales techniques such as buy one, get one deals, discounts, and freebies, which further draw in more customers. This is likely to foster the segment growth over the forecast period. 

Regional Insights 

North America dominated the market with a revenue share of over 35.12% in 2021 and is expected to witness considerable growth over the forecast period. This 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 practices of breastfeeding to women throughout their pre-natal and post-natal periods are facilitating the growth. The organization is expected to increase the number of breastfeeding and hygienic breastfeeding practices. Hence, as a result of such campaigns organized by various government and non-governmental organizations, the breastfeeding rate is expected to increase, thereby expanding the use of breast shells. 

Moreover, constant birth in this region is expected to fuel the market growth. According to Statistics Canada, in Canada, 358,604 newborns were reported in the year 2020. Similarly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021, the general fertility rate in the U.S. was calculated to be 56.6% per 1,000 women, which was up by 1% from 2020. Rise in the fertility rate is expected to increase the number of births in this region. Thus, growth in the number of births in this region may indirectly support the growth of the market.

Asia Pacific is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 4.7% over the forecast period. The market is steadily increasing, offering several opportunities for the introduction of new products. Furthermore, rising birth rates in the region is can be accredited to its growth. For instance, according to Work Bank, China's birth rate climbed from 1.60 births per woman in 2000 to 1.70 births per woman in 2019, whereas, as per, The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports, in 2020, 294,369 births were reported in Australia. 

In addition, according to Cone Health Women’s & Children’s Center, breast shells can also be used to treat breast engorgement. The number of women suffering from breast engorgement in this region is increasing. A study conducted by the Journal of Reproductive Medicine Gynaecology & Obstetrics revealed that in India, around 65% to 75% of lactating women suffer from breast engorgement. Thus, as a result of the above-mentioned factors, the market for breast shells is projected to grow in this region.

Key Players

• Koninklijke Philips N.V
• Medela, LLC
• Magento, Inc. (Ameda)
• Ardo Medical, Ltd.
• Chicco Australia

Market Segmentation

• By Sales Channel Outlook
• Hospital Pharmacy (Inpatient)
• Retail Store
• E-commerce
• Wholesaler/Distributor
• Direct Purchase
• By Regional Outlook
• North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Europe
• U.K.
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• Japan
• China
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Mexico
• Argentina
• Colombia
• MEA
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE