One million parents turn to virtual baby advice as online classes grow in popularity

Prenatal and postnatal virtual education provider The Baby Academy has announced plans for expansion after its digital platform reached one million users.

The service, supported by International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), is aimed at providing personalised support for parents who want to learn and develop their skills in baby care, safety and first aid, breastfeeding, weaning and sleep.  

The platform provides standard information and education via its live interactive online classes to users across Ireland, the UK, US and Canada.

The aim, the founders say, is to empower modern-day parents to make the best decisions for their baby’s development.

The platform features a team of 85 healthcare professionals, who guide new and expectant parents throughout the vital stages of their baby’s early development. Areas of focus include lactation, baby safety and first aid as well as perinatal mental health.

The World Health Organisation recommends the implementation of digital services into how healthcare is delivered as an integral way to ensure the vision of the global strategy to improve healthcare for everyone is achieved.

With the global digital health market in 2022 valued at £175bn and market predictions expecting it to continue to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.6 per cent from 2023 to 2030, The Baby Academy founders are now focused on expansion.

Brian McGovern, co-founder of The Baby Academy, said: “We are thrilled to cross the milestone of one million registered users of the Baby Academy.

“I believe the platform’s success is indicative of the potential for technology to deliver healthcare in new ways, and also of the need for additional support for new parents at a time when they are commencing their parenting journey.

“We are proud to support them during this time, and look forward to further growth in 2023 and beyond.”

The milestone follows the unveiling of the company’s one-to-one breastfeeding consultation service and the announcement of its £2.6 million funding round.