Muscle Up Mommy: Making Breastfeeding Accessible

Navigating motherhood can feel like a whirlwind, especially when you’re trying to juggle it all. For Mykel B. Davis, a journalist and native Detroiter now living in Houston, the birth of her twin daughters in 2015 was a wake-up call. Thrown into the deep end without a guide, she found herself spiraling into postpartum depression while trying to be a “superwoman.”

From Postpartum Depression to Community Building

Davis realized she needed support, prompting her to turn to social media. What she found was a flood of other mothers experiencing similar struggles, feeling isolated and unable to talk openly outside their immediate circles. This shared experience became the catalyst for creating Muscle Up Mommy in February 2016. Initially a self-funded lifestyle brand, it blossomed into a safe space for mothers to connect, share, and debrief.

Today, Muscle Up Mommy has evolved into a comprehensive brand offering activewear, waist trainers, postpartum essentials, wellness products, and even a wellness festival called MUMFEST, set to return in 2026. Davis emphasizes that despite being a decade in, the brand is constantly evolving to provide the best solutions for its audience.

The Birth of the J35 Wearable Breast Pump

The journey took a technological turn after Davis welcomed her third daughter. Breastfeeding one baby felt vastly different from nursing twins, and she noticed a significant issue: milk leakage. “There was no device on the market at the time that could help me collect that milk so it wouldn’t just be going to waste,” she explained. This personal challenge sparked an idea.

Rewatching a vlog of her experience, Davis had an epiphany. This led her to collaborate with manufacturers and engineers to develop a solution: the J35 wearable breast pump. Davis proudly states it’s the first Black-owned wearable breast pump brand. The device boasts an LCD digital display, four modes, 12 suction levels, anti-backflow protection, and noise reduction, designed for mothers to pump discreetly and hands-free, whether at work, home, or traveling.

Growth and Future Funding

The J35 pump gained significant traction, even being featured at the AFROTECH™ Conference in 2024. Davis described the experience as “mind-blowing,” connecting with VCs, the U.S. Black Chambers, and local politicians. Muscle Up Mommy has seen demand grow across all 50 states and ships to Puerto Rico, prompting Davis to consider raising capital to meet this demand.

Currently priced at $229, the J35 pump has experienced demand that sometimes outpaces projections. “We had experienced at first where we can fund the product, we have it in stock consistently… Now we can go on the news and have a complete demand overshadow what I projected,” Davis noted. She is now looking for ways to bridge the gap and ensure consistent availability for mothers relying on her innovative product.