Breastmilk Money: The first bank account that provides interest on breastfeeding.
Did you know that only 34% of Nigerian mothers exclusively breastfeed, despite the countless healthbenefits for both mom and baby? According to UNICEF, many mothers face not only medical barriers butalso societal pressures, family hierarchies, and superstitions that make them doubt their milk’s sufficiency.
These outdated beliefs often rob women of the freedom to choose what’s best for their bodies, theirchildren, and their finances.
Here’s a reality: Nigerian families who rely on formula spend over 30% of their household income on it —money that could be invested in their future. But Herconomy is here to change that. Introducing
Breastmilk Money, a groundbreaking financial product designed to turn breastfeeding into an opportunity for long-term savings. Breastmilk Money was launched on March 28, 2025, at Nigeria’s largest women-focused finance conference, the Herconomy Summit — just two days before Nigerian Mother’s Day.
How It Works
Breastmilk Money is a sub account within your Herconomy account. It calculates how much you save by breastfeeding instead of using formula, based on your child’s age, typical intake, and current formula prices. The money saved is automatically deposited into your Breastmilk Money account monthly, which then earns 14.3% interest — reflecting the holistic development benefits of breastfeeding.
And after two years — the World Health Organization’s recommended breastfeeding period — you can withdraw your funds, giving both you and your child the chance to grow, physically and financially.
More Than Just a Bank Account
Breastmilk Money is not just a financial tool; it’s part of a larger effort that will continue to unfold through the year, challenging societal norms around breastfeeding. Kicking off with the release of the short film “Milk” by award-winning director Fariba Buchheim, capturing the real-life experiences of Nigerian mothers.
Breastmilk Money will be further promoted through an integrated campaign across Nigeria, featuring out-of-home, radio, social media, partnerships and conference appearances.
Why Breastfeeding Matters
Although there are various reasons why women cannot breastfeed, and the choice should always be the mother’s, scientists agree that breastfeeding has many proven health benefits. For example, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months significantly reduces infant mortality, boosting immunity and lowering the risk of infections, diarrhea and malnutrition. For mothers, breastfeeding reduces the risk of postpartum hemorrhage and breast and ovarian cancers, and speeds up postpartum recovery. Unfortunately, although there has been progress in recent years, the breastfeeding rate in Nigeria, which has a population of more than 230 million, making it the most populous country in Africa and the sixth largest in the world, remains among the lowest in Africa and well below the global WHO target of 50%. “Breastfeeding is the single most effective tool in preventing childhood malnutrition. Beyond that, it’s great for family bonding, mum’s breast health, and our environment. Every mum deserves an enjoyable breastfeeding journey, and that’s what I’m working toward.”
– Dr. Lope Adejuyigbe, certified lactation consultant
Join the Movement
Breastmilk Money is more than just a bank account — it’s a financial tool, a movement, and a conversation starter. Ready to take control of your breastfeeding journey and your finances? Sign up today!