WHEN SCIENCE CREATES MAGIC: Introducing the New Pumping Innovation by Medela

Linkedin - Amanda Ruggeri

Amanda Ruggeri is a multi-award-winning science, history, and culture journalist who frequently investigates commonly-held ideas through a historical, global, and anthropological lens. A features journalist for more than 20 years writing for publications including Scientific-American, New Scientist, BBC, and Atlantic, she is known for her in-depth, evidence-based reporting, her exploration of complex topics, and her international perspective. She is the columnist behind BBC.com's "How Not To Be Manipulated", which offers smart, thoughtful ways to navigate misinformation

Previously a senior journalist at the BBC, she was the editor of the website BBC Future (bbc.com/future), a multi-award-winning BBC.com website devoted to in-depth, evidence-based features. This work was recognized by the British Society of Magazine Editors, who named Ruggeri as their "commended" runner-up for 2020 Science Editor of the Year, and by the Poynter Women in Leadership Academy, which she was selected to attend. She has received other awards and recognitions from internationally-respected associations including the Association of British Science Writers (which most recently named her investigation into male postnatal depression one of its best science stories of the year), Webbys, Lovies, and the Drum Awards.

When she became a mother in 2021, Ruggeri began to investigate popular ideas on motherhood, children and parenting. Since then, her stories, read by millions of readers around the globe, have covered topics including what the research really tells us about only children, sleep training, what parents get wrong about milestones, and much more. One of her main interests, however, has been in understanding the experience of mothers today and how it has been shaped. Her stories on topics including mothers who feel maternal ambivalence, parents worrying about whether to play with their child, how having a baby can rock the parents' relationship, and the pressure on women to have a positive birth have all been very popular.

A graduate of Yale (B.A., history) and Cambridge (M.Phil, international relations), she has lived in the US, Italy, and the UK, and now resides in Switzerland.

Linkedin - Natacha Jalu

Natacha is Head of Medical Affairs Europe at the Department of Medical Affairs, Medela, since 2021 and before that, she lead the Medela Department of Professional Care NICU and Maternity in Germany from 2007.

With more than 20 years of experience, Natacha has supported successful cooperations with key healthcare institutions including European and National Societies of Neonatology, Perinatal Medicine and Gynecology, Associations of Midwives, Lactation Consultants and Milk Banks and Associations of Parents of Preterm and Sick Newborns. She has also co-organized numerous satellite symposia, workshops, webinars and round-tables with renowned speakers.

Her main professional and scientific interests focus on lactation, breastfeeding, quality improvement, clinical pathways and health economics. She is passionate about mother milk and in line with Medela’s mission, she continues to actively supporting initiatives to improve the provision of newborns with own mother’s milk and creating standards of care within this field.

Linkedin - Nicolé Kettenus-Schwarz

After successfully leading Medela’s European Marketing team for three years, Nicolé was appointed Global Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Medela in 2023. Nicolé brings more than 20 years of international experience in B2B and B2C marketing, spanning upstream and downstream activities in the pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare industries, as well as in-depth expertise in brand management, key account management and accounting. Prior to joining Medela, Nicole held various senior leadership positions at Novartis, Sandoz and Mundipharma.

Looking ahead to 2025, Nicolé and her team are excited to drive innovation and enhance Medela’s product and service portfolio for breastfeeding mothers, lactation consultants, midwives, and healthcare professionals. Guided by our mission of turning science into care, we remain committed to delivering offerings and solutions informed by our deep understanding of and scientific insight into what mothers and babies, and those supporting them on their journey, truly require.

Linkedin - Danielle Prime

Danielle completed her PhD in biochemistry in 2010 at The University of Western Australia under the guidance of Professor Peter Hartmann and the Human Lactation Research Group. Her research focuses on understanding the basic physiology of human lactation, particularly the milk ejection patterns of mothers and the dynamics of milk removal with a breast pump. With peer-reviewed publications on pumping methodologies, breast shields, and principles for maintaining or increasing milk production, Danielle aims to provide clinicians and mothers with evidence-based, practical knowledge.

Linkedin - André Schlienger

André Schlienger has 25 years of experience in the medical device industry. He completed a Master of Advanced Studies in Innovation Engineering in 2008 at the High School for Techniques in Zurich, Switzerland. He also holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Biomechanical Engineering from the High School for Techniques in Winterthur, Switzerland (2004) and a Master's in Machine and Process Engineering from the Technical High School in Basel / Muttenz, Switzerland.

Linkedin - Sonja Kessler

Sonja brings over 8 years of experience in baby and mother healthcare, having worked across both pharmaceutical sales and marketing. Currently managing the EU product management for personal use breast pumps, sourcing from international experience in both B2B & B2C marketing in healthcare. Prior to joining Medela, Sonja held various sales and marketing positions at GlaxoSmithKline  advancing maternal and child healthcare with a meaningful impact in the field.