baby nutrition
How damaging is the stigma surrounding formula feeding, and what can we do to address it?
The stigma around formula feeding is deeply harmful because it creates a reductionist view of infant feeding. Laura Modi explains we can't simply elevate breastfeeding as 'liquid gold' without acknowledging that not everyone can breastfeed. The solution requires a more inclusive perspective that recognizes both feeding methods have value. Modi emphasizes that parents who cannot breastfeed and their babies equally deserve what's best for them. To address this stigma, we need to move away from putting feeding methods in opposing corners and instead acknowledge the reality of diverse parenting experiences, ensuring all families have access to quality nutrition options regardless of how they feed their babies.
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NBC News
02:01 - 02:29
What inspired Laura Modi to start a baby formula company?
Laura Modi's journey into creating a baby formula company stemmed from her personal struggles with breastfeeding. Despite her strong desire to breastfeed—viewing it as 'liquid gold' that was 'personal and dynamic and magical'—she developed mastitis, a common infection that prevented her from continuing. This forced her to turn to formula when she couldn't breastfeed as planned. This deeply personal experience revealed a gap between the ideal of breastfeeding that's often put on a pedestal and the reality that not everyone can do it. Her struggle led to a passionate mission to create better formula options for parents who find themselves in similar situations, transforming her personal challenge into an entrepreneurial purpose.
Watch clip answer (00:34m)
NBC News
01:08 - 01:43
When were the FDA's nutritional standards for baby formula last updated and why is this concerning?
The FDA's nutritional standards for baby formula were last meaningfully created in the 1980s and haven't been changed since. This is concerning because food science has advanced significantly in the decades since these standards were established. While every other industry has evolved with scientific progress, baby food regulations have remained stagnant. Laura Modi, CEO of Bobbie, emphasizes that improvements to these outdated standards should be prioritized, arguing that our babies' food deserves to benefit from modern nutritional science first and foremost.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)
NBC News
02:56 - 03:19
What is Bobi and what makes it unique in the baby formula market?
Bobi is the first and only USDA-certified organic baby formula manufactured in the United States. Founded by Laura Modi in 2018, the company was created after Modi discovered that existing baby formulas contained ingredients she wouldn't want to feed to children. Named after her daughter's word for bottle, Bobi represents Modi's mission to redefine health standards in the multi-billion dollar baby food industry. Modi's background includes working at major tech companies like Google and Airbnb before launching this pioneering organic formula company.
Watch clip answer (00:37m)
NBC News
00:01 - 00:38
What personal experience led Laura Modi to create Bobbie, the organic baby formula company?
Laura Modi created Bobbie after experiencing challenges with breastfeeding and being disappointed by available formula options. Despite initially assuming she would breastfeed, Modi developed mastitis, a common infection that forced her to turn to formula. She was shocked to discover that baby formulas hadn't changed in decades - the same products from her childhood were still on shelves. This deeply personal experience convinced her that babies deserved better nutrition options, leading her to found Bobbie, the first USDA certified organic baby formula in the U.S.
Watch clip answer (00:48m)NBC News
01:08 - 01:57
What social issues is Laura Modi advocating for as a business leader?
As CEO of Bobbie, Laura Modi is passionate about changing both the baby food industry and its associated culture. She specifically advocates for paid federal leave, highlighting a critical contradiction: the government recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months without providing the paid leave necessary for mothers to follow this guidance. Modi believes in creating a lasting legacy by fundamentally transforming products, industry standards, and cultural norms. To achieve this, she works with influential figures like Naomi Osaka to amplify their message and mobilize support for paid family leave - an issue that resonates deeply with both Bobbie's customers and employees.
Watch clip answer (00:39m)
NBC News
05:10 - 05:50