At Poppylist, we’re all about cutting through the clutter and spotlighting the people truly making life better for new parents. That’s why we’re launching a series highlighting innovators who are rethinking what families really need.

One of those founders is Janice Gott, who set out to solve a problem she knew too well: the struggle to find a breast pump that actually worked for real life. After trying nearly every option on the shelf and still coming up short, Janice created the Muu Pump—a simple, mobile, and affordable pump designed to fit the way moms actually move. We're proud to feature her story and her game-changing solution in the Poppylist shop, because moms deserve tools that support their rhythm, not the other way around.

We caught up with Janice to learn more about the inspiration behind the Muu Pump, her passion for innovation, and what she wants every pumping parent to know.

The Story of Muu

For Janice Gott, the idea for the Muu Pump started in the most natural place for a pump to be born— while nursing her baby before returning to work. Like so many new moms, Janice was juggling the physical demands of postpartum recovery, the emotional weight of leaving her baby, and the logistical nightmare of finding a breast pump that actually fit her life.

She needed something simple and discreet—something she could use during a long commute or a busy day at the office without a dozen parts to clean or a charger to keep track of. “I wanted an easy, discreet pump that didn’t require charging, and was just one piece to clean,” she recalls. The pumps she had used and loved—like single-piece silicone ones—were strong and reliable, but far from practical. “They weren’t discreet, and they obstructed my full range of motion while driving… and typing, hello!”

Frustrated by the options on the market, Janice did what only a mom on a mission would do: she built a better pump herself. One that could adapt to the unpredictable, nonstop movement of modern parenthood—and actually work. That solution became the Muu Pump.

Still, building a business was no small decision. Janice was a first-time parent with a mortgage, about to walk away from a 15-year career. But the idea wouldn’t leave her alone. “I didn’t have the choice not to pursue it—at least that’s how it felt,” she says. It followed her through late-night feeds and long drives, until she realized she had to make the leap. For a while, she juggled both worlds, working on Muu during nights and weekends—until it became clear she was all in. “I’ve never looked back,” she says.

Designed to Be Different—and Worth It

From the start, Janice refused to compromise on the design of the Muu Pump. Its wearable shape wasn’t just a convenience—it was essential to making pumping easier, more discreet, and more effective for moms on the move. But that very design proved to be a major manufacturing challenge. She and her team met with 20 partners across the globe—from large-scale factories to small, family-run operations—and 19 of them said the same thing: the design was impossible. Worse, they recommended changes that would have undercut the pump’s performance. “It was a mix of determination, self-belief, and personal stubbornness that got us to the finish line,” Janice says. That same commitment to doing things differently—without sacrificing quality or function—is woven into everything Muu stands for.

It’s also why she’s so proud when customers tell her the Muu Pump was worth every penny. Affordability and accessibility are core pillars for the brand, and Janice knows that even with its lower price point, a second pump is still a big decision for many families. So when parents—especially those with multiple kids and plenty of pump experience—take time to say how much Muu has simplified their lives, it’s more than feedback. It’s a reminder that her stubbornness paid off.

Advice for a Mom about to embark on her pumping journey

For any new mom staring down the world of pumping with a mix of confusion and dread, Janice gets it—because she’s been there. Her advice? Start early and give yourself grace. “If you’re a first-time mom, order your insurance-covered electric pump well before your due date so you aren’t reading through instructions when baby arrives,” she says. And don’t overlook the resources right in front of you: most hospitals provide access to lactation consultants and electric pumps while you’re there. That early stimulation helps kickstart milk production. Once your supply is established—sometimes weeks after birth—you can begin introducing more flexible options, like the Muu Pump, whenever you’re not able to plug in. Above all, Janice encourages new moms to be patient with themselves. “It’s worth the work,” she reminds us.

When You’re the Only One in the Driver’s Seat

Building Muu has brought countless lessons, but one of the most enduring, Janice says, is understanding just how personal the role of founder can be—especially in the early days. “There’s no one who can truly take your place,” she explains. Even with a trusted team in place, stepping away isn’t simple. She launched Muu while pregnant with her second child, and the idea of a real maternity leave felt more like a luxury than a reality. “It’s tough to fully unplug, even on family vacations or school breaks,” she shares. The boundaries between work and life blur quickly when you’re the one steering the ship. Still, Janice embraces this chapter for what it is: “It’s a sacrifice, but I knew what I was signing up for. This season won’t last forever—but it’s where I’m meant to be right now.”

What’s next for Muu

When Janice launched Muu, she wasn’t setting out to build a whole postpartum empire—she just wanted to make the pump she wished existed. But once Muu hit the market, the ideas kept coming. “My wheels kept turning,” she says. Still, she’s intentional about every next move. “We’ll never launch something just to have something new,” she explains. “It has to actually solve a problem and do it better than what’s already out there.” That mindset is powering some exciting things behind the scenes—Muu has several new products in the works, including a game-changing innovation currently in trial at UCLA. Big things are coming, and we’re here for it.

Janice’s Morning Routine in one Word?

Hustle.

We’ve loved sharing the story behind Muu and introducing Janice Gott to our community. Her commitment to designing a better, more practical pump is changing the game for breastfeeding parents everywhere—and we’re proud to feature the Muu Pump in the Poppylist shop. Follow Muu for updates, tips, and a dose of mom-powered innovation: @muueveryday.