Pacify

Pacify operates as a telemedicine platform focused on maternal and pediatric care, established in 2014 by co-founders George Brandes and Ben Lundin. The company originated in Washington, D.C., to address the need for accessible, on-demand support for new and expectant parents. Brandes and Lundin, friends since preschool and both sons of physicians, were motivated to enter the healthcare space to improve outcomes for underserved mothers.

The company's core offering is a mobile application that provides users with 24/7 virtual access to a nationwide network of maternal and pediatric specialists. Through the app, parents can connect with International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), registered nurses, doulas, and dietitians via HIPAA-compliant video and audio calls, typically with wait times of less than a minute. This service is designed to offer immediate, reliable advice on a range of topics from infant feeding and prenatal nutrition to labor preparation and postpartum recovery, mitigating non-urgent emergency room visits. The platform's features include on-demand and scheduled consultations, direct chat messaging, and a library of educational resources, available in both English and Spanish.

Pacify's business model centers on partnerships with employers, health plans (including Medicaid MCOs), and public health programs like WIC, which often provide the service to their members at no cost. Individual subscription plans are also available for direct purchase. This strategy allows the company to reach a broad demographic, with a particular focus on serving at-risk and underserved populations. In April 2019, Pacify was acquired by Advantia Health, a move intended to combine Pacify's virtual capabilities with Advantia's physical clinics to create a blended care model. Following the acquisition, Pacify has continued to expand, acquiring maternal wellness startup Major Care in 2024 to enhance its doula-led services.

Keywords: maternal health, pediatric telehealth, lactation support, doula services, virtual care, postpartum support, infant feeding, parental support app, telemedicine platform, perinatal care, women's health technology, Medicaid telehealth, employee health benefits, digital health, newborn care, on-demand healthcare, Advantia Health, maternal wellness, prenatal support, remote patient monitoring, healthcare equity, family benefits