As women, we are so lucky to be living in a time when conversations about our bodies and our well-being are more mainstream. When I had a miscarriage in 2014, no one was publicly discussing them. When our mothers were dealing with menopause? Ha! Grab a fan and deal with it.
These conversations are shifting and our needs are being taken more seriously because of women like Suzie Welsh Devine, RN, MSN. Suzie’s commitment to women’s health began with her work as a fertility and IVF nurse and blossomed into Binto: the #1 fertility-focused health platform founded in 2016.
If you’re interested in individualizing your reproductive health–from fertility through menopause–and having access to 24/7 licensed women’s-health providers, you’ll want to read my conversation with Suzie here.
Nell: Your transformative experience in Malawi, Africa reshaped your views on women's health. How did this influence the founding principles of your company?
Suzie: My experience in Malawi at age 16 changed the course of my life. Seeing the world, and the realities of poverty and a lack of access to healthcare, ultimately led me into nursing and now Binto.
Women are the heart of societies, yet our global health systems are failing us. At Binto, we aim to support all women, no matter their socioeconomic class, by providing personalized medicine at an affordable price point.
Binto is a business, but we also give back through our foundation work, which all stems from my early experiences in Africa.
N: Your firsthand patient interactions offer valuable insights. How do you apply these learnings to enhance Binto's offerings?
S: When I worked as a fertility and IVF nurse, no one was talking about fertility and reproductive health online or in the media. My patients were constantly telling me, “No one ever told me…” With Binto, education is at the heart of what we do. We want to change the narrative from “no one ever told me” to “Wow, I’m so glad I know…”
During that time, I also learned to work with people during their darkest moments. I learned how reproductive medicine works and how preventative health is vital to our fertility and reproductive health. All of these learnings helped make Binto what it is today: the number one fertility-focused health platform!
N: With a crowded market, what sets Binto apart in terms of supplement quality and relevance to women's health at different life stages?
S: I launched Binto in 2016, the first supplement brand focused on fertility and personalized medicine. We’re so proud to be the creators behind this critical market.
All of Binto’s supplements are formulated by a team of licensed reproductive endocrinologists, and not only do they meet the guidelines the WHO, CDC, and ACOG, but Binto looks to the American Society for Reproductive medicine and up-to-date clinical research when formulating all of our products.
We are also the only completely personalized supplement brand that can meet your exact nutritional needs. As providers, we understand that every woman’s body and needs are different, and that’s core to how we are uniquely positioned and why we are so effective.
Going beyond the supplements, Binto also provides all our members with access to licensed women’s health providers 24/7 through our nurse chat (free) and telehealth consults.
N: Balancing health as a mother can be daunting. How does Binto provide support tailored to the unique needs of moms?
S: At Binto, we recognize the unique health challenges that mothers face, from postpartum recovery to the ongoing demands of motherhood. Our approach is personalized, allowing us to cater to the individual health needs of each mom. We provide access to our telehealth services, which include consultations with women’s health specialists, and our nurse chat feature. This means that mothers can get professional advice and support right from their homes, which is essential during the early and often overwhelming stages of motherhood. Our supplements are also designed to support hormonal balance, energy levels, and overall wellness, which are crucial for busy moms.
N: Your journey through IVF and pregnancy loss undoubtedly impacted your health. How did you prioritize self-care during this challenging time, and how does Binto contribute to women's well-being in similar situations?
S: Experiencing infertility and pregnancy loss while growing Binto took a massive toll on my mental health and wellness. After my second miscarriage, I took a two-week leave from Binto to give myself the time and space I needed to try and heal. I wish more companies would provide leave for pregnancy loss.
Taking my Binto supplements gave me such comfort during a time when I felt so out of place and out of control. It was one simple gift I could do daily to take care of my body from the inside out.
N: As a 42-year-old woman in the early stages of perimenopause, I feel like I’m entering such a stage of unknown. It’s amazing that companies like Binto exist to help us navigate and take care of ourselves through such significant changes–unlike our mothers and their mothers who had no public conversations about these health challenges. How do you see the space changing?
S: The conversation around perimenopause is finally gaining the attention it deserves, moving away from being a taboo subject to one that is openly discussed. This shift is crucial as it empowers women to seek information and support. At Binto, we are proud to be part of this change, offering products and resources that help women understand and manage their symptoms. Our platform provides education and support that our mothers and grandmothers never had access to, allowing women today to navigate perimenopause with confidence and knowledge.
N: What is the best thing I could do for myself as I enter and navigate perimenopause?
S: The best approach to navigating perimenopause is to stay informed and proactive about your health. Engaging with healthcare providers, getting regular check-ups, and focusing on a balanced diet and regular exercise are key. Additionally, consider using Binto’s personalized supplements, which are tailored to support hormonal balance and address specific symptoms of perimenopause.
N: Any exciting things coming next for you and Binto?
S: Yes! We are always researching new products. So, stay tuned for a few coming out this year.
N: Finally, we have to ask: Where is the most unexpected place you’ve used your Kibou and what do you have in your Kibou at the moment?
S: I am the most boring person because I am either at work or at home with the kids. We rarely go out! However, my Kibou is always with me when we are running errands, etc., and it came in handy when we traveled to Italy last year and somehow thought it was a good idea to bring our then 14-month-old(?!). Kibou looked great all over Tuscany and Rome (let me go hands-free and could hold a few diapers, wipes, hand sanitizer, and a few small toys).
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