GOE-KB Baby Carrier Innovation, Increases breast milk production and mother-baby bonding
Universitas ‘Aisyiyah (Unisa) Yogyakarta continues to produce various innovations that have a positive impact on society. This time, the academic community at Unisa Yogyakarta has developed a prototype of a baby care aid called ‘GOE-KB’ or Ergonomic Oxytocin Baby Carrier – Attachment to the Baby.
This innovation was developed by a team of lecturers from the Midwifery Program and supported by interdisciplinary researchers from the Electrical Engineering Department of Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta. The research was led by Prof. Dr. Mufdlilah, S.Si.T., M.Sc., with team members including Yekti Satriyandari, S.ST., M.Kes., Enny Fitriahadi, S.Si.T., M.Keb., and Ir. Agus Jamal, S.T., M.Eng.
“This interdisciplinary collaboration between midwifery and engineering has produced an interdisciplinary innovation that addresses real-world needs in society. GOE-KB is not just an ordinary baby carrier but an ergonomic carrier equipped with an oxytocin massage feature to enhance the mother’s comfort and foster a strong emotional bond between mother and baby,” said Prof. Mufdlilah on Friday (July 18, 2025).
GOE-KB is a concrete step by Unisa Yogyakarta to support the well-being of mothers and children, following its previous innovation, KORSIMU or the Oxytocin Chair for Breastfeeding Mothers. Findings indicate that the use of GOE-KB significantly increases oxytocin levels in breastfeeding mothers.
“This improvement has a direct impact on breastfeeding quality, reduces stress, ensures breastfeeding quality, and strengthens the emotional bond between mother and baby. In addition, babies who are carried using GOE-KB also show better sleep quality—they sleep more soundly, longer, and wake up less often at night,” said Prof. Mufdlilah.
The study conducted in the Sleman District Health Center area involved mothers with infants aged 3–6 months. Using a quasi-experimental design, the intervention involved the use of GOE-KB with a minimum frequency of twice daily for 15–20 minutes. The results showed an increase in oxytocin levels from an average of 72.4 pg/mL to 86.4 pg/mL. The relaxing effect of oxytocin massage integrated into the ergonomic design of the carrier allows breastfeeding mothers to feel calmer and more comfortable.
Breastfeeding Is an Important Part of Supporting Exclusive Breastfeeding Success
The breastfeeding process is crucial for supporting the success of exclusive breastfeeding. Breast milk production is significantly influenced by psychological factors that can inhibit oxytocin hormone levels, such as anxiety, the mother feeling her milk supply is insufficient, and low oxytocin levels, which may not meet the baby’s needs. During the breastfeeding process, an appropriate carrier is needed to ensure the mother feels calm, safe, and comfortable.
How GOE-KB Works
GOE-KB works through several mechanisms that support increased oxytocin levels. First, its ergonomic design ensures that mothers can breastfeed in a safe, comfortable, and relaxed position, reducing pressure on the back and shoulders, which are often sources of discomfort during breastfeeding.
“The hope is that the comfort provided by GOE-KB can reduce the body’s cortisol response, which is the stress hormone in the mother’s body. This reduction in cortisol allows oxytocin to become more dominant in the mother’s body system, supporting more effective breastfeeding and fostering a strong emotional bond with the baby. The physical and emotional support provided by GOE-KB also contributes to…
The GOE-KB product has now reached the prototype stage and is currently awaiting patent approval. Researchers have also established a partnership with a local baby carrier manufacturer, CV Namansa Bakti Citra (Nana Baby Carrier), for design development, production, and marketing. This project has also produced additional outputs, including international journal publications and a research-based textbook currently in the printing process. This research is expected to serve as an alternative solution in supporting the success of exclusive breastfeeding and strengthening the natural emotional bond between mother and baby. The research team expresses gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology for funding support through the 2024 research grant. The outcomes of this research include a prototype from the research, registered as intellectual property under a simple patent for the GOE-KB product: Submitted with registration number S00202409927, published in the Bunda Edu-Midwifery Journal (BEMJ) Volume 8, Issue 2, 2025, and a research-based textbook titled “Ergonomic Oxytocin Baby Carrier (GEO-KB) Increasing Breast Milk Production,” the intellectual property video on stretching that has been uploaded to YouTube by LPPM Unisa Yogyakarta, and the GEO-KB poster: Ergonomic Oxytocin Baby Carrier for Infant Attachment.
