Enhancing Pregnancy Safety with Flutter Care

At ventureLAB, a hub for innovation, we empower visionary founders focused on tackling critical health challenges, particularly in medtech—a rapidly growing sector. Our commitment includes the launch of a dedicated medtech lab in Vaughan and an expansion at our Sterling facility, all aimed at strengthening the medtech community across Canada. A prime example of this endeavor is Flutter Care, a company founded and led by Dolma Tsundu, which innovatively addresses maternal health challenges through technology.

Dolma’s inspiration for Flutter Care is deeply personal; her mother’s experiences with pregnancy complications motivated her to focus on women's health and its broader implications on families and communities. Dolma states, “My passion is women’s health, but also the health of children and families,” highlighting the ripple effect of pregnancy outcomes on society.

Flutter Care initially developed a mobile app that allows expectant parents to track fetal movements, a crucial indicator of baby health. Many families and even healthcare providers lack effective monitoring tools, and the app was designed with insights from parents who experienced loss and advocacy groups. This user-centric approach ensures the app addresses genuine needs, fostering informed parenting.

The company is advancing its mission by creating wearable technology that continuously monitors fetal well-being remotely. This innovation aims to fill gaps between clinical visits, providing real-time data to prevent complications before they escalate. Stillbirth—a tragic, often preventable occurrence—affects countless families yearly in Canada. Flutter Care’s innovative solutions combine hardware, software, and community resources to tackle this urgent need. Dolma points out that misconceptions about stillbirth often result in preventable outcomes due to a lack of timely information and proper guidance.

The deliberate shift from a solely software-based approach to hardware was challenging. Dolma recognized that a physical device was necessary to address these maternal health problems effectively. Her multidisciplinary background in integrated engineering and her passion for tangible products empowered her. ventureLAB’s Hardware Catalyst Initiative played a crucial role in shaping Flutter Care’s development. Dolma describes her experience with ventureLAB as transformative, noting that it offered not just mentorship but a supportive community that understood her unique challenges.

Support from ventureLAB, including expert advisors and access to leading hardware labs, has allowed Flutter Care to accelerate research and development while managing costs effectively. Initially based in British Columbia, the company’s recent move to Toronto further enables them to leverage these resources for growth.

Beyond advancing technology, Flutter Care emphasizes the importance of community and advocacy. The company established a support group for individuals dealing with the grief of late pregnancy loss, highlighting the significance of human connection during life's darkest moments. Dolma notes, “Creating that support group was one of the most powerful experiences for me,” indicating her belief that innovation should extend beyond technology to foster empathy and support.

Dolma’s experience as a birth doula shapes her vision for Flutter Care. She emphasizes preserving the joy of the birth experience, stating, “Every flutter is a reminder of a miracle.” This philosophy of hope and transformation is encapsulated in Flutter Care's butterfly logo, symbolizing life and the journey of pregnancy, even amidst difficulties.

Ultimately, Dolma Tsundu's commitment to improving maternal health through innovation and community support underscores Flutter Care's mission, which aims to empower families while celebrating the profound experiences of pregnancy.