JP4634402B2 - Measurement of fluid flow for lactating infants. - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for indicating fluid flow, and more particularly to fluid flow by exploiting the suction generated by a lactating infant on more than one pathway. The present invention relates to a method and apparatus.

  The biggest question for new parents is "Is my baby drinking enough?" Typically, newborns are breastfeeded at least 8-12 times during a 24-hour period for 4-6 weeks after birth. Many infants require at least one breastfeeding at night for 6 to 8 weeks after birth. There is no way to measure the amount of milk or powdered milk that an infant receives, and the mother can only follow the subjective signs that her infant gives to her. This is especially a problem for mothers who raise their babies with breast milk.

  Those skilled in the art have utilized complex electronic fluid measurement devices to measure the volume of fluid delivered to an infant. Such devices typically include attaching an electronic or electromechanical flow meter to the fluid flow path to measure the fluid flow. However, such devices are expensive and complex and require the installation of a huge device for breast milk or powdered milk products. In addition, the use of such a device is limited to baby bottle feeding devices and is not applicable to breastfeeding infants. As the benefits of breastfeeding are well known, there is a clear need for a method to indicate infant fluid intake, as more mothers are breastfeeding once more.

  The device and method according to the present invention aims to overcome one or more problems associated with prior art devices.

  A method in accordance with the principles of the present invention provides a feeding pathway for fluid flow from a fluid source to an infant's mouth, and the amount of fluid provided to the infant's mouth via the lactation pathway. Providing an indicator pathway to indicate The previous lactation path has a first opening in communication with the fluid source and a second opening in communication with the infant's mouth, the previous indicator path has a first opening in communication with the fluid source, and A second opening in communication with the infant's mouth; The amount of fluid drawn into the indicator path indicates the amount of fluid drawn into the lactation path.

An apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention has a lactation path for fluid flow from a fluid source to an infant's mouth, and an indicator path that indicates the amount of fluid delivered to the infant's mouth via the lactation path. . The breast feeding path has a first opening in communication with the fluid source and a second opening in communication with the infant's mouth, and the indicator path has a first opening in communication with the fluid source and the infant's mouth. A second opening in communication with. The amount of fluid drawn into the indicator path indicates the amount of fluid drawn into the lactation path . A method according to the principles of the present invention includes receiving suction from an infant's mouth, applying suction to at least the first path and the second path, and determining the presence of suction in the second path. The steps shown in FIG.

  The foregoing background and summary are not intended to be exhaustive and serve to understand the following implementations in accordance with the invention as set forth in the appended claims. In addition, the foregoing background and summary are intended to provide independent limitations in the present application.

  The accompanying drawings illustrate the features of an embodiment according to the present invention and together with the corresponding description, illustrate the principles associated with the present invention.

The following description refers to the accompanying drawings. In the figures, the depiction on the opposite side is lacking, and the same reference signs in different figures indicate similar elements. The implementations in the following description do not represent all implementations in accordance with the present application. Instead, the implementation is just a few examples of the apparatus and method according to the present invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention utilize the “milk split principle” to provide two fluid sources, for example milk from a mother's breast, milk from a baby bottle, or milk powder from a baby bottle. Or make use of the infant's suction force to distribute to more routes. For a two-path system having an indicator path and a lactation path, the amount of fluid going to the indicator path indicates the amount of fluid going to the lactation path.

  The milk split principle described above is brought about by the infant's suction, and can be used to indicate, among other things, the total milk consumed by the infant, the infant's suction pressure, or merely an indication that the infant has consumed. At the same time that the milk split principle takes advantage of the infant's suction to measure fluid flow, the infant need not do more difficult than usual during breastfeeding.

A lactation measurement device ("FMD") according to the principles of the present invention has a lactation path and an indicator path. Feeding pathway has a second open port communicating with the first opening and infants mouth in communication with the milk source. Indicator pathway, by providing a gradation having a marking indicating the volume of fluid in one or more of the gradient along the indicator pathway (Gradation), approximation of milk given for infants mouth through the feeding pathway Indicates the amount. The indicator path has a first opening in communication with the milk source and a second opening in communication with the infant's mouth. Since the negative pressure drawn by the infant's mouth is the same on both the indicator and lactation routes, the amount of milk drawn into the indicator route indicates the amount of milk drawn into the lactation route.

The breastfeeding pathway and indicator pathway opening communicating with the infant's mouth can be formed by the Y branch of the milk delivery pathway. This helps to provide proportional pressure from the infant's suction to both the lactation path and the indicator path.

  In order to facilitate further analysis of the volume of fluid taken up by the infant via the lactation pathway, the indicator pathway can be a narrower cross-sectional area, a longer length, or a combination of both compared to the lactation pathway .

FMD is, the nipple can be an integral part of another individual in either, or milk head. Ru is integrated with nipple FMD or integral F MD ( "IFMD") can either be attached to the mother's breast during breastfeeding or may be manufactured to be attached to a feeding bottle. When attached to the mother's breast, the IFMD indicates the amount of milk that has flowed from the mother's nipple to the infant's mouth via the indicator route via the indicator route. By breastfeeding an infant via IFMD, a mother can not only receive an indication of the milk flow for her infant, but can also release the mother from the nipple pain or nipple injury sometimes associated with breastfeeding.

  During breastfeeding via IFMD, the infant grasps the IFMD teat-like mouthpiece and begins breastfeeding. The negative pressure introduced into the lactation pathway and indicator pathway draws breast milk into both pathways. Milk flows to the infant's mouth via a relatively large breastfeeding pathway and at the same time is slowly drawn into a relatively smaller indicator pathway. Since the negative pressure from the sucking infant is applied to both the feeding route and the indicator route, the amount of milk flowing into the indicator route indicates the amount of milk flowing through the feeding route. In this way, the total volume of fluid consumed by the infant via the lactation pathway can be easily seen on the indicator pathway. In practice, the indicator pathway can be designed with a length and cross section that can have sufficient volume of milk to show the total intake for a single breastfeed that does not "spill" into the infant's mouth. . Thus, a larger volume indicator path (longer length, larger cross-sectional area, multiple indicator paths, or combinations thereof) may be used for larger infants, as well as a smaller volume indicator path Can be used for smaller infants. A wide variety of designs can be manufactured to fit the infant's dimensions, weight, and age, and the dimensions of the mother's breast or nipple.

  FIG. 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of a prior art nipple protector 110. The teat protector 110 has a teat tip 120 that begins at the teat base 130. The teat tip 120 has one or more teat openings 140. The nipple protector 110 is attached to the mother's breast so that when the infant sucks on the nipple tip 120, the breast milk flows from the mother's nipple to the infant's mouth through the opening 140 at the nipple tip 120. Is done.

  One skilled in the art will appreciate that the teat protector is not limited to the shape or features described above. For example, the teat tip 120 may feature multiple openings in different geometrical arrangements and dimensions. FIG. 2 shows various top-down views of possible arrangements, dimensions, and shapes of openings that are possible in the nipple or nipple protector 110. For example, the teat tips 120a-e are illustrated with various openings 140j-n. The IFMD can also have a similar opening geometry.

  FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of an IFMD according to the present invention. The IFMD 310 is attached to the female breast 340. The teat tip 320 is connected to the teat base 330. When placed on the breast 340, the milk cavity region 345 is formed between the teat tip 320 and the breast 340. As the infant sticks to the teat tip 320, negative pressure is sent through the lactation pathway 350 that communicates pressure from the infant's mouth to the breast 340. This draws milk into the milk cavity area 345 and into the infant's mouth via the lactation pathway 350. Although a single breastfeeding path 350 is shown in FIG. 3, those skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple breastfeeding paths 350 of various shapes, dimensions, and arrangements can be used.

  The same negative pressure is applied to the indicator path 380 at the first opening 395 because the infant applies a negative pressure via the lactation path 350. The indicator path 380 has a second opening 390 that communicates with the milk cavity area 345, and the pressure causes the indicator path 380 to draw milk from the milk cavity area 345 through the second opening 390 to the indicator path 380. Sent through. To assist operation in accordance with the present invention, the second opening 390 of the indicator path 380 is normally in constant communication with the milk in the milk cavity region 345. The indicator path 380 is more easily seen and understood with reference to FIG.

  4 is a top-down view of the IFMD in FIG. 3 according to the present invention. In the illustrated IFMD, the second opening 390 in the indicator path opens into the milk cavity area 345. The indicator path 380 then exits the nipple base 330 via the first nipple tip transition opening 360, wraps around the nipple base, returns through the second nipple tip transition opening 370, and sucks the infant. A first opening 395 is provided to receive negative pressure from milk. As the infant sucks, the indicator path takes in milk that moves in the direction indicated by arrow 410.

  For example, gradations indicated by 50 cc, 100 cc, and 150 cc can be placed at one or more points along the indicator path and the total volume of fluid received by the infant via the lactation path can be read. Later in this specification, a calculation will be given to generate the number of gradations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that gradation is not necessary to indicate fluid flow, but is merely useful in indicating the approximate amount of fluid that an infant will consume. For example, it is in accordance with the principles of the present invention not to provide a gradation and to provide a single gradation to indicate when an infant has taken a sufficient amount. Alternatively, for example, color zones can be used to indicate proper intake for infants. In this way, FMD or IFMD can be manufactured with a variety of features on or in or along the indicator path, depending on the infant's size, age, or weight. .

  In accordance with the principles of the present invention, multiple indicator paths may be provided. The indicator path can be any shape, length, diameter, and resistance. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, different materials can be used to construct the indicator path and the nipple. The indicator path can have a translucent material so that the amount of fluid in the indicator path can be clearly seen. Alternatively, the indicator path may have a material that changes color when in contact with the fluid. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the FMD or IFMD can have reusable or disposable materials.

  The indicator path and other features of the present invention may be configured as an integral part of the teat or as a separate mounting part. It should be understood that the path of the indicator path and its exact location is not important in the present invention. As long as the pressure from the infant suction is applied to one end of the indicator path and the fluid source is placed at the other end of the indicator path, the present invention will function properly. The indicator path may be placed in the nipple tip and base, on the nipple tip and base, at the nipple tip and base, or a combination thereof. In addition, multiple indicator pathways and lactation pathways can be used.

  The indicator path may be designed so that no bubbles are taken into the indicator path. A check valve may also be used to prevent back flow of fluid from the indicator path to the milk cavity. The check valve can be placed in the indicator path or on either end of the indicator path. Also, multiple check valves can be used.

  Although IFMD is illustrated with respect to attachment to the mother's breast, those skilled in the art will appreciate that IFMD can be used as a teat on a baby bottle for infants fed in baby bottles. Similarly, FMD can be utilized for infants breastfeeding.

  FIG. 5 illustrates the flow of breast milk from milk cavity area 345 to indicator path 380 in a side cross-sectional view of an IFMD according to the principles of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates the flow of breast milk from milk cavity area 345 to indicator path 380 in a top view of an IFMD according to the principles of the present invention. As indicated by the shaded area of the indicator path 380, milk flows from the milk cavity area 345 to the opening 390 of the indicator path 380 as the infant sucks over the opening 395 of the indicator path 380.

  As previously mentioned, the path taken by the indicator path may vary in different embodiments according to the present invention.

  FIG. 7 shows a top-down view of an IFMD having a spiral indicator path according to the present invention. In this figure, the spiral indicator path 780 starts at the suction opening 795 and spirals around the teat base 730 or teat tip 720, exits the transition opening 760 to the milk cavity, and the milk cavity opening 790. End at. This indicator path 780 provides an expanded and further detail of the use of gradations that more accurately indicate fluid consumption.

  Various combinations of apertures and connections can be utilized in accordance with the present invention. Examples of these are shown below in FIGS.

  For example, FIG. 8 shows an IFMD 810 having a Y-shaped pressure delivery path to provide suction from the infant's mouth to the lactation path and the indicator path according to the present invention. The IFMD 810 has the same structure as the IFMD 310 but has a pressure delivery path 850. The pressure delivery path 850 may be an inverted Y-shaped connector having an opening 870 to the infant's mouth to communicate pressure to the indicator path 820 and the lactation path 830 via the Y branch. The pressure delivery path helps to ensure that equal pressure is applied to both the indicator path 820 and the lactation path 830.

FIG. 9 shows various openings, pressure delivery paths, lactation paths and indicator paths that can be used in accordance with the present invention. Three structures are shown . In the left hand side configuration, the three openings 910 apply pressure to the pressure delivery path 915 from the infant's mouth. Two indicator paths 920 communicate with the pressure delivery path 915. The three breast feeding paths 930 communicate with the pressure delivery path 915.

  In the central configuration, five openings 940 communicate between the infant's mouth and the pressure delivery path 945. Two indicator paths 950 communicate with the pressure delivery path 945. The three breast feeding paths 960 communicate with the pressure delivery path 945.

  In the right hand side configuration, the four openings 970 communicate between the infant's mouth and the pressure delivery path 975. Two indicator paths 980 are coupled and in communication with the pressure delivery path 975. A single lactation path 990 communicates with the pressure delivery path 975.

  FIG. 10 shows an IFMD 310 using a comfort pad 1010 according to the present invention. The comfort pad 1010 may be placed between the female breast 340 and the nipple tip 320 to provide some degree of comfort and protection between the breast 340 and the nipple tip 320. Comfort pad 1010 may be designed to allow breast milk to pass through comfort pad 1010. Comfort pad 1010 may prevent teat 340 from touching indicator pathway 380 and lactation pathway 350. The comfort pad can be removed from or attached to the IFMD 310.

  FIG. 11 shows a plan view of two embodiments of a comfort pad 1010 according to the present invention. Two exemplary embodiments of comfort pad 1010 are shown in FIG. The comfort pad may comprise a plurality of materials known to those skilled in the art, for example gauze.

  FIG. 12 shows a milk reservoir 1270 that utilizes IFMD 1210 according to the present invention. As shown, IMFD 1210 is attached to maternal breast 1215 and has two indicator paths 1220a, b. The infant applies a suction force to the pressure delivery path 1230 through the openings 1240a, b, c. The pressure delivery path 1230 provides infant pressure to the two breastfeeding paths 125a, b that draw milk from the milk cavity area 1260. The pressure applied from the infant's suction is applied to both the indicator path 1220a, b and the two breastfeeding paths 1250a, b. Milk reservoir 1270 is a cup-shaped device in this example, and may be juxtaposed between the nipple tip of IFMD 1210 and breast 1215 and positioned at the bottom of IFMD 1210. The milk reservoir 1270 holds milk from the milk cavity range 1260 to provide for the intake of the indicator pathways 1220a, b. Milk reservoir 1270 serves as a consistent storage location for milk to prevent bubbles from entering indicator paths 1220a, b. Although milk storage container 1270 is illustrated in conjunction with IFMD having multiple feeding paths and indicator paths, milk storage container 1270 can be used in any of the structures described herein.

FIG. 13 shows a milk indicator container 1360 having an IFMD 1310 according to the present invention. As shown, IFMD 1310 is attached to the mother's breast and has an indicator path 1350. The infant applies suction to the indicator path 1340 at the nipple 1320 through the opening 1340 and applies suction to the lactation path 1330. Milk indicator container 1310 may be placed in indicator path 1350. As milk is drawn from the mother's breast via the indicator path 1350, it accumulates in the milk indicator container 1360. Milk indicator container 1360 may be marked to indicate the amount of milk that is drawn through lactation pathway 1330. The milk indicator container 1360 can be designed with such a volume to indicate an amount of milk that is greater than or equal to the intake of a typical breastfeeding session. While not required to practice the principles in accordance with the present invention, the use of milk indicator container 1360 may result in bubbles entering indicator path 1350 in embodiments that do not have milk indicator container 1360 or a milk reservoir. In some cases, help to prevent false readings. Although the milk indicator container 1360 is illustrated with an IFMD having a single feeding path and a single indicator path, the milk indicator container 1360 may be used in any of the structures described herein .

  FIG. 14 shows a side cross-sectional view of an IFMD 1410 having a removable indicator path 1510 (shown in FIG. 15) in accordance with the present invention. The IFMD 1410 is attached to the female breast 1440. The teat tip 1420 joins the teat base 1430. When placed on the breast 1440, the milk cavity area 1445 is formed between the breast end 1420 and the breast 1440. As the infant sucks on the teat tip 1420, negative pressure is sent through a lactation path 1450 that communicates pressure from the infant's mouth to the breast 1440. This draws milk into the infant's mouth via the milk cavity area 1445 and the lactation path 1450. A single breastfeeding path 1450 is shown in FIG. 14, and one skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple breastfeeding paths 1450 of various shapes, sizes and arrangements can be used.

  When the infant applies a negative pressure via the lactation path 1450, the same negative pressure is applied to the first portion of the indicator path 1480 at the first opening 1495. The final portion of the indicator path 1480 has a second opening 1490 that communicates with the milk cavity area 1445 so that the pressure draws milk from the milk cavity area 1445 to the indicator path 1480 via the second opening 1490. Sent via path 1480. In this illustrated embodiment, indicator path 1480 includes a first portion of the indicator path that ends with a first portion attachment 1475 and an indicator path that ends with a second portion attachment 1465. Having a second part. A removable indicator path 1510 (shown in FIG. 15) may be placed between the first part mounting part 1475 and the first part mounting part 1465. A removable indicator path 1510 provides fluid communication between the first portion of the indicator path and the second portion of the indicator path. Indicator path 1480 is more easily seen and understood in FIG.

  15 is a IFMD top down view of FIG. 14 in accordance with the present invention. In the illustrated IFMD, the second opening 1490 in the indicator path opens into the milk cavity area 1445. The indicator path 1480 then exits through the first teat tip transition opening 1460 to the second part attachment 1465. A detachable indicator path 1510 attached to the second part attachment 1465 communicates with the first opening 1495 via the first nipple tip transition opening 1470 to receive the negative suction pressure of the infant. Traverse relative to the first part mounting component 1475. As the infant sucks, the indicator pathway takes in milk.

  The gradation can be placed in one or more locations along the removable indicator path 1510 and the total volume of fluid that the infant receives through the lactation path can be read. One skilled in the art will appreciate that it is not necessary to indicate fluid flow, but is merely useful in indicating an approximate amount of fluid that an infant will ingest. For example, it is in accordance with the principles of the present invention not to provide a gradation or to provide a single gradation to indicate when an infant has taken a sufficient amount. Alternatively, for example, color zones can be used to indicate proper intake for infants.

  The indicator path may have markings or gradations at one or more locations along its length, indicating the total volume of fluid flow through the lactation path. Since the indicator path can be made from a transparent material, white breast milk or powdered milk that is advanced in front of the indicator path can provide a visual indicator, similar to a typical mercury thermometer.

  Given physical properties such as length, diameter, resistance, and number of indicator and lactation pathways, the amount of fluid, breast milk or milk powder can be calculated roughly at various points during the lactation process.

  The following equations are given for the round feeding route and the indicator route. One skilled in the art will appreciate that these equations can be modified by various shapes of lactation and indicator paths.

For example, for a given FMD having a single indicator path, the resistance R _IP of the indicator path is expressed by the following equation (1), depending on the length and diameter of the indicator path:

において算出され得る。

Can be calculated.

In equation (1), L _IP is the length of the indicator path and D _IP is the diameter of the indicator path.

  Similarly, the resistance of the lactation pathway is expressed by the following equation (2), depending on the length and diameter of the lactation pathway:

において算出され得る。

Can be calculated.

In formula (2), _LFP is the length of the lactation pathway and _DFP is the diameter of the lactation pathway.

  One skilled in the art will understand that the resistance of the indicator path is also affected by the portion of the indicator path that is filled with fluid, increasing the resistance of the indicator path. For more rigorous measurements, a gradation can be placed on the indicator path to offset this non-linearity. The stickiness of the fluid can also affect the resistance. Therefore, the above equation is approximate. In practice, calibration is done to give a more accurate gradation formula.

Against a split path pressure drop caused by the suction force of the infant is not biased the same in feeding pathway and the indicator on the path, S _FMD may subsequently be FMD ratio (the resistance ratio of the indicator pathway and feeding pathway), below Equation (3)

として算出され得る。

Can be calculated as

  In equation (3), C is the calibration factor for the different calibration parameters.

The FMD ratio, S _FMD , actually represents the ratio between the amount of fluid in the indicator path associated with the total amount of fluid being dispensed through the lactation path.

The amount of fluid in the indicator path is given by the following equation (4), given the predetermined length of the indicator path filled with fluid and the cross-sectional area of the indicator path, eg the radius in the round indicator path:
V _IP = (CS) L,
V _IP = πr ² L
Can be calculated.

Wherein (4), V _IP is the volume of the filled portion of the indicator pathway, r is the radius of the indicator pathway, L is the length of the filled portion of the indicator pathway, CS is the indicator pathway Is the cross-sectional area.

Therefore, during the lactation process, the amount of fluid that the infant receives (or the flow rate that exits the lactation pathway) is:
V _FP = V _IP × S _FMD
It is.

In formula (5), V _FP is the amount of fluid through the lactation pathway.

  The above equations are shown to calculate resistance with a single lactation path and an indicator path, while equations for two lactation paths and a single indicator path are shown below. The resistance to the combined breastfeeding route is

において算出される。式中、Ｆ_ＲＰ１は第１の授乳経路に対する抵抗であり、Ｒ_ＦＰ２は第２の授乳経路に対する抵抗である。したがって、単一のインジケータ経路及び２つの授乳経路に対する抵抗比、Ｓ_ＦＭＤは、次の式の通りである。

Is calculated in _Where F _RP1 is the resistance to the first lactation pathway and R _FP2 is the resistance to the second lactation pathway. Thus, the resistance ratio, S _FMD for a single indicator pathway and two lactation pathways is:

式中、Ｃは、異なる較正パラメータに対する較正計数である。当業者は、他の比が授乳経路及びインジケータ経路の他の組合せに対して算出され得る、ことを理解するであろう。

Where C is the calibration factor for the different calibration parameters. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other ratios can be calculated for other combinations of lactation pathways and indicator pathways.

  The following table shows the results of a typical implementation of the above formula. In the table, the first part shows the results for an implementation with a single indicator path and a single lactation path, and the second part shows the results for a single indicator path and two lactation paths.

前述された本発明に従った可能な実施例の記載は、全てのかかる実施例又は説明された実施例の全ての変化形の総合的なリストを示すものではない。複数の実施例のみの説明は、他の実施例を除外する意図として解釈されるべきではない。当業者は、他の多くの手法において添付の請求項における発明を、請求項の範囲から逸脱することのない同等のもの又は代替のものを使用して実施する方法を理解するであろう。更には、前述の記載において反対を示されない限り、実施例において説明される構成部品は、本発明に対して必須ではない。加えて、「及び」という接続詞が使用される範囲において、該語は「及び」又は「又は」のいずれかを意味するようみなされるべきである。また、「又は」という語は、除外的離接語又は包含的離接語の形のいずれかを意味するものとみなされるべきである。

The foregoing description of possible embodiments in accordance with the invention does not provide a comprehensive list of all such embodiments or all variations of the described embodiments. Description of only a plurality of embodiments should not be construed as an intent to exclude other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand how to implement the invention in the appended claims in many other ways using equivalents or alternatives without departing from the scope of the claims. Further, unless stated to the contrary in the foregoing description, the components described in the examples are not essential to the invention. In addition, to the extent that the conjunction “and” is used, the term should be taken to mean either “and” or “or”. Further, the word "or" should be deemed to mean any form of exclusion manner disjunctive word or inclusive disjunctive word.

1 is a side cross-sectional view of a prior art teat protector. FIG. FIG. 2 is a top-down view of a variety of possible arrangements, sizes and shapes of openings that are possible in a nipple-like or nipple protector. FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of an integrated lactation measurement device (“IFM D ”) according to the present invention. 2 is a top down view of IFMD according to the present invention. FIG. Fig. 4 illustrates the flow of milk from the milk cavity area to the indicator path in a side sectional view of an IFMD according to the present invention. Fig. 4 illustrates the flow of milk from a milk cavity area 345 to an indicator path in a top view of an IFMD according to the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a top view of an IFMD having a spiral indicator path according to the present invention. Fig. 4 illustrates an IFMD having a Y-shaped pressure delivery path to provide suction from the infant's mouth to the lactation path and indicator path according to the present invention. Fig. 4 illustrates an indicator path, a lactation path, a pressure delivery path, and a variety of openings that can be utilized in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 4 illustrates an IFMD with the use of a comfort pad according to the present invention. 2 is a plan view of two embodiments of comfort pads according to the present invention. FIG. 1 illustrates a milk reservoir utilizing an IFMD according to the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates a milk indicator container utilizing IFMD according to the present invention. FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of an IFMD having a removable indicator pathway (shown in FIG. 15) in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 15 is a plan view of the IFMD of FIG. 14 in accordance with the present invention.

Claims (30)

A method of measuring fluid flow from a fluid source through a teat to an infant's mouth,
Providing a lactation pathway for fluid flow from the fluid source to the infant's mouth;
Providing an indicator path to indicate the amount of fluid delivered to the infant's mouth via the breastfeeding path;
Have
The breastfeeding path has a first opening in communication with the fluid source and a second opening in communication with the infant's mouth;
The indicator path has a first opening in communication with the fluid source and a second opening in communication with the infant's mouth;
The amount of fluid drawn into the indicator path indicates the amount of fluid drawn into the lactation path;
Method. The cross-sectional area of the indicator path is substantially smaller than the cross-sectional area of the lactation path;
The method of claim 1. The length of the indicator pathway is substantially longer than the length of the lactation pathway,
The method of claim 1. Providing a pressure delivery path between the infant's mouth and the second opening of the feeding path and the second opening of the indicator path;
The method of claim 1. Providing a plurality of indicator paths;
The method of claim 1. The lactation path and the indicator path are integral with the teat.
The method of claim 1. Further comprising providing a gradation along the indicator path to indicate the amount of fluid being delivered to the infant's mouth via the breastfeeding path;
The method of claim 1. Providing a plurality of breastfeeding pathways to provide fluid from the fluid source to the infant's mouth;
The method of claim 1. The fluid comprises breast milk;
The lactation pathway and the indicator pathway are adapted to receive the breast milk from a mother's breast;
The method of claim 1. The fluid source is a bottle;
The method of claim 1. Providing a check valve in the indicator path to prevent fluid backflow;
The method of claim 1. Providing a comfort pad placed between the mother's breast and the indicator pathway;
The method of claim 9. Providing a milk storage container;
The milk reservoir is positioned between the fluid source and the first opening of the indicator path, and is adapted to hold a supply of milk to prevent bubbles from entering the indicator path.
The method of claim 9. Further comprising providing a milk indicator container;
The milk indicator container is positioned in the indicator path;
The method of claim 9. The indicator path further comprises a removable indicator path,
The method of claim 1. A device,
A feeding pathway for fluid flow into the mouth of the flow body source or al infants,
And indicator pathway for indicating the amount of the fluid given to the mouth of the baby through the feeding pathway,
Have
The breastfeeding path has a first opening in communication with the fluid source and a second opening in communication with the infant's mouth;
The indicator path has a first opening in communication with the fluid source and a second opening in communication with the infant's mouth;
The amount of fluid drawn into the indicator path indicates the amount of fluid drawn into the lactation path;
apparatus. The cross-sectional area of the indicator path is substantially smaller than the cross-sectional area of the lactation path;
The apparatus of claim 16. The length of the indicator pathway is substantially longer than the length of the lactation pathway,
The apparatus of claim 16. Further comprising a Oite pressure delivery route between the second opening of said second opening and said indicator pathway mouth and the feeding path of the infant,
The apparatus of claim 16. Further comprising a plurality of indicators routes,
The apparatus of claim 16. Wherein A feeding pathway and the indicator pathway are integral with respect papillae,
The apparatus of claim 16. Further comprising a gradation along the indicator path to indicate the amount of fluid being delivered to the infant's mouth via the lactation path;
The apparatus of claim 16. A plurality of breastfeeding pathways to provide fluid from the fluid source to the infant's mouth;
The apparatus of claim 16. The fluid comprises breast milk;
The lactation pathway and the indicator pathway are adapted to receive the breast milk from a mother's breast;
The apparatus of claim 16. The fluid source is a bottle;
The apparatus of claim 16. Further comprising a check valve in the indicator path to prevent fluid backflow;
The apparatus of claim 16. Further comprising a comfort pad placed between the breast and the indicator pathway of the mother,
25. The method of claim 24. A milk storage container;
The milk reservoir is placed between the fluid source and the first opening of the indicator path, and is adapted to hold a supply of milk to prevent bubbles from entering the indicator path.
The apparatus of claim 24. Further comprising a milk indicator container,
The milk indicator container is positioned in the indicator path;
The apparatus of claim 24. The indicator path further comprises a removable indicator path,
The apparatus of claim 16.

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