MXPA06008974A - Measuring fluid flow to a suckling baby. - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for measuring fluid intake by a sucking baby. The system includes: a feeding pathway for fluid flow from the fluid source to the baby's mouth, wherein the feeding pathway has a first opening in communication with the fluid source and a second opening in communication with the baby's mouth; and an indicator pathway for indicating the amount of fluid provided to the baby's mouth through the feeding pathway, wherein the indicator pathway has a first opening in communication with the fluid source and a second opening in communication with the baby's mouth. The amount of fluid drawn into the indicator pathway is indicative of the amount of fluid drawn into the feeding pathway.

Description

MEASUREMENT OF FLUID FLOW FOR A BREAST INFANT This Application claims the priority before the US Patent No. 10 / 774,939, filed on February 9, 2004.

FIELD OF THE TECHNIQUE The invention relates, in general, to methods and systems for indicating the flow of fluids and, more specifically, to methods and systems for indicating the flow of fluids using the suction induced by a nursing infant in more than one way.

BACKGROUND The number one question for novice parents is: "Does my baby eat enough?" Normally a newborn will eat at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours during the first 4 to 6 weeks of life. they need at least one nocturnal feeding during the first 6 to 8 weeks of life.In the absence of any form for the measurement of the amount of milk or formula the baby receives, the mother has to follow the subjective signals given by the baby. This problem is present particularly in the case of mothers who breastfeed their baby.

In order to measure the volume of the fluid administered to the baby, those skilled in the art have used complex electronic systems for the measurement of the flow. These systems commonly involve adapting electronic and electromechanical flow meters in the path for the passage of liquids in order to measure the flow of the fluid. However, such systems are expensive and complex, they require the attachment of bulky systems to the milk or formula supply. In addition, the use of such systems is limited to bottle feeding systems and does not apply to breastfeeding infants. As the benefits of breastfeeding have spread, more and more mothers are breastfeeding than in the past, highlighting the need for a method to indicate fluid intake by the baby.

The apparatuses and methods according to the present invention are oriented to overcome one or more problems associated with the systems of the prior art.

A method according to the principles of the present invention includes: providing a feeding path for the flow of fluids, from the source of the fluid to the baby's mouth, wherein the feeding path has a first opening in communication with the source of the fluid and a second opening in communication with the baby's mouth; and providing a gauge path to indicate the amount of fluid provided to the baby's mouth through the feeding path, wherein the gauge path has a first opening in communication with the fluid source and a second opening in communication with the fluid source. the mouth of the baby. The amount of fluid withdrawn into the gauge track is an indication of the amount of fluid that passes into the feed path.

An apparatus that consists of the principles of the present invention includes: a feeding path for the flow of fluid from the fluid source to the baby's mouth, wherein the feeding path has a first opening in communication with the source of the fluid and a second opening in communication with the baby's mouth; and an indication form for indicating the amount of fluid provided to the baby's mouth through the feeding path, wherein the indication form has a first opening in communication with the source of the fluid and a second opening in communication with the mouth of the baby. The amount of the fluid passing within the indication form is indicative of the amount of fluid passing within the feed path.

A method that consists of the principles of the present invention includes: receiving the suction from the baby's mouth; provide the suction of at least one first way and one second way; and indicate in the second way the presence of suction.

The background and compendium that precedes are not intended to be exhaustive, but serve to help technicians, with common skills in the field, to understand the following implementations according to the invention, set forth in the appended claims. In addition, the foregoing background and compendium are not intended to provide independent limitations on the claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings show implementation features in accordance with the present invention and, together with the corresponding written description, help explain the principles associated with the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a prior art nipple shield.

Figure 2 shows a variety of top-down views of possible arrangements, sizes and shapes of possible openings in a pacifier or nipple shield.

Figure 3 shows a side view, in cross-section, of a device for measuring the feeding, integrated, ("IFMD") according to the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a top-down view of an IFMD according to the present invention.

Figure 5 shows the flow of breast milk from the area of the milk cavity to the indicator line in a cross-sectional side view of an IFMD according to the present invention.

Figure 6 shows the flow of breast milk from the area of the milk cavity 345 to the indicator line in a top view of an IFMD according to the present invention.

Figure 7 shows a top-down view of an IFMD with a helical indicator path according to the present invention.

Figure 8 shows an IFMD with a Y-shaped pressure delivery path to provide suction from the baby's mouth to the feeding path and the indicator path according to the present invention.

Figure 9 shows a variety of openings, pressure delivery routes, feeding paths, and indicator ways that can be used in accordance with the present invention Figure 10 shows the IFMD with the use of a comfortable pad according to the present invention.

Figure 11 shows a top view of two embodiments of the comfort pad according to the present invention.

Figure 12 shows a deposit for the milk collection used with an IFMD according to the present invention.

Figure 13 shows a milk indicator tank used with an IFMD according to the present invention.

Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional side view of an IFMD having a separable indicator path (shown in Figure 15) according to the present invention.

Figure 15 shows a top-down view of the IFMD of Figure 14 according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following description refers to the accompanying drawings in which, in the absence of an opposite representation, the same numbers in different drawings represent similar elements. The implementations in the following description do not represent all implementations according to the claimed invention. Instead, they are only examples of systems and methods according to the invention.

The embodiments of the present invention utilize a "milk division principle" to exploit the suction of the baby to distribute to a source of fluid, for example, milk from the breast of the mother, milk from a bottle, or the formula of a bottle, in two or more ways. In the case of a two-way system, it has a gauge track and a feed path, the amount of fluid that goes into the gauge track is an indication of the amount of fluid that goes into the feed path.

The milk division principle described above is • originates due to the suction of the baby and can be used, among other things, to give an indication of the total milk the baby drinks, the suction pressure of the baby, or only an indication that the baby has some intake. While the milk division principle uses the suction of the baby to measure the flow of fluid, the baby does not have any work stronger than normal in the course of feeding.

A device to measure the power ("FMD", by its acronym in English) according to the principles of the present invention includes a feeding path and an indicator path. The feeding path has a first opening in communication with the milk source and a second opening in communication with the baby's mouth. The gauge track indicates the approximate amount of milk provided to the baby's mouth by way of the feeding path providing, for example, one or more gradations along the gauge track with graded markings indicating fluid volumes . The gauge path has a first opening in communication with the milk source and a second opening in communication with the baby's mouth. Due to the negative pressure that passes through the baby's mouth on the gauge line and the feeding path is the same, the amount of milk that passes inside the gauge line is an indication of the amount of milk that passes inside the way of feeding.

The openings of the feeding path and the indicator path in communication with the baby's mouth can be formed by Y-branches of a milk delivery line. This helps provide a proportional pressure of the baby's suction to the feeding path and the gauge path.

In order to facilitate a larger resolution of the volume of fluid taken by the baby through the feeding path, the indicator path may be a smaller cross-sectional area, of longer length than the feeding path, or a combination from both.

An FMD can be separated from or an integral part of the pacifier. An integrated FMD with a pacifier, or integrated FMD ("IFMD"), can be attached to the mother's breast during breastfeeding or can be manufactured to join the bottle. When attached to the mother's breast, the IFMD indicates via the indicator the amount of milk that flows from the mother's nipple through the feeding path to the baby's mouth. Feeding the baby by breast through an IFMD, the mother not only receives an indication of the milk flowing to her baby, but also relieves the mother of irritated or cracked nipples sometimes associated with breastfeeding.

During breastfeeding through the IFMD, the baby sticks to the tip of the IFMD pacifier and begins to feed. The negative pressure induced within the feeding path and the indicator route draws the milk from the mother towards both routes. The milk flows through a relatively wide feeding path into the baby's mouth, while also gently pulling out towards the relatively small indicator pathway. Due to the negative pressure that the nursing baby is applying to the feeding path and the indicator pathway, the amount of milk flowing into the indicator line is an indication of the amount of milk that passes through the feeding path . In this way, one can easily see in the indicator path the total volume of fluid consumed by the baby through the feeding path. In practice, the gauge path can be designed for that amplitude and a cross section, so that it can contain a sufficient volume of milk to indicate the total intake for a single feed without "spilling" into the baby's mouth. Therefore, a gauge track of larger volume (eg, longer, a larger cross-sectional area, multiple gauge tracks, or a combination of the aforementioned) can be used with a larger baby and, correspondingly, can be used. use a smaller volume gauge track with a smaller infant. A wide variety of designs can be made to suit the size of the baby, weight, age, as well as variations of the mother's breast or nipple size.

Figure 1 shows a side, cross-sectional view of a prior art nipple shield 110. The nipple shield 110 comprises a pacifier tip 120 emerging out of the nipple base 130. The tip of the nipple 120 includes a or more openings of the pacifier 140. The nipple shield 110 sticks to the breast of the mother, so that when the baby sucks the tip of the pacifier 120 the milk flows from the mother's nipple and through the openings 140 in the breast. tip of the pacifier 120 towards the baby's mouth.

For those skilled in the art it will be appreciated that nipple shields are not limited to the shape or features mentioned in the preceding paragraph. For example, the nipple tip 120 can be defined between a plurality of openings in different geometric arrangements and shapes. Figure 2 illustrates a variety of top-down views of possible arrangements, sizes and shapes of possible openings in a nipple or nipple shield 110. For example, nipple tips 120a-e are illustrated with a variety of openings 140j-n . The IFMD may also comprise similar geometric openings.

Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an IFMD according to the present invention. The IFMD 310 sticks to the woman's chest 340.

The tip of the nipple 320 is joined within a base of the nipple 330. When placed on the breast 340, a milk cavity area 345 is formed between the tip of the nipple 320 and the breast 340. When a baby sucks on the tip of the nipple 320, a negative pressure is transmitted through the feeding path 350 which communicates the pressure from the baby's mouth to the breast 340. This draws the milk into the milk cavity area 345 and into the baby's mouth through the of the feeding path 350. While illustrating a single feeding path 350 in FIG. 3, those skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple feeding paths 350 of various shapes, sizes, and arrangements can be used.

As the baby applies negative pressure through the feeding path 350, the same negative pressure is applied to the gauge track 380 at the first opening 395. The gauge track 380 has a second opening 390 in communication with the cavity area. for milk 345, so that the pressure is transmitted through the gauge track 380 to draw the milk from the milk cavity area 345 towards the gauge track 380 through the second opening 390. To assist the operation according to the present invention, the second opening 390 of the gauge track 380 can be positioned so that it is always always in communication with the milk in the milk cavity area 345. Gauge track 380 is more easily observed and understood with respect to Figure 4.

Figure 4 illustrates a top-down view of the IFMD of Figure 3 according to the present invention. In the illustrated IFMD, the second opening of the gauge track 390 opens into the milk cavity area 345. The gauge track 380 then exits the base of the nipple 330 through the first transition opening of the nipple tip 360, wraps around the base of the nipple, and returns through a second transition opening of the nipple tip 370 to provide the first opening 395 to receive the negative pressure of the baby's suction. As the baby sucks, milk ingestion via the indicator travels in the direction indicated by arrow 410.

Gradations, for example, as illustrated by 50cc, 100cc and 150cc, can be placed at one or more points along the indicator path, so that the total volume of fluid received by the baby can be read through the feeding path. Later in this specification, the calculations are provided to generate the grading numbers. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that gradations are not necessary to indicate fluid flow, but are simply useful in indicating approximate amounts of fluid taken by the baby. For example, it is in accordance with the principles of the present invention not to provide gradation or provide a unique gradation to indicate when the baby has taken a sufficient amount. Or, for example, a colored area can be used to indicate an appropriate intake for the baby. Along these lines, the FMD or IFMD can be manufactured with various features on, on or along the gauge track depending on the size, age or weight of the baby.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, any number of gauge tracks may be provided. The gauge tracks can be of any shape, length, diameter and strength. As will be understood, for those skilled in the art, different materials may be used to construct the indicator and nipple path. The gauge track can be constructed of a translucent material, so that the amount of fluid in the gauge track can be clearly seen. 0, the gauge track can be constructed of a material that changes color with fluid contact. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the FMD or the IFMD can be constructed of a reusable or disposable material.

The gauge path, and other features of the present invention, can be constructed integrally with the nipple or as an independent accessory. It will be understood that the path of the indicator path and its exact placement is not important for the present invention. Although the suction pressure of the baby is applied to one end of the gauge track and the source of the fluid is placed at the other end of the gauge track, the invention will work properly. The gauge line can be placed inside the tip and base of the nipple, over the tip and base of the nipple, at the tip and base of the nipple, or any previous combination. In addition, multiple gauge tracks and power lines can be used.

The gauge track can be designed to prevent the introduction of air bubbles into the indicator path. Also, a check valve can be used to prevent the flow of fluids from the indicator line back into the milk cavity. The check valve can be placed anywhere in or on the end of the gauge track. Multiple verification valves can also be used.

While an IFMD is illustrated with respect to attachment to the mother's breast, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the IFMD can be used as a nipple on a bottle for bottle-fed infants. Similarly, the FMD can be used with a bottle-fed baby.

Figure 5 illustrates the flow of breast milk from the milk cavity area 345 to the indicator line 380 in a cross-sectional side view of an IFMD according to the principles of the present invention. The Figure 6 illustrates the flow of milk from the breast from the milk cavity area 345 to the indicator line 380 in a top view of an IFMD according to the principles of the present invention. As indicated by the shaded region of gauge track 380, milk flows from milk cavity area 345 to opening 390 of gauge track 380 as the baby sucks at opening 395 of gauge track 380.

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

Figure 7 illustrates a top-down view of an IFMD with a helical indicator path according to the present invention. In this illustration, the helix indicator path 780 starts at the suction opening 795 and is wound helically around the base of the nipple 730 or the tip of the nipple 720, through a transition opening 760 toward the milk cavity , and ending in a cavity opening for milk 790. This gauge track "'780 is provided for an extended and more detailed use of gradations for better indication of fluid consumption.

Various combinations of openings and connections may be used in accordance with the present invention. Examples of this are illustrated below in Figures 8 and 9.

For example, Figure 8 illustrates an IFMD 810 with a Y-shaped delivery port to provide suction from the baby's mouth to the feeding path and the indicator path according to the present invention. The IFMD 810 is similar in structure to the IFMD 310, but includes a pressure delivery way 850. The pressure delivery way 850 can be a Y-shaped connector, inverted with an opening 870 towards the baby's mouth to communicate the pressure through the branches Y to the track of the indicator 820 and the supply track 830. The delivery route under pressure helps to ensure that an equal pressure is applied to the track of the indicator 820 and the supply track 830.

Figure 9 illustrates a variety of openings, pressurized delivery routes, supply routes and indicator ways that can be used in accordance with the present invention. Three configurations are illustrated. In the configuration of the left side, three openings 910 provide pressure from the baby's mouth to the delivery way under pressure 915. Two tracks of the indicator 920 are in communication with the delivery way under pressure 915. Also, three feeding paths 930 are in communication with the 915 pressure delivery route.

In the middle configuration, five openings 940 are in communication between the baby's mouth and the pressure delivery way 945. Two tracks of the 950 indicator are in communication with the pressure delivery way 945. And three feeding ways 960 they are in communication with the 945 delivery route.

In the configuration of the far right, four openings 970 are in communication between the baby's mouth and the delivery way under pressure 975. Two tracks of the indicator 980 are coupled and are in communication with the delivery way under pressure 975. And, a single power supply 990 is in communication with the pressure delivery way 975.

Figure 10 shows the IFMD 310 with the use of a comfortable pad 1010 according to the present invention. A comfortable pad 1010 can be placed between the woman's chest 340 and the tip of the nipple 320, to provide a degree of comfort and protection between the chest 340 and the tip of the nipple 320. The comfortable pad 1010 can be designed to allow passage of breast milk through the comfort pad 1010. The comfort pad 1010 can protect the nipple 340 from touching the indicator path 380 and the feeding path 350. The comfortable cushions can be separated from the IFMD 310 or combined with the IFMD 310.

Figure 11 illustrates a top view of two embodiments of the comfort pad 1010 according to the present invention. Two common embodiments of the comfort pad 1010 are shown in FIG. 11. The comfort pads can be constructed of any number of materials known to those skilled in the art, including, for example, gauze.

Figure 12 illustrates a milk collection tank 1270 that is used with an IFMD 1210 according to the present invention. As illustrated, the IFMD 120 is pasted to the breast of the mother 1215 and comprises two gauge tracks 1220a, b. A baby provides suction through the openings 1240 a, b, c a delivery port 1230. The pressure delivery way 1230 provides the baby's pressure to two 1250a feeding paths, b that draw milk from the area cavity for milk 1260. The applied pressure of the baby's suction is applied to the gauge tracks 1220a, b and the two feeding paths 1250a, b. The tank for collecting the milk 1270, in this example a cup-like device, can be placed between the tip of the IFMD 1210 pacifier and the nipple 1215 and located in the lower part of the IFMD 1210. The deposit for the collection of the milk 1270 retains the milk from the milk cavity area 1260 to provide the inlets of the indicator ways 1220a, b. The milk collection tank 1270 acts to serve as a consistent milk reservoir to prevent air bubbles from entering the indicator ways 1220a, b. While the milk collection container 1270 is illustrated in conjunction with an IFMD having multiple feeding paths and gauge tracks, it will be appreciated that the milk collection container 1270 can be used in any of the configurations described in FIG. I presented.

Figure 13 illustrates a milk indicator tank 1360 used with an IFMD 1310 according to the present invention. As illustrated, the IFMD 1310 is glued to the breast of the mother and comprises a gauge track 1350. A baby provides suction on the nipple 1320 through the opening 1340 to the gauge 1340 track and provides suction to the gauge path. 1330 feed. The milk indicator reservoir 1310 can be placed on the 1350 gauge track.

As the milk is withdrawn from the breast of the mother through the gauge port 1350, milk accumulates in the milk indicator reservoir 1360. The milk gauge reservoir 1360 can be marked to indicate the amount of milk extracted through the feeding path 1330. The milk indicator reservoir 1360 can be designed so that one volume is capable of indicating a quantity of milk greater than or equal to a common feeding intake session. While it is not required to practice the principles of the present invention, use of the milk indicator reservoir 1360 helps prevent possible defective readings that may result from the entry of air bubbles to the gauge 1350 path in modes that do not have a milk gauge tank 1360 or a reservoir for the collection of milk. While the milk indicator reservoir 1360 is illustrated in conjunction with an IFMD having a single feed path and a single indicator path, it will be appreciated that the milk indicator reservoir 1360 can be used in any of the configurations described. at the moment.

Figure 14 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an IFMD 1410 having a removable indicator path 1510 (shown in Figure 15) according to the present invention. The IFMD 1410 is attached to the breast of the female 1440. The tip of the nipple 1420 is attached to a nipple base 1430. When placed on the breast 1440, a milk cavity area 1445 is formed between the tip of the nipple 1420 and the breast 1440. When a baby sucks on the tip of the nipple 1420, negative pressure is transmitted through the feeding path 1450 which communicates the pressure from the baby's mouth to the breast 1440. This draws milk into the milk cavity area 1445 and towards the baby's mouth via the 1450 feeding path. While illustrating a single feeding path 1450 in FIG. 14, those skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple 1450 feeding paths can be used in various shapes, sizes and arrangements.

As the baby applies negative pressure through the feed path 1450, the same negative pressure is applied to a first portion of the gauge track 1480 at a first opening 1495. A final portion of the gauge track 1480 has a second opening 1490 in communication with the milk cavity area 1445, so that the pressure is transmitted through the gauge track 1480 to extract milk from the milk cavity area 1445 to the indicator path 1480 through a second opening 1490. In this illustrated embodiment, the gauge track 1480 comprises the first portion of the gauge track terminating at a first junction portion 1475 and the second portion of the gauge track terminating at a second junction portion 1465. the first connecting portion 1475 and the second connecting portion 1465, a removable indicator track 1510 (shown below in Figure 15) can be placed. The path of the detachable indicator 1510 allows the passage of liquids between the first portion of the gauge track and the second portion of the gauge track. The gauge track 1480 is more easily appreciated and understood with respect to Figure 15.

Figure 15 illustrates a top-down view of the IFMD of Figure 14 according to the present invention. In the illustrated IFMD, the second opening of the gauge track 1490 opens toward the milk cavity area 1445. The gauge track 1480 then exits through a first transition opening from the nipple tip 1460 to the second portion 1465. Attached to the second attachment portion 1465, the separable indicator path 1510 passes through the first attachment portion 1475 which communicates through a second transition opening from the nipple tip 1470 to the first opening 1495 to receive the negative pressure of the baby's suction. As the baby sucks, the indicator line enters the milk.

Gradations can be placed at one or more points along the path of the detachable indicator 1510, so that the total volume of fluid received by the baby can be read through the feeding path. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the gradations do not necessarily indicate the flow of the fluid, but are simply useful in indicating approximate amounts of fluid taken by the baby. For example, gradations are not provided according to the principles of the present invention or a unique gradation is provided to indicate when the baby has taken sufficient quantity. Or, for example, a colored area can be used to indicate an appropriate intake by the baby. The indicator path may have marks or gradations at one or more points along its length, indicating the total volume of fluid flow through the supply path. Since the indicator path can be made of a transparent material, the white milk or formula that advances along the indicator path can provide a visual indication, similar to a common mercury thermometer.

Given the physical characteristics of the indicator and feeding pathways, for example, length, diameter, resistance and number of ways, approximately the amount of fluid, milk or formula can be calculated at each point during the feeding process.

The following rounded calculations are provided for the feed and indicator paths. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these calculations can be modified to take into account the feeding and indicator paths in various ways.

For example, for a given FMD with a single indicator path, the resistance of the indicator path, RIP, can be calculated as a function of the length and diameter of the indicator path: where LIP is the length of the indicator path; and DIP is the diameter of the indicator path Similarly, the resistance of the feed path, R P, can be calculated as a function of the length and diameter of the feed path: where FP is the length of the feeding path; and DFP is the diameter of the feeding path Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the resistance of the indicator path can be impacted by the portion of the indicator path that is filled with fluid, increasing the resistance of the indicator path. For a more accurate measurement, gradations can be placed on the gauge track to compensate for this non-linearity. The viscosity of the fluid can also affect the resistance. Therefore, the calculations described are approximate. In practice, calibrations can be performed with the aim of obtaining more precise gradation calculations.

For non-biased divided pathways, where the pressure drop induced by the suction of the baby is the same as the feeding path and the indicator path, an FMD ratio (the proportion of resistance of the indicator path and the path of feed), SmD, then it can be calculated as: where C is a calibration coefficient representing different calibration parameters.

The proportion of FMD, SmD, currently represents the ratio between the amount of fluid and the route (s) of the indicator related to the total amount of fluid that is administered through the feeding path.

The amount of fluid in the gauge track can be easily calculated given the length of the gauge track filled with fluid and the cross-sectional area, for example, the radius in a round gauge track, of the gauge track.

VIP = (CS) L VIP = dr¿ L (; where VIP is the volume of the filled portion of the indicator path, r is the radius of the indicator path; L is the length of the filled portion of the indicator path; and CS is the cross sectional area of the indicator path.

Therefore, through the feeding process, the amount of fluid received by the baby (or fluid out of the feeding pathways) is: VFP = VIP * SmD (5) where VFP is the volume of the fluid through the feeding path.

While the above calculations are illustrated to calculate the resistance with a single feed path and the indicator, calculations for two feed paths and one gauge track are presented below. The resistance for the combined supply paths is calculated as follows, RFP is the resistance for the first supply path and RFP2 is the resistance for the second supply path: RFPI * R ^ ¡FP2 (FP1 + FP2) = RFPI + RFPS therefore, the resistance ratio, SmOl for a single indicator path and for two feeding paths is: -? MD = C * where C is a calibration coefficient representing different calibration parameters. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other proportions can be calculated for other power combinations and gauge tracks.

The following table shows results of a common implementation of the previous calculations, with the first portion indicating results for implementations that have a single indicator path and a single feeding path and the second portion indicating the results for a single path of the indicator and pathways. dual power: The above description of the possible implementations according to the present invention does not represent an exhaustive list of all the implementations or all variations of the described implementations. The description of only some implementations should not be constructed as an attempt to exclude other implementations. Those skilled in the art will understand how to implement the invention in the appended claims in many other ways, using equivalents and alternatives that do not deviate from the spirit of the following claims. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated in the above description, none of the components described in the implementation is essential to the invention. In addition, to the extent that it uses the conjunction? And "is estimated to mean" and "u" or ". Likewise," or "it would be considered to mean the disjunctive exclusion form or disjunctive inclusion.

Claims (36)

1. A method of measuring the flow of fluids from a source of fluid to a baby's mouth through a pacifier, which consists of: providing a feeding path for fluid flow from the source of fluid to the baby's mouth, where the feeding path has a first opening in communication with the source of the fluid and a second opening in communication with the baby's mouth, and providing an indicator path to indicate the amount of fluid provided to the baby's mouth through the via of feeding, wherein the gauge path has a first opening in communication with the fluid source and a second opening in communication with the baby's mouth, wherein the amount of fluid withdrawn towards the gauge path is an indication of the amount of extracted fluid to the feeding path.

2. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of the indicator path is considerably smaller than the cross sectional area of the feeding path.

3. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the length of the gauge track is considerably larger than the length of the feed path.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprises: providing a delivery way under pressure between the baby's mouth and the second opening of the feeding path and the second opening of the indicator path.

5. The method of claim 1 further provides a plurality of indicator tracks.

6. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the feeding path and the indicator path are integrated into the pacifier.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprises: providing gradations along the gauge track to indicate the amount of fluid that has been delivered to the baby's mouth through the feeding path.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprises: providing a plurality of feeding pathways for providing fluid from the source of fluid to the baby's mouth.

9. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the fluid consists of breast milk and, where the feeding route and the indicator route are adapted to receive breast milk from the breast of the mother.

10. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the source of the fluid is a bottle.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprises: providing a check valve in the gauge track to prevent backflow of the fluid.

12. The method of claim 9, further, is to provide a comfortable cushion placed between the breast of the mother and the indicator path.

13. The method of claim 9 further provides a reservoir for milk collection, wherein the reservoir for milk collection is placed between the source of the fluid and the first opening of the indicator line so as to maintain a supply of breast milk to prevent air bubbles from entering the indicator line.

14. The method of claim 9, further, consists of providing a reservoir for the collection of the milk, wherein the reservoir for the collection of the milk is placed in the gauge line.

15. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the gauge track further comprises a gauge track that can be separated.

16. The apparatus comprising: a feeding path for the flow of fluid from the source of the fluid to the baby's mouth, wherein the feeding path has a first opening in communication with the source of the fluid and a second opening in communication with the baby's mouth; and a gauge track to indicate the amount of fluid provided to the baby's mouth through the feeding path, wherein the gauge path has a first opening in communication with the source of the fluid and a second opening in communication with the mouth of the baby, where the amount of fluid withdrawn towards the gauge track is an indicator of the amount of fluid withdrawn into the feeding path.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, characterized in that the cross sectional area of the gauge track is considerably smaller than the cross sectional area of the feeder path.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, characterized in that the length of the gauge track is considerably larger than the length of the feed path.

The apparatus of claim 16 further comprises: a delivery way under pressure between the baby's mouth and the second opening of the feeding path and the second opening of the indicator path.

20. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprises a plurality of indicator tracks.

21. The apparatus of claim 16, characterized in that the feeding path and the indicator path are incorporated into a pacifier.

22. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprises: gradations along the gauge path to indicate the amount of fluid that has been delivered to the baby's mouth through the feeding path.

23. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprises: a plurality of feeding pathways for providing fluid from the source of the fluid to the baby's mouth.

24. The apparatus of claim 16, characterized in that the fluid consists of breast milk, and wherein the feeding path and the indicator path are adapted to receive breast milk from the mother's breast.

25. The apparatus of claim 16, characterized in that the bottle is a source of the fluid.

26. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprises: a check valve in the gauge track to prevent backflow of fluid.

27. The apparatus of claim 24 further comprises a comfortable cushion placed between the breast of the mother and the indicator path.

28. The apparatus of claim 24 further comprises a reservoir for milk collection, wherein the milk collection reservoir is placed between the source of the fluid and the first opening of the indicator path so as to maintain a supply of milk. of breast milk to prevent air bubbles from entering the indicator line.

29. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprises a reservoir of the milk indicator, wherein the milk indicator reservoir is placed in the indicator path.

30. The apparatus of claim 16, characterized in that the gauge track further comprises a gauge track that can be separated.

31. The method to indicate suction from the baby's suction, which includes: receiving the suction from the baby's mouth; provide the suction to at least one first way and one second way; and indicate in the second way the presence of suction.

32. The method of claim 31 further comprises extracting the fluid from the source of the fluid to the first and second way.

33. The method of claim 32, characterized in that it indicates in the second way the presence of suction comprises: indicating the presence of suction by the amount of fluid withdrawn towards the second way.

34. The method of claim 33, further comprising providing gradations along the second path to indicate the amount of fluid withdrawn to the second path.

35. The method of claim 33, further comprising providing a color code in the second path to indicate the presence of fluid in the second path.

36. The method of claim 33, characterized in that the amount of fluid withdrawn to the second path is an indicator of a quantity of fluid withdrawn to the first path.