Surgery – Body rests – supports or positioners for therapeutic purpose
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-11
2001-05-29
Brown, Michael A. (Department: 3764)
Surgery
Body rests, supports or positioners for therapeutic purpose
C128S890000, C005S652000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06237599
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
This invention relates generally to the art of breastfeeding. Specifically, the invention relates to a breastfeeding breast support roll and method wherein the breastfeeding breast support roll may be placed beneath a breast to uplift the breast and nipple and place them in proper relation to the infant's mouth in order to facilitate the act of breastfeeding.
2. Description of Prior Art
Much has been written extolling the benefits of breastmilk for mothers and their newborns. Recently the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in a policy statement on breastfeeding, came out with a very strong stance on the importance of human milk, especially in the first year of a baby's life. These new guidelines recommend that “breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired.” This statement encourages Pediatricians and other Health Care Providers who work with nursing moms to promote breastfeeding as a normal part of daily life, and encourage family and societal support for breastfeeding. Human milk is the preferred feeding for all infants, including premature and sick newborns, with rare exceptions. Human milk is uniquely superior for infant feeding; breast milk is easily digested and all substitute feeding options differ markedly from it.
Research has shown that “human milk and breastfeeding of infants provide advantages with regard to general health, growth, and development, while significantly decreasing risk for a large number of acute and chronic diseases.” Breastfed babies are less likely to get diarrhea, ear infections, respiratory infections, bacteremia, bacterial meningitis, botulism, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and urinary tract infections than their formula fed peers. Studies also show that nursing may also be protective against SIDS, diabetes, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, lymphoma, allergies and other chronic digestive diseases. Breastmilk may also provide protection from Multiple Sclerosis and reduce cancer risks in children and women. Studies have also shown breastfed infants have better intellectual development, having higher IQs than bottle fed infants and that breastfed babies grow up to be leaner than bottle fed babies. Also, breastfeeding gives the baby a sense of closeness, warmth, and security.
Breastfeeding is also beneficial to the mother. Nursing mothers have been found to return to their normal weight more rapidly. They also experience a delay in the resumption of ovulation, and increased child spacing. Furthermore, mothers who nurse their babies reduce their risk of developing ovarian and premenopausal breast cancer. They also have improved bone remineralization with a reduction in hip fractures and osteoporosis in the postmenopausal period. Also, breastmilk is low in cost, convenient and readily available and can save $1,000 a year in feeding costs
Referring to FIGS.
1
and
2
: In order to breastfeed properly, it is crucial to have the breastfeeding baby properly positioned in relation to the breast. Proper positioning ensures that the infant achieves a proper “latch-on” with the breast. Positioning and posture of the body, and the position of the baby's body in relationship to the mother's, is of utmost importance. For example, when using a cradle hold as in
FIG. 1
, the baby's head should rest in the crook of the mother's elbow, with the forearm supporting his back, and the hand holding the buttocks or upper thigh. The baby is lying on his side with his whole body facing the mother and his head is in a straight line with his body. In this position, with the baby's head in the crook of the mother's arm, the baby's mouth is positioned parallel with the mother's nipple. This parallel positioning allows the baby to properly latch-on to the mother's nipple, as in FIG.
2
.
Other positions include the side-lying position which is good if uncomfortable sitting up, such as after a cesarean, or if nursing at night. Other holds include the clutch hold (also referred to as the “football” hold) which is a good position to use particularly if the breasts are large, or when nursing a small or premature baby. Typically, a pillow is used underneath the baby to bring him or her up to the level of the breast.
Typically, with all these holds/positions, it is necessary for the mother's free hand to be used to position the breast. The breast is supported with the fingers underneath and the thumb on top, behind the areola. The baby opens his mouth wide and the nipple is centered in his mouth and the baby pulled in very close to the body. Once the baby is latched on correctly and actively nursing, most mothers may let go of the breast, unless it is too heavy for the baby to control.
Once the baby is nursing, it is necessary to check that he is latched-on at the breast properly as in FIG.
2
. First, the baby's lips need to be flanged out (“fish-lips”). Both upper and lower lips should be flanged out and if the lips are tucked should be pulled out. Secondly, the baby's tongue should be cupped around the breast below the lower lip. When these things are confirmed and nursing is comfortable, the baby is probably positioned and latched on correctly. The baby should have not only the nipple but also as much areola as possible in his mouth, otherwise nursing may be painful. If there is more than the slightest discomfort, or the baby did not get latched onto an inch or so of areola, the latch should be broken by inserting a finger into the corner of the baby's mouth or pulling down gently on his chin to break the suction and try the entire process again.
Referring now to FIG.
6
: Large breasted women invariably have a difficult time establishing proper position, and therefore a proper latch, due to the size and shape of the large breast. A large breast has a tendency to sag below the level that the arm can comfortably cradle the baby within the lap space available. The baby's head in the crook of the mother's arm is then improperly positioned above the breast and nipple. Also with a large breast, the nipple is positioned pointing downwardly rather than outwardly, which is necessary for proper latching. The problem can be further exacerbated if the infant is small or born prematurely.
Sometimes a small baby, born to a large breasted mom, will need a few weeks to “grow into” nursing. The first six weeks of the baby's life is a time of adjustment and during this time that the mother and baby begin fine-tuning the nursing relationship. And if the baby isn't nursing well in the early days, it may be necessary to express milk when a feed is missed. Manual expression of milk may be difficult and may detract from establishing the nursing relationship.
Studies have also shown that overweight and obese women have significantly less success breastfeeding their babies than their normal-weight counterparts. And the heavier the mother, the researchers found, the less successful she was at initiating and maintaining breastfeeding. Obese women generally have large, flat breasts with large areolas and flat or inverted nipples that make latching on more challenging for the infant and the mother.
Some large breasted mothers have difficulty lifting their babies up to their breasts because their breasts almost touch their laps as they sit down. Lactation consultants suggest that these women place a rolled diaper or folded receiving blanket under the breast for support, lifting it high enough for the baby to latch on to the nipple. Another suggestion for supporting the breast is using a soft, stretchy piece of fabric, worn around the neck, and brought under one breast, gently supporting it. Supporting and lifting the breast also helps to keep the breast from covering the baby's nose, enabling baby to breathe and swallow properly. Whatever method is chosen to support the breasts, it is important they are well supported without distorting their shape.
Also, it can sometimes be challenging for the l
Bolduc David J.
Brown Michael A.
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