Based in the field of breastfeeding, a breast pump apparatus (100) for expressing breast milk is disclosed. The breast pump apparatus (100) comprises a container unit (110) for receiving expressed breast milk, and a pump unit (120) including a pump body (130) and a pumping device (140) for applying negative pressure to a pump volume defined by the pump body (130). The pump body (130) comprises an inlet portion (132) adapted to be received on a female breast and an outlet portion (134) adapted to channel expressed milk to the container unit (110). The pump body (130) comprises an actuator element (200, 300, 400) comprising an active material capable of deforming upon application of a control signal to it, wherein deformation of the actuator element modifies at least one of a shape and size of the pump volume.

The present invention relates to an oxytocin release stimulation device (10) that can be arranged at or close to skin of a user (40). The oxytocin release stimulation device (10) comprises a lighting unit (14) and a control unit (16). The control unit (16) controls the lighting unit (14) such that the lighting unit (14) provides light with specific wavelengths and radiant exposures to the skin of the user (40) for a duration that ensures stimulation of a release of oxytocin. Release of oxytocin allows to stimulate a milk ejection reflex and thus to support milk extraction, e.g. when the oxytocin release stimulation device (10) is used with a breast pump (100). The oxytocin release stimulation device (10) can furthermore allow to reach an oxytocin level during pregnancy that allows to reduce the risk of postpartum depression or that allows to facilitate induction of labor.

A diaphragm for a breast pump comprises a cavity having an open end for receiving a nipple of a user and a closed end. A valve closure element is provided for forming part of a valve, the valve closure element extending from a bottom edge of the open end controlling a flow path to a milk container through a first part of a container opening. The diaphragm also defines a lid for sealing a second part of the container opening. In this way, the container can have a large lid opening, and the diaphragm seals one part of the opening as well as defining a fluid path through a valve to another part of the opening.

An expression assembly for breast pump comprises a diaphragm, a cover over the diaphragm to define a sealed space between them, and a breast shield to which the cover and diaphragm are coupled. The diaphragm defines a cavity having an open end for receiving a nipple of a user and a closed end. The open end is angled back at the top to cover more of the top of the breast. This enables the diaphragm to provide better stimulation of the breast as well reducing leakage.

A breast pump system having a suction tubing, a milk tubing, a pump, a three way vent valve, a milk bottle, an isolation valve and a breast shield, wherein the first end of the suction tubing and the first end of the milk tubing are fluidly connected to the pump; wherein the second end of the suction tubing and the second end of the milk tubing are fluidly connected to the breast shield; wherein the three way vent valve is fluidly connected between the pump and the breast shield on the suction tubing; wherein the milk bottle is fluidly connected on the milk tubing between the breast shield and the pump; and wherein the isolation valve is connected on the milk tubing between the milk bottle and the pump.

An apparatus for biomimetic expression of breast milk can comprise a breast interface having an expandable membrane configured to mimic the geometry of an infant's mouth. Various regions of the expandable membrane may be configured to simulate the structure and/or function of various parts of an infant's mouth. The expandable membrane may comprise one or more of a distal sealing region configured to simulate the lips, a superior region configured to simulate the hard palate, an inferior protruding region configured to simulate the gums, an intermediate curved region configured to simulate the tongue, and one or more internal expansion regions configured to simulate the soft palate and the throat. The expandable membrane may have a varying thickness throughout the one or more various regions to enable movement of the regions similar to the movement of the corresponding regions of an infant's mouth during nursing.

The invention relates to a breast pump kit comprising a breast pump collection system which is to be replaceable and detachable connected to an electrical driving unit during use. The breast pump collection system comprises a breast shield for placing on a breast of a user, a pump unit, and tubing connecting the breast shield to the pump unit. The pump unit comprises a compartment of a variable volume in fluid connection to the exterior only via the tubing. The pump unit is configured to be detachable combined to the driving unit such that a driving motion of the driving unit acts to alternatingly expand and contract the compartment of the pump unit. In this way the pump unit creates alternating suction and pressure in the breast shield and at the breast of the user when in use. The invention further relates to a breast pump collection system for use in such breast pump kit.

A breast milk expression apparatus for manipulating a breast of a user includes an outer shell, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced inner pads coupled to the outer shell. The pads are configured to engage the breast of the user and configured for radial displacement. The breast milk expression apparatus further includes a compression unit coupled to the plurality of pads. The compression unit is configured to cyclically displace the pads radially inwardly against the breast to cause compression of the breast and, following compression of the breast, to permit displacement of the pads radially outwardly from the breast as the breast decompresses.

An improved breast pump flange assembly, flexible membrane and method of use are disclosed. In some embodiments, the breast pump flange assembly includes a flanged housing having an interior chamber extending therethrough. The flanged housing including an upper receiving portion having a first diameter, a substantially tubular middle portion having a second diameter, and a substantially tubular lower connecting portion having a third diameter. In some embodiments, the breast pump flange assembly further includes a flexible membrane having an opening extending therethrough. The flexible membrane having one or more support pad positioned at least partially around the opening of the tubular middle portion of the flanged housing. The support pad configured to simulate the sensation of a baby's mouth on a breast, causing the breast to be massaged by intermittent suction action produced by a breast pump.

A breastshield unit for use with a breastpump for expressing human breastmilk using underpressure has a dimensionally stable breastshield and a flexible breastshield insert for placing in the breastshield. The breastshield has a first, open breastshield end for placing on a mother's breast. The breastshield insert has a first insert end and a second insert end which define a longitudinal direction, the first, open breastshield end having a peripheral edge on which the breastshield insert is securable with the first insert end. In the assembled state, the breastshield insert extends from this first insert end through the inside of the breastshield to the second insert end, wherein the breastshield insert, between the first and second insert ends, extends substantially spaced apart from the breastshield. In the assembled state of the breastshield insert, the second insert end is displaceable in the longitudinal direction relative to the breastshield. The breastshield unit adapts optimally to the shape of the mother's breast and optimizes the bearing force.