Nursing aid

Abstract

A nursing aid, comprising of a cushion having a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, and a plurality of lateral sides extending normal to and connecting the top and bottom surfaces wherein at least one of the lateral sides has a concave surface defining a groove for supporting the back of an infant lying in a side reclining position and a light module for providing light for the nursing mother.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY [0001] This application derives priority from U.S. Ser. No. 60 / 617,212 filed on Oct. 12, 2004.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a support device used when nursing infants, and more particularly, to a cushion which supports the back of an infant when an infant is in a side reclining position so that a nursing mother may lay on her side to breast-feed the infant. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] When nursing an infant, a mother typically supports and cradles the infant close to her bosom using her arm and elbow. Prolonged or repetitive nursing in this manner often causes the mother to suffer pain and fatigue in the arms and back, rendering her unable to provide proper support for the infant she is holding. Without proper support, the infant may experience significant discomfort or injury, including torsional rotation of the spine and neck, while being breast-fed. [0004] Although various devices are known to have been proposed for suppor...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0026] In other embodiments, the nursing aid includes a generally rectangular first cushion having a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, and a plurality of lateral sides extending normal to and connecting the top and bottom surfaces. At least one lateral side has a concave surface which defines a groove for supporting an infant in a side reclining position. When the infant is properly positioned within the groove of the nursing aid, a nursing mother may lay on her side to breast-feed the infant without having to use her arms to support the infant's back. The nursing aid helps to prevent an infant from experiencing rotation in the spine, neck, or pelvic area while breast-feeding. The nursing aid also serves as a barrier between the infant and an individual who may be resting behind the infant.

[0027] A second cushion may be detachably connected to the first cushion to prevent the first cushion from slipping or creeping during nursing. The second cushion may include a light module to provide illumination for the mother during nightly feedings, at least one pocket to store nursing necessities, and hanging cords so that the cushion may be hung from a vertical support and serve as a night-light when detached from the first cushion. A critical feature of the invention is the inclusion of a light module. The light module provides a soft light visible to the nursing mother.

Problems solved by technology

Prolonged or repetitive nursing in this manner often causes the mother to suffer pain and fatigue in the arms and back, rendering her unable to provide proper support for the infant she is holding.

Without proper support, the infant may experience significant discomfort or injury, including torsional rotation of the spine and neck, while being breast-fed.

None provide a soft light to assist the mother while nursing, while not disturbing the sleeping father.

While there are a large number of prior art patents, none of the prior art systems provide a lighted system for use with a nursing aid.

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