Method for operating a breast pump

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a breast pump in a sequential pattern within a breast pumping process, the pattern comprising at least one stimulation sequence (S) for stimulating the breast, which has a fast cycle rate and provides a medium vacuum level, and at least one expression sequence (E), which has a lower cycle rate and provides a higher vacuum level, wherein the lower cycle rate is lower than the fast cycle rate, and wherein the higher vacuum level is higher than the medium vacuum level. In order to provide a method especially for expressing milk in the early postnatal period of a baby, and most particularly for expressing colostrum, the invention proposes a maintenance sequence (M) at the lower cycle rate and providing the higher vacuum level after the stimulation sequence (S), wherein the maintenance sequence (M) and the stimulation sequence (S) are consecutive sequences, and define a maintenance sub-pattern (SPM) of the pattern, and wherein the maintenance sequence (SPM) has a duration of at least 3 minutes, preferably at least 4 minutes, most preferably at least 5 minutes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to methods for operating a breast pump and to the breast pump itself. The invention relates to a process for initiating breastfeeding from a mother using an electric (e.g., electrically driven) breast pump within a very short time after delivery, most particularly for the case of preterm infants. Background Technology

[0002] Breast pumps are well-known for use by nursing mothers. They allow breastfeeding women to express milk when necessary or convenient, and further provide a collection of milk for subsequent use. For some mothers, a breast pump may be a necessity, such as when the baby has suckling problems, or when the mother has issues with excessive or insufficient milk production, or nipple pain, deformity, or damage. The special case discussed in this article involves a mother whose baby is premature and therefore almost always separated from the mother.

[0003] Electric breast pumps are common and typically include a vacuum pump with an electric motor that plugs into standard household current and / or runs on battery power. The advantages of this type of pump are convenience, ease of control and vacuum adjustment, and the ability to pump both breasts simultaneously in many cases.

[0004] Electrically driven breast pumps typically have a drive mechanism that generates a vacuum (negative pressure) applied to the breast, which is regulated according to a specific sequence or curve of increasing negative pressure (i.e., increasing suction) and then releasing it. In a sense, this is generally intended to reproduce the sucking motion of a healthy infant during mature lactation, once a milk supply has been established, see, for example, WO 00 / 57934.

[0005] EP 2 878 317 B1 discloses a sequence of modes for initiating the flow of milk from a mother's breast. The sequence includes: a first mode operating the breast pump at approximately 120 cycles per minute (cpm) with a vacuum ranging from approximately 70 mmHg to 200 mmHg; a second mode operating the breast pump at 90 cpm with a vacuum ranging from approximately 70 mmHg to 200 mmHg; and a third mode operating the breast pump between approximately 34 cpm and 54 cpm with a vacuum ranging from approximately 100 mmHg to 250 mmHg. The first two modes provide a stimulation phase, while the third mode provides an expression phase.

[0006] fundamental problem

[0007] The first few days postpartum are crucial for effectively initiating lactation and, consequently, for long-term lactation outcomes. Expressing milk during this early postpartum period enhances the efficiency of milk production. In this regard, optimized expression of colostrum or milk in these initial days can provide long-term stimulation of milk production (both in terms of quantity and duration after birth), meaning it can stimulate more abundant milk production and sustain it for a longer period after the baby's birth. Therefore, maximizing milk expression from the breast is essential in the first few days after birth. Summary of the Invention

[0008] As defined in the appended claims, the present invention provides an improved method for initiating the expression of breast milk for an infant.

[0009] In its preferred form, a method is provided for use with an electric breast pump having a drive assembly and a controller for controlling the drive assembly, as well as an energy supply connected to the drive assembly via a power cord or battery. The drive assembly of the breast pump can be any unit that converts electrical energy into suction or ultimately generates suction through motion. More particularly, the main object of the invention is to provide a method, especially for expressing milk in the early postnatal period, and most particularly for expressing colostrum.

[0010] Specifically, the present invention provides a method for operating a breast pump in a sequential mode during a milk extraction process, the mode comprising: at least one stimulation sequence for stimulating the breast, using a rapid circulation rate and providing a moderate vacuum; and at least one extraction sequence for extracting milk, at a lower circulation rate and providing a higher vacuum, wherein the lower circulation rate is lower than the rapid circulation rate, and wherein the higher vacuum is higher than the moderate vacuum. This part of the method can be implemented, in general and in detail, as described in EP 2 878 317 B1.

[0011] In addition to the sequences described in the prior art, the method of the present invention has a maintenance sequence following the stimulation sequence, at a lower circulation rate and providing a higher vacuum. This maintenance sequence allows colostrum or milk to be expressed from the breast. Such milk or colostrum can be collected and fed to an infant or provided to other infants.

[0012] The maintenance sequence and the stimulus sequence define a maintenance sub-mode of the method of the present invention. In this maintenance sub-mode, the stimulus sequence is followed by the maintenance sequence. In other words, the maintenance sequence and the stimulus sequence are consecutive sequences, which does not exclude pauses between these two sequences caused by any other sequence positioned between the stimulus sequence and the maintenance sequence and located within the maintenance sub-mode. The maintenance sequence has a duration of at least 3 minutes, preferably at least 4 minutes, and most preferably at least 5 minutes. The maintenance sequence has a duration of 10 minutes or less, preferably 8 minutes or less, and most preferably 5 minutes or less.

[0013] The sustaining sequence of sucking patterns is particularly effective for expressing colostrum during the pumping process or in the last few minutes of the pumping pattern. The sustaining sequence follows the stimulation sequence, which is particularly well-suited for generating colostrum in subsequent sustaining sequences.

[0014] Preferably, the mode of the method of the present invention includes a first stimulation sequence and a second stimulation sequence, followed by an extrusion sequence. In such a sub-mode, the first stimulation sequence preferably has a circulation rate that is, for example, about 30% higher than that of the second stimulation sequence. One or more such sub-modes may constitute part of the mode of the method of the present invention.

[0015] Furthermore, the mode of the method of the present invention may include an alternating sub-mode, which consists only of a stimulation sequence as the sequence of the sub-mode. Specifically, the alternating sub-mode may consist of two stimulation sequences, with or without a pause between them, which differ particularly in terms of circulation rate but may have the same vacuum level, including pressure differential, suction force, and release force. In such an alternating sub-mode, the stimulation sequence may follow the preceding stimulation sequence, which has a circulation rate approximately 30% lower than the following stimulation sequence. One or more such alternating sub-modes may constitute part of the mode of the method of the present invention.

[0016] Preferably, the mode of the method of the present invention includes a first sub-mode, a second sub-mode, a third sub-mode, and a maintenance sub-mode, or is composed of a first sub-mode, a second sub-mode, a third sub-mode, and a maintenance sub-mode. The second sub-mode can be an alternating sub-mode as described above. The first, second, and third indicate the order of the sub-modes. The maintenance sub-mode is usually the last sub-mode of the mode and defines the end of the mode.

[0017] In this pattern, the first and third sub-patterns consist of a first stimulus sequence and a second stimulus sequence, followed by an extrusion sequence. The second sub-pattern consists of a first stimulus sequence and a second stimulus sequence, and typically does not have an extrusion sequence.

[0018] The last extrusion sequence of the third sub-mode is followed by an extrusion sequence that sustains the sub-mode. Preferably, the mode includes pauses between certain sequences (particularly between sub-modes). Preferably, there are no pauses within each mode (i.e., between each sequence of each sub-mode).

[0019] Preferably, the first sub-mode has a longer duration than the second sub-mode. Preferably, the first sub-mode has a longer duration than the third sub-mode. Preferably, among the first, second, and third sub-modes, the second sub-mode has the shortest duration.

[0020] Preferably, the first stimulation sequence has a frequency of 120 per minute. A cycle rate of 10 cycles. Preferably, the second stimulation sequence has a cycle rate of 90 per minute. The cycle rate is 10 cycles.

[0021] Preferably, the extrusion sequence and / or maintenance sequence have a rate of 66 per minute. 14 cycles, optimal speed 66 per minute The cycle rate for 12 cycles.

[0022] Preferably, the extrusion sequence and the maintenance sequence have the same cycle rate.

[0023] The medium vacuum level mentioned above is preferably between 70 mmHg and 200 mmHg, and the higher vacuum level mentioned above is preferably between 90 mmHg and 250 mmHg.

[0024] Typically, a cycle provides the pressure difference between the suction force that defines the highest vacuum level and / or vacuum level of the cycle and the release suction force that defines the lowest vacuum level and / or vacuum level of the cycle.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the release suction of each cycle of each extrusion sequence is higher than the release suction of each cycle of the maintenance sequence. Furthermore, the pressure difference of each cycle of the maintenance sequence is preferably higher than the pressure difference of each cycle of the extrusion sequence and / or the pressure difference of each cycle of the stimulation sequence.

[0026] A first and long implementation of a specific pattern is provided, which includes a first sub-pattern, a second sub-pattern, and a third sub-pattern.

[0027] In this first embodiment, the total duration of the stimulation sequence of the first sub-mode, the second sub-mode, the third sub-mode, and the maintenance mode does not exceed 15 minutes, preferably 13 minutes. 2 minutes, more preferably 14 minutes One minute, and most preferably 15 minutes. The maintenance sub-mode follows the sequence of the first, second, and third sub-modes. According to this first embodiment of the specific mode, and within the first sub-mode, the first stimulation sequence has 180 seconds. A duration of 20 seconds, and / or a second stimulation sequence of 120 seconds. A duration of 10 seconds, and / or an extrusion sequence of 60 seconds. The duration is 5 seconds. Furthermore, within the second sub-mode, the first stimulus sequence lasts 120 seconds. A duration of 20 seconds, and / or a second stimulation sequence lasting 60 seconds. The duration is 10 seconds. In the third sub-mode of this first mode implementation, the first stimulus sequence lasts 120 seconds. A duration of 20 seconds, and / or a second stimulation sequence lasting 60 seconds. A duration of 10 seconds, and / or an extrusion sequence of 60 seconds. The duration is 10 seconds. In maintenance mode, the stimulation sequence lasts 90 seconds. The duration is 10 seconds.

[0028] Preferably, a second and shorter implementation of a specific mode is provided, the mode comprising a first sub-mode, a second sub-mode, and a third sub-mode. For this second implementation, the total duration of the first sub-mode, the second sub-mode, the third sub-mode, and the maintenance mode does not exceed 10 minutes, preferably 7 minutes. 2 minutes, preferably 9 minutes One minute, and preferably 10 minutes. The maintenance sub-mode follows the sequence of the first, second, and third sub-modes. According to this second embodiment of the specific mode, and within the first sub-mode, the first stimulation sequence has 120 seconds. A duration of 20 seconds, and / or a second stimulation sequence of 80 seconds. A duration of 10 seconds, and / or an extrusion sequence of 40 seconds. The duration is 5 seconds. Furthermore, within the second sub-mode, the first stimulus sequence lasts 80 seconds. A duration of 20 seconds, and / or a second stimulation sequence lasting 40 seconds. The duration is 10 seconds. In the third sub-mode of this second mode implementation, the first stimulus sequence lasts 80 seconds. A duration of 20 seconds, and / or a second stimulation sequence lasting 40 seconds. A duration of 10 seconds, and / or an extrusion sequence of 40 seconds. The duration is 10 seconds. In maintenance mode, the stimulation sequence lasts 55 seconds. The duration is 10 seconds.

[0029] In conjunction with the description of this invention, the following terms should be understood as follows:

[0030] "After" means that there are no other cyclic sequences between the following sequences or sub-patterns.

[0031] A “sub-pattern” consists of a specific order of “sequences” that are usually different.

[0032] A “sequence” is a sequence of multiple repetitive cycles.

[0033] A “cycle” is a cyclical unit of a sequence. Each “cycle” provides a vacuum profile that includes suction force, reducing suction force to release suction force, and increasing suction pressure to achieve suction force again.

[0034] "Pressure difference" is the absolute pressure difference between the suction pressure and the release pressure.

[0035] "Vacuum level" can be understood as the average vacuum provided by a cycle. This "vacuum level" is defined by two pressure values: one is the suction pressure, and the other is the release pressure.

[0036] "Suction force" is suction pressure, i.e. negative pressure.

[0037] "Release suction" means releasing pressure, which can be positive pressure, negative pressure, or environmental pressure.

[0038] For the purposes of this application, references to “high,” “higher,” “highest,” “lower,” “lower,” or “lowest” refer to or compare absolute pressure values.

[0039] "Composition" means that an entity has only the items that make up that entity. With regard to the entity being described as being composed of a list of items, the corresponding list should be understood as providing an exhaustive enumeration.

[0040] The "sucking mode" is specified by a specific cycle rate and vacuum level.

[0041] "Cycle rate" provides information about the number of increments per time; "cpm" means the number of cycles per minute. Attached Figure Description

[0042] These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood after considering the following detailed description of certain embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 This is an illustration of a breast pump assembly for use according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the process of initiating the flow of milk from a mother's breast according to a first embodiment of the present invention; and

[0045] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the process of milk flowing from the mother's breast according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Figure 1 This is an illustration of a breast pump assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. The breast pump is generally described in U.S. Patent No. 6,547,756 or EP 2,878,317 B1, and significant details regarding the breast pump can be found in the aforementioned patent. While the invention has been found to be used with this type of programmable breast pump and for specific applications with preterm infants, it can be used or adapted for use with other electric pumps capable of operating in different sequences (described below), and aspects are considered applicable to full-term infants, including breast pumps wearable inside a bra, as disclosed in WO2022 / 268998.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the breast pump assembly 100 includes a breast pump 110, multiple breast shields and container assemblies 120, and a user input interface 130; this user input interface is shown as a program card 130 in the figures, but it can be any other type in different examples. The breast pump assembly 110 can be powered via standard current through a power cord, a battery, or some other suitable power supply.

[0048] The breast pump 110 can be a single pump or a dual-pump pump. A single pump draws milk from one breast at a time, while a dual-pump pump can be used to draw milk from both breasts simultaneously. The breast pump 110 is attached to each of a plurality of breast shield and container assemblies 120 via tubing 140. Each of the plurality of breast shield and container assemblies 120 includes a breast shield 122 and a container 124. The container 124 is used to store the pumped milk.

[0049] An important aspect of this invention is the ability to operate the breast pump 110 via a program, using different types of suction sequences in a selected order. The breast pump 110 utilizes a controller 126 to control the drive assembly 128. User input is provided to the controller 126 or a microprocessor-based system via a program card 130. The breast pump 110 has a program card insertion slot through which the user inserts the program card 130. Once inserted, the program card 130 is read. The specific program on the program card 130 is then transmitted to the controller 126. The controller 126, located within the housing of the breast pump 110, controls the drive assembly 128 to provide suction sequences of the suction patterns described below.

[0050] For example, one envisioned implementation provides a sequence that can be enabled without requiring a separate program card for it. In this implementation, the sequence is pre-programmed in controller 126, or may otherwise be wired to the circuitry of controller 126, or transmitted to controller 126 via wired or wireless means in any suitable manner, thereby overriding the existing operating program.

[0051] To extract breast milk from the mother, a breast shield 122 is placed and centered over the mother's nipple. The breast pump device 110 can be activated by the user pressing a first button 112, and in this embodiment, a program card 130 is used with the device. The device reads the program contained on the program card 130. The breast pump 110 can display instructions to the user via an interface 150. These instructions may prompt the user to start the program. If the mother wants to start the program, she can press a second button 114. The interface 150 can then display instructions and / or graphics that inform the mother that the program is being started.

[0052] Program card 130 can run a preset mode consisting of non-repetitive suction sequences. Alternatively, program card 130 can run a preset mode consisting of repetitive suction sequences that appear non-repetitive to the user, but due to the total duration of the pumping process, the sequence appears to appear at unpredictable times in the mode, with extended pauses between some sequences. These extended pauses are pauses lasting approximately five seconds or more. However, some pauses may have shorter durations, but still provide a noticeable break for the mother.

[0053] The sequence includes at least one stimulus sequence and an extrusion sequence, and may additionally include other stimulus sequences and / or extrusion sequences.

[0054] Figure 2 and Figure 3 An example of this method is described. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The steps were designed to provide the most desired pattern of stimulation, squeezing, and pausing. This specific set of sequences and pauses is thought to more closely resemble the lactation process of newborns in the early postnatal period. The sucking pattern before it begins.

[0055] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The sequences described herein are designed to stimulate the breast and ultimately achieve stage II lactation. However, it should be understood that while the specific set of sequences and pauses described in the presently preferred embodiment has achieved significant results and advantages, this set can be simplified while still achieving some or all of the desired objectives. The primary goal is to substantially reproduce the state of a newborn infant during lactation. The previous sucking pattern, and various other combinations of stimulation cycles and pauses, can achieve the desired effect. The precision of the patterns used, their order, and the number and duration of pauses are not considered crucial. In fact, the overall combination is, for the first time in a breastfeeding method, able to reproduce the very early neonatal sucking state. The previous sucking pattern.

[0056] exist Figure 2 In the middle, at 0 seconds on the timescale (when pumping begins), the first stimulus sequence It was set to run for approximately three minutes. The first stimulation sequence, SI, was performed at a high cycle rate of approximately 120 cycles per minute (cpm) with a medium vacuum. The medium vacuum ranged from approximately 70 mmHg to 200 mmHg. Cycles per minute indicate the suction rhythm, or the number of suctions and releases per minute. This means that the vacuum would cycle alternately between a suction force of 200 mmHg and a release force of 70 mmHg. Therefore, the pressure difference per cycle was 200 mmHg. 70 mmHg = 130 mmHg.

[0057] At 3 minutes, the first stimulus sequence Then comes the second stimulus sequence. The second stimulus sequence Having a higher stimulation sequence than the first stimulation sequence A slower rate. Second stimulus sequence The rate is approximately 90 cpm, and it is applied for about two minutes. (Example: First stimulus sequence) As in the example, the suction force is 200 mmHg, while the release suction force is 70 mmHg.

[0058] At 5 minutes, the pump controller initiates extrusion sequence E, which is in the second stimulation sequence. Then, the expression sequence E is applied for approximately one minute. This expression sequence E features a relatively high vacuum and provides a slow circulation rate. During expression sequence E, the breast pump operates at a vacuum ranging from approximately 90 mmHg to 250 mmHg, between approximately 34 cpm and 54 cpm. Typically, this expression sequence does not result in the expression of milk or colostrum from the breast, but rather serves to stimulate the breast.

[0059] First stimulus sequence Then comes the second stimulus sequence. The sequence following the extrusion sequence E defines the first sub-pattern. .

[0060] Then, the breast pump is paused for ten seconds. During the pause, the negative pressure (environment) inside the breast pump remains relatively constant at zero or near zero.

[0061] In the first pause Afterwards, the breast pump was used in the second stimulation sequence mentioned above. The circulation rate and vacuum level operation lasted for approximately one minute. In this second stimulation sequence... After that, the first stimulus sequence mentioned above will be performed. It lasted for about two minutes.

[0062] Second stimulus sequence Then comes the first stimulus sequence. The sequence defines the second sub-pattern .

[0063] Then, the breast pump was paused for ten seconds. Figure 2 The middle instruction is the second pause. .

[0064] In the second pause Then, operate the breast pump to provide the first sub-mode. However, in this sub-pattern, the first stimulus sequence The second stimulation sequence was applied for approximately two minutes. It was applied for approximately one minute, and the extrusion sequence E was applied for approximately one minute. Although this third sub-mode... With the first sub-pattern The same continuous sequence, but for clear distinction, is labeled as the third sub-pattern in the attached diagram. Similarly, the third sub-pattern The extrusion sequence E typically does not result in the extrusion of milk or colostrum.

[0065] Then, the breast pump was paused for ten seconds. Figure 2 The instruction was to pause for the third time. .

[0066] In the third pause Afterwards, operate the breast pump to provide the second stimulation sequence mentioned above. It was applied for approximately 80 seconds.

[0067] Then, the breast pump was paused for ten seconds. Figure 2 The instruction was to pause for the fourth time. .

[0068] In the fourth pause Subsequently, the breast pump is operated to provide a maintenance sequence M, which is applied for up to 5 minutes. This maintenance sequence M features a relatively high vacuum and operates at a slow circulation rate. During maintenance sequence M, the breast pump operates at a vacuum ranging from approximately 50 mmHg to 250 mmHg, between approximately 54 cpm and 78 cpm. During maintenance sequence M, colostrum and / or milk are expressed from the breast due to its characteristics and duration.

[0069] Second stimulus sequence Then came the fourth timeout. The sequence following the maintenance sequence M is the first example of the maintenance sub-mode SPM. At the end of the maintenance sequence M, the pumping process used to express milk from the mother's breast is stopped, or may be restarted as described above after, for example, a pause of at least 10 seconds.

[0070] Figure 2 The second stimulus sequence of the first sub-mode, second sub-mode, third sub-mode and maintenance sub-mode SPM of the first embodiment. The total duration is 15 minutes.

[0071] Figure 3 Another implementation of the pattern is shown, which is more... Figure 2 The pattern of the first embodiment is short. However, the order of all sequences and pauses is the same as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the first stimulus sequence... Second stimulus sequence The vacuum level and circulation rate of the extrusion sequence E and the maintenance sequence M are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0072] First sub-mode of the second implementation In the first stimulus sequence The second stimulus sequence was applied for up to 120 seconds. It has a duration of 80 seconds, and the duration of the extrusion sequence E is 40 seconds. In the second sub-mode of the second implementation. In the middle, the second stimulus sequence It has a duration of 40 seconds, and the first stimulus sequence It was applied for up to 80 seconds.

[0073] The third sub-mode of the second implementation In the first stimulus sequence The second stimulus sequence was applied for up to 80 seconds. It has a duration of 40 seconds, and the duration of the extrusion sequence E is 40 seconds.

[0074] First Sub-pattern With the second sub-pattern First pause between and the second sub-pattern With the third sub-pattern Pause between Each lasts for 8 seconds.

[0075] The second stimulus sequence for maintaining the submode SPM The duration is 55 seconds. Second stimulus sequence. The fourth pause between the maintenance sequence M and the fourth pause It has a duration of 5 seconds. The duration of the maintenance sequence M is 5 minutes. Figure 3 The total duration of the first sub-mode, second sub-mode, third sub-mode and maintenance sub-mode SPM in the second embodiment is 10 minutes.

[0076] At the end of the maintenance sequence M, the pumping process used to express milk from the mother's breast is stopped, or it can be restarted as described above after a pause of at least 10 seconds.

[0077] List of reference numerals

[0078] 100 breast pump components

[0079] 110 breast pump

[0080] 112 First button

[0081] 114 Second Button

[0082] 120 container components

[0083] 122 bra

[0084] 124 containers

[0085] 126 controller

[0086] 128 driver components

[0087] 130 program card

[0088] 140 tubes

[0089] 150-page interface

[0090] E-extrusion sequence

[0091] M maintenance sequence

[0092] First timeout

[0093] Second timeout

[0094] Third timeout

[0095] Fourth timeout

[0096] First stimulus sequence

[0097] Second stimulus sequence

[0098] First Sub-pattern

[0099] Second Sub-pattern

[0100] Third Sub-pattern

[0101] SPM Maintenance Sub-mode

Claims

1. A method for operating a breast pump (110) in a sequential mode during a milk expression process, the mode comprising: At least one stimulation sequence for stimulating the breast ( , It features a fast cycle rate and provides a moderate vacuum. And at least one extrusion sequence (E) having a low cycle rate and providing a high vacuum, wherein the low cycle rate is lower than the fast cycle rate, and wherein the high vacuum is higher than the medium vacuum. Its features are, In the stimulus sequence ( A maintenance sequence (M) following the stimulation sequence () at a lower circulation rate and providing a higher vacuum, wherein the maintenance sequence (M) is in the presence of the stimulation sequence () Following this, the maintenance sequence (M) and the stimulation sequence (M) Define a maintenance sub-mode (SM) of the pattern, wherein the maintenance sequence (M) has a duration of at least 3 minutes, preferably at least 4 minutes, and most preferably at least 5 minutes.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pattern includes a first stimulus sequence ( ) and second stimulus sequence ( ), followed by the extrusion sequence (E), wherein the first stimulus sequence ( ) and the second stimulus sequence ( ( ) have different vacuum levels and / or circulation rates.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first stimulus sequence ( ) has a higher value than the second stimulus sequence ( Higher cycle rate.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The mode includes a first sub-mode ( ) and in the first sub-mode ( The second sub-pattern after () ), where the first sub-mode ( ) includes the first stimulus sequence ( ) and second stimulus sequence ( ), the first stimulus sequence ( ) and the second stimulus sequence ( The first sub-pattern follows () The extrusion sequence (E) of ) where the second sub-mode ( ) includes the first stimulus sequence ( ) and second stimulus sequence ( ), which includes the sub-pattern of the extrusion sequence (E) ( Following this is the maintenance sub-mode ( The stimulus sequence of ) ( ), and wherein the pattern includes pauses between certain sequences.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the first sub-mode ( In ), the second stimulus ( In the first stimulus sequence ( After that, in the second sub-mode ( In ), the first stimulus sequence ( In the second stimulus sequence ( )after.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that... In the second sub-mode ( The third sub-pattern after () ), wherein the third sub-pattern ( ) and the first sub-pattern ( )same.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that... In the first sub-mode ( ) and the second sub-pattern ( Pauses between and / or in the second sub-mode ( ) and the third sub-pattern ( The pause between ).

8. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that, The first sub-pattern ( ) has a higher value than the second sub-mode ( A longer duration, and / or the first sub-mode ( ) has a higher value than the third sub-mode ( (A longer duration) 9. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that, The first stimulus sequence ( It has a speed of 120 per minute A cycle rate of 10 cycles, and the second stimulation sequence ( It has a speed of 90 per minute The cycle rate is 10 cycles.

10. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that, The extrusion sequence (E) and / or the maintenance sequence (M) have a speed of 66 per minute. 14 cycles, preferably 66 per minute The cycle rate for 12 cycles.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each cycle of the maintenance sequence (M) has a rate corresponding to the lower cycle rate.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The maintenance sequence (M) includes: at 66 per minute Between 14 cycles, preferably at a rate of 66 per minute. Between 12 cycles.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The medium vacuum level is between 70 mmHg and 200 mmHg, and the higher vacuum level is between 90 mmHg and 250 mmHg.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each cycle provides a pressure difference between a suction force defining the highest vacuum of the cycle and a release suction force defining the lowest vacuum of the cycle, wherein the release suction force of each cycle of each extrusion sequence (E) is higher than the release suction force of each cycle of the maintenance sequence (M), and / or wherein the pressure difference of each cycle of the maintenance sequence (M) is higher than the pressure difference of each cycle of the extrusion sequence and / or the pressure difference of each cycle of the stimulation sequence (S).

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, - For the first sub-pattern ( ): The first stimulus sequence ( It has 180 seconds A duration of 20 seconds, and / or the second stimulation sequence ( It has 120 seconds. The duration is 10 seconds, and / or the extrusion sequence (E) has a duration of 60 seconds. The duration is 5 seconds; And / or - For the second sub-pattern ( ): The first stimulus sequence ( It has 120 seconds. A duration of 20 seconds, and / or the second stimulation sequence ( It has 60 seconds The duration is 10 seconds; And / or - For the third sub-pattern ( ): The first stimulus sequence ( It has 120 seconds. A duration of 20 seconds, and / or the second stimulation sequence ( It has 60 seconds The duration is 10 seconds, and / or the extrusion sequence (E) has a duration of 60 seconds. The duration is 10 seconds; And / or - For the maintenance mode (SPM): the stimulation sequence ( It has 90 seconds The duration is 10 seconds.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first sub-pattern ( ), the second sub-mode ( The third sub-mode ( ) and the stimulation sequence of the maintenance sub-mode (SPM) (It has a duration of no more than 15 minutes, preferably 13 minutes) 2 minutes, or more preferably 14 minutes The total duration is 1 minute, and most preferably 15 minutes.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, - For the first sub-pattern ( ): The first stimulus sequence ( It has 120 seconds. A duration of 20 seconds, and / or the second stimulation sequence ( It has 80 seconds The duration is 10 seconds, and / or the extrusion sequence (E) has a duration of 40 seconds. The duration is 5 seconds; And / or - For the second sub-pattern ( ): The first stimulus sequence ( It has 80 seconds A duration of 20 seconds, and / or the second stimulation sequence ( It has 40 seconds The duration is 10 seconds; And / or - For the third sub-pattern ( ): The first stimulus sequence ( It has 80 seconds A duration of 20 seconds, and / or the second stimulation sequence ( It has 40 seconds The duration is 10 seconds, and / or the extrusion sequence (E) has a duration of 40 seconds. The duration is 10 seconds; And / or - For the maintenance mode (SPM): the stimulation sequence ( It has 55 seconds The duration is 10 seconds.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first sub-pattern ( ), the second sub-mode ( The third sub-mode ( The maintenance sub-mode (SPM) lasts for no more than 10 minutes, preferably 7 minutes. 2 minutes, or more preferably 9 minutes The total duration is 1 minute, and most preferably 10 minutes.

19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Set in the first sub-mode ( ) and the second sub-pattern ( Pauses between () ), and / or set in the second sub-mode ( ) and the third sub-pattern ( Pauses between () ), and / or set in the third sub-mode ( The pause between the maintenance sub-mode (SM) and the maintenance sub-mode (SM) ).

20. The breast pump system according to claim 19, wherein, Pause during the pause period ( ; ; At least some of them are longer than 5 seconds.

21. A breast pump (110) comprising a drive assembly (128) and a controller (126) for controlling the drive assembly (128), the controller (126) being adapted to operate the breast pump (110) by controlling the drive assembly (128) to provide a mode according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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