Breast expression device

Abstract

The invention relates to a breast expression device comprising a body made of an elastically deformable material that defines a breast shield and a vacuum chamber communicating with the breast shield, the device having an opening communicating with a colostrum collection cavity, the breast shield having a flared wall shaped so that the distal end forms a hermetic seal around the entire circumference of the breast posterior to the nipple, so as to allow a vacuum to be created in the vicinity of the nipple and the device to remain in place on the breast through a suction cup effect, the breast shield defining, behind its distal end, a deformable compression zone that allows the milk ducts of the breast to be compressed through pressure applied to the outer surface of this zone, one or more raised portions being present on the inner face of the compression zone in order to prevent it from adhering to the breast during use.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Breast expression device

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to the extraction of colostrum in women.

[0005] The invention relates more particularly to breast expression devices using compression (or positive pressure), in particular manual or mechanized, of the milk ducts of the breast, as opposed to those based solely on negative pressure.

[0006] Prior art

[0007] Colostrum is the very first breast milk, secreted by women during the third trimester of pregnancy and up until a few days after delivery. It is a thick, yellow-orange substance, extremely rich in proteins and antibodies essential for the newborn's immunization.

[0008] Colostrum is much rarer than regular breast milk, also known as "mature," and has a different texture and composition. It is therefore much more viscous, which makes it difficult to flow, particularly through the valves commonly found in conventional pumps and manual breast pumps. Extracting colostrum using these methods is therefore a difficult task.

[0009] Additionally, manual breast pumps and pumps are not designed to adhere to the breast and must be held in place during use. This requires holding them manually or using bras against the chest.

[0010] Additionally, many breast pumping devices rely entirely on generating strong negative pressure to promote milk flow, with little or no positive pressure on the breast. The preponderance of negative pressure can cause pain for women, while not promoting optimal milk expression.

[0011] DE102012018903 describes a breast pump in which a woman can apply precisely measured positive pressure using her fingers to an area surrounding the nipple. WO2019038255 discloses a baby mouth simulator for a woman's breast, relying on manual compression of the breast using a double sleeve, one of the sleeves ensuring the device's seal while the other sleeve helps hold the device in place.

[0012] W02020220574 describes a breast pump device having two sealing surfaces meeting at a non-zero angle to more effectively hold the device on the breast during use.

[0013] The breast pump presented in application CN213789193 has a greater thickness of material in the middle of the body of the milk collection container to improve its hold on the breast when it is compressed and a negative pressure is generated, causing the flow of milk.

[0014] The breast fluid expression device of patent US9498565B2 generates a negative pressure gradient, which is the cause of the expression of breast fluid.

[0015] US11116880B2 discloses a manual breast pump based on compression, or positive pressure, of the milk ducts of the breast, but whose design is nevertheless complex.

[0016] There is therefore a need for a breast expression device that works by positive pressure on the breast, is simple to produce and inexpensive, and allows colostrum to be extracted effectively and painlessly, while remaining easily in position on the breast without the need to hold it manually.

[0017] Summary of the invention

[0018] The invention aims to meet this need and has as its subject, according to one of its aspects, a breast expression device, comprising a body made of an elastically deformable material, defining a breast shield and a vacuum chamber communicating with the breast shield, the device having an opening communicating with a colostrum collection cavity, the breast shield having a wall of flared shape, preferably generally conical, shaped to be applied at its distal end in a hermetic manner over the entire circumference of the breast behind the nipple, so as to allow the formation of a vacuum near the nipple and the maintenance by suction effect of the device on the breast, the breast shield defining behind its distal end a deformable compression zone, making it possible to compress the milk ducts of the breast by applying pressure to the external surface of said zone,one or more reliefs being present on the internal face of the compression zone in order to prevent it from adhering to the breast during use.,

[0019] Advantageously, the device according to the invention makes it possible, by compressing the milk ducts, to exert positive pressure on the breast, similar to that generated by the infant when suckling. This positive pressure, inspired by biomimicry and repeated many times, makes it possible, in association with a vacuum oscillation created near the nipple, to stimulate milk production and empty the breast more effectively than negative pressure or suction alone. The vacuum created near the nipple contributes in particular to dilating the milk ducts and facilitating the flow of colostrum.

[0020] Body

[0021] By "body" we mean the main part of the device.

[0022] The body of the device can extend along a longitudinal axis X.

[0023] The body may have a length along the X axis of between 50 and 100 mm, in particular between 60 and 100 mm, preferably of the order of 60 or 70 mm.

[0024] It defines the breast shield and the vacuum chamber, the breast shield and the vacuum chamber joining along the X axis and communicating with each other.

[0025] The body may be of one piece, for example being injection molded from a thermoplastic or thermosetting material.

[0026] The body may have an annular constriction at the junction of the teat and the vacuum chamber. This helps prevent or limit the backflow of colostrum from the vacuum chamber to the teat.

[0027] The body may be made of an elastically deformable material, for example a silicone or a flexible plastic, preferably a silicone.

[0028] The material can have a hardness between 30 and 70 Shore A, preferably around 40 Shore A. This choice of hardness allows for a material that is sufficiently flexible to allow compression but rigid enough to ensure that the device is held on the breast by suction effect. The choice of a flexible material also allows the device, which is preferably one size, to adapt to the majority of breast morphologies.

[0029] Preferably, the body is made of a transparent or translucent material to facilitate installation and position control during use.

[0030] The body of the device may require relatively little material, making it easy and quick to produce and a low-cost solution.

[0031] Nipple shield

[0032] By "teat shield" is meant a cup having a flared wall, preferably generally conical, open at its distal end and connected by its proximal end to the vacuum chamber.

[0033] The inclination of the generally conical wall of the breast shield can be measured by an angle 9 at the apex, with 9 preferably in the order of 90°.

[0034] The section of the distal end of the nipple in a transverse plane perpendicular to the X axis can have a circular shape, measured by its diameter d.

[0035] The diameter d can be between 5 and 10 cm, better between 6 and 8 cm.

[0036] The compression zone can be compressed manually. Alternatively, it can be compressed automatically.

[0037] By "compression zone" is meant the part of the breast shield located behind its distal end, arranged to be located near the nipple, on the outer surface of which, in the case of manual compression, one or more fingers can be positioned to perform repetitive compression movements in order to compress the milk ducts of the breast. In the case of automatic compression, one or more actuators can compress the compression zone.

[0038] In the case of manual compression, the breast shield may have at least one recess to receive one or more fingers on the compression area.

[0039] Preferably, the breast shield has a single recess for receiving one or more fingers extending around the entire circumference of the breast shield to allow compression in all directions.

[0040] It may have several recesses for receiving one or more fingers, for example two recesses for receiving one or more fingers, these two recesses being diametrically opposed. The or each recess helps guide and facilitate the positioning of the fingers on the device to ensure optimal compression of the milk ducts of the breast. A section of the recess in longitudinal section may have a generally rounded shape.

[0041] In one embodiment, the device body has an annular bead defining a proximal end of a recess for receiving one or more fingers. The annular bead may be located on the breast shield or on the vacuum chamber of the device body.

[0042] The presence of this annular bead makes it possible to better indicate the receiving recess so as to facilitate the placement of one or more fingers on it.

[0043] By "relief" is meant any irregularity of the internal surface of the breast shield and more specifically of the compression zone. The relief(s) on the internal face of the compression zone may be bosses, grooves, ribs, preferably grooves, in particular oriented longitudinally along the X axis.

[0044] The relief(s) may be located at a distance from the distal end of the teat, at a distance of between 3 and 15 mm, better between 5 and 10 mm.

[0045] The relief(s) may have a length along the X axis of between 5 and 20 mm, better between 10 and 15 mm.

[0046] The presence of one or more reliefs on the internal face of the compression zone ensures the passage of air and thus prevents the compression zone from adhering to the breast during compression movements, and in doing so does not cause the suction effect to move towards the nipple, disrupting its use, in particular risking the device falling.

[0047] The compression zone may have on its internal face a relief extending over its entire circumference or several reliefs distributed over its entire circumference. Preferably, the compression zone has one or more reliefs only on the top and sides of its wall, when the device is observed in the position of use, the bottom of the compression zone not having reliefs. The absence of relief on the bottom of the compression zone makes it possible to avoid or limit colostrum leaks.

[0048] The breast shield may have a wall of constant thickness. Alternatively, the breast shield may have an annular bead at its distal end. The annular bead may have a thickness of between 3 and 5 mm, preferably between 3.5 and 4 mm.

[0049] The presence of an annular bead, inducing a thickening of the wall of the teat, ensures the rigidity of the distal end of the teat, necessary to maintain the suction effect during compression movements.

[0050] The distal end may have a smooth internal surface to ensure an airtight seal when positioned on the breast.

[0051] The breast shield wall may also thicken toward the back in part of the compression zone. The thickness can be between 2 and 6 mm.

[0052] The greater wall thickness in part of the compression zone allows for reduced play and a more precise gesture and for compressing the milk ducts of the breast with greater force, thus promoting the expression of colostrum, while facilitating compression and making it less tiring.

[0053] Vacuum chamber

[0054] The vacuum chamber has a side wall and a bottom wall. When viewed in longitudinal section, the side wall and / or the bottom wall may have an outwardly curved shape. The outward curved shape of the side wall and / or the bottom wall helps to better maintain the vacuum and limit the collapse of the walls during compression movements.

[0055] Alternatively, the bottom wall is flat.

[0056] The flat shape of the bottom wall makes it easier to attach a label, helping to improve the traceability of the device.

[0057] The bottom wall may be smooth, the vacuum being created by compressing the vacuum chamber before positioning the device on the breast. Alternatively, the vacuum chamber may have a recess, arranged to allow the insertion of a tube connected to a vacuum pump, mechanically creating a vacuum in the vacuum chamber.

[0058] The side wall and the bottom wall may have an identical, preferably constant, thickness of between 2 and 6 mm, better between 2.5 and 4 mm. The thickness of the walls of the vacuum chamber and their dimensions may be chosen so that the maximum underpressure in the vacuum chamber is between 40 and 200 mmHg, better between 60 and 100 mmHg.

[0059] The pain threshold in women is around 200 to 250 mmHg. By configuring the vacuum chamber to limit underpressure, it is possible to improve user comfort. The challenge lies in finding the right fit between a vacuum sufficient to keep the device in place and not too high to cause pain. Alternatively, the resistance to deformation of the side wall and / or the back wall can be adjusted so that the walls remain deformed after the initial compression of the vacuum chamber when positioning the device on the breast to avoid the generation of critical underpressure.

[0060] The opening of the device communicating with a colostrum collection cavity may be arranged in the side wall of the vacuum chamber, in particular on the bottom of the side wall when the device is observed in the use position.

[0061] The vacuum chamber may have a slope and / or a recess to channel and guide the colostrum towards the opening communicating with a colostrum collection cavity.

[0062] This recess may be in the form of a canal. It may extend from the distal end of the vacuum chamber to the opening communicating with a colostrum collection cavity.

[0063] Opening

[0064] The opening of the device may communicate with a colostrum collection cavity integrally formed with the vacuum chamber. Alternatively, the opening may be arranged to allow insertion of a colostrum collection container.

[0065] The opening allowing the insertion of a container can be defined by a nozzle comprising at its end a clamping lip oriented radially inwards, the nozzle preferably communicating with the interior of the vacuum chamber by at least one orifice passing through the side wall of the chamber, of smaller section than that defined by the free edge of the clamping lip.

[0066] The colostrum collection container may be a tube. Preferably, it is a so-called "standard" analysis tube of 6 to 15 mL, in particular 10 mL, and with an external diameter of between 13 and 17 mm, for example of the order of 15 mm. It may be provided with a thread to receive a screw cap, with a height of the order of 7 mm. Alternatively, it may be without a thread.

[0067] Alternatively, the colostrum collection container can also be used to administer colostrum to the child. This is preferably a colostrum syringe or pipette.

[0068] The tip may be made of the same elastically deformable material as the body of the device.

[0069] The tip may be formed integrally with the body of the device.

[0070] The tip may extend vertically along a Z axis from the bottom of the side wall of the vacuum chamber, when the device is viewed in the use position.

[0071] The tip can have a height h along the Z axis between 8 and 12 mm.

[0072] A section of the edge of the clamping lip along a plane transverse to the Z axis can have a circular shape, with a diameter (h. d?) of the order of 12 mm.

[0073] When the container is a tube having a thread for receiving a screw cap, the height h of the end piece may be greater than the height of the thread and the inside diameter cL of the clamping lip smaller than the outside diameter of the tube, so that the insertion of the tube into the end piece is accompanied by an expansion of the opening of the end piece, the latter preferably being formed from the same elastically deformable material as the body of the device, as mentioned above. Once the tube is inserted into the end piece, the free edge of the clamping lip is positioned hermetically under the thread of the tube so as to hold it in place and ensure sealing.

[0074] The tip may have a chamfer on one internal face at its end. The presence of a chamfer helps to facilitate the insertion of a collection container into the tip.

[0075] The orifice passing through the side wall of the vacuum chamber may have a circular shape, with a diameter ds.

[0076] <7; can be of the order of 10 mm.

[0077] The diameter d< of the orifice passing through the side wall may be smaller than the inner diameter dz of the clamping lip, so as to prevent colostrum leakage and serve as a stop at the end of insertion of the tube serving as a container. In another embodiment, the insertion opening of the container may be simply defined by a single orifice passing through the side wall of the chamber.

[0078] In another embodiment, the opening may be arranged to allow a conventional breast milk collection container, preferably a bottle, to be inserted therein.

[0079] In another embodiment, the opening may be arranged to allow a collection container of the syringe or pipette type, preferably a colostrum syringe or pipette, to be inserted therein.

[0080] Together

[0081] According to another of its aspects, the invention relates to a breast expression assembly comprising the device as defined above and a colostrum collection container arranged to be inserted therein.

[0082] The colostrum collection container is preferably a so-called "standard" analysis tube, as mentioned above. Alternatively, the colostrum collection container may be a colostrum syringe or pipette.

[0083] In another embodiment, the breast expression assembly comprises the device as defined above and a conventional breast milk collection container arranged to fit therein.

[0084] The classic breast milk collection container is preferably a bottle.

[0085] Extraction process

[0086] According to another of its aspects, the invention relates to a method for extracting colostrum using the breast expression assembly as defined above, comprising the following steps: a) inserting a collection container into the opening of the device provided for this purpose, b) compressing the wall of the vacuum chamber to reduce its internal volume, c) positioning the breast shield on the breast, centered on the nipple, then releasing the vacuum chamber, so that the device adheres by suction effect to the breast, d) placing one's fingers on the compression zone, preferably on the recess for receiving one or more fingers, e) performing repetitive compression movements on it to compress the milk ducts of the breast, and collecting the colostrum in the container.

[0087] The invention also relates to a method for extracting colostrum repeating the above steps with the exception of step a), using the device according to the invention comprising a colostrum collection cavity formed in one piece with the vacuum chamber.

[0088] The invention also relates to a method for extracting colostrum as defined above with the exception of step d), the compression being carried out automatically on the compression zone.

[0089] The invention also relates to a method for extracting colostrum using the breast expression assembly as defined above, comprising the following steps: a) inserting a collection container into the opening of the device provided for this purpose, b) positioning the breast shield on the breast, centered on the nipple, c) creating a vacuum using a vacuum pump so that the device adheres to the breast by suction effect, d) placing one's fingers on the compression zone, preferably on the recess for receiving one or more fingers, e) performing repetitive compression movements on it to compress the milk ducts of the breast, and collecting the colostrum in the container.

[0090] The invention also relates to a method for extracting colostrum repeating the above steps with the exception of step a), using the device according to the invention comprising a colostrum collection cavity formed in one piece with the vacuum chamber. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for extracting colostrum as defined previously with the exception of step d), the compression being carried out automatically on the compression zone.

[0091] In another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for extracting conventional breast milk, based on the model of the method for extracting colostrum previously defined.

[0092] Brief description of the drawings

[0093] The invention may be better understood by reading the following description, non-limiting examples of implementation of the invention, and by examining the attached drawing, in which:

[0094] [Fig 1] Figure 1 is a side view of the device positioned on the breast,

[0095] [Fig 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device,

[0096] [Fig 3] Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device,

[0097] [Fig 4] Figure 4 is a view in another longitudinal section perpendicular to the Z axis of the device,

[0098] [Fig 5] the figure is a bottom view of the device,

[0099] [Fig 6] Figure 6 is a top view of the device,

[0100] [Fig 7] Figure 7 shows a detail of Figure 3 in another embodiment,

[0101] [Fig 8] Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of the device according to the same view as Figure 3,

[0102] [Fig 9] Figure 9 shows another embodiment of the device according to the same view as Figure 4,

[0103] [Fig 10] Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment of the device according to the same view as Figure 3,

[0104] [Fig 11] Figure 11 illustrates another embodiment of the device according to the same view as Figure 2,

[0105] [Fig 12] Figure 12 is another view of the device of Figure 11,

[0106] [Fig 13] Figure 13 is a side view of the device of Figures 11 and 12. Detailed Description

[0107] Figure 1 illustrates a breast expression assembly according to the invention.

[0108] The breast expression assembly comprises a device 1 according to the invention into which is inserted a collection container, which in this case is in the form of a so-called “standard” analysis tube 2. The device 1 comprises a body 100 defining a breast shield 101 and a vacuum chamber 102 communicating with the breast shield 101. The breast shield 101 is intended to be applied hermetically around the entire circumference of the breast behind the nipple.

[0109] The body 100 extends along a longitudinal axis X which is substantially horizontal during use. It has a length along the X axis of 62 mm for example.

[0110] The body 100, preferably formed from a single piece, is for example made of transparent silicone with a hardness of 40 Shore A

[0111] Figures 2 to 10 show device 1 in isolation.

[0112] The body 100 may have at the junction of the teat 101 and the vacuum chamber 102 an annular constriction 103, as visible in figure 4.

[0113] The section of the distal end 104 of the teat 101, in a transverse section plane perpendicular to the X axis, preferably has a circular shape, with a diameter d of 70 mm for example, as shown in Figures 3 and 6.

[0114] The angle 6 at the top defining the inclination of the generally conical wall of the breast shield is for example equal to 90°.

[0115] The nipple 101 has a compression zone 105, located behind its distal end 104, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.

[0116] The teat 101 may have a recess 106 for receiving a finger on the compression zone 105, visible in figures 3 and 4.

[0117] The internal face of the compression zone 105 has grooves 107, visible in figures 3 to 5, oriented longitudinally along the X axis. These grooves have a length along the X axis of 15 mm for example.

[0118] An inner annular bead 108, visible in Figures 3 and 4, with a thickness of 3.7 mm for example, is present at the distal end 104 of the breast shield 101. The wall of the breast shield 101 thickens towards the rear of the compression zone 105 in a zone 109, shown in Figure 4.

[0119] The vacuum chamber comprises a side wall 110 and a bottom wall 111, the latter preferably having an outwardly curved shape, when observed as in Figure 3 in longitudinal section.

[0120] Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment in which the side wall 110 has in longitudinal section a generally outwardly curved shape, like the bottom wall 111.

[0121] Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment in which the bottom wall has a recess 117, arranged to allow the insertion of a tube connected to a vacuum pump, mechanically creating a vacuum in the vacuum chamber.

[0122] The side wall and the bottom wall, for example, have an identical and constant thickness of around 3 mm.

[0123] The opening of the device communicating with a colostrum collection cavity is arranged to allow the insertion of the collection container 2. It is preferably, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, defined by a tip 112, formed in one piece and in the same material as the body 100 of the device 1. The tip 112 has at its end a clamping lip 113 oriented radially inwards. The tip 112 communicates with the vacuum chamber 102 by an orifice 114, shown in Figures 3 and 4, passing through the side wall 110.

[0124] The tip 112 has a height h along the Z axis of the order of 10 mm for example.

[0125] The clamping lip 113 has an internal diameter ch of the order of 12 mm for example.

[0126] The orifice 114 has a circular shape with a diameter ch of the order of 10 mm for example.

[0127] To use the device, the user inserts, for example, a so-called "standard" analysis tube 2, into the tip 112 by playing on the latter's ability to deform. The free edge of the clamping lip 113 is applied hermetically under the thread of the tube 2, which is thus held integral with the device. The user then compresses the side wall 110 of the vacuum chamber 102, positions the breast shield 101 on the breast by centering it on the nipple and then releases the vacuum chamber 102. A suction effect is created which makes it possible to hold the device 1 on the breast without manual support, as illustrated in Figure 1. In order to extract the colostrum, the user places one or more fingers on the receiving recess(es) 106 and exerts repetitive compression movements which compress the milk ducts of the breast. Combined with the vacuum created at the nipple, this compression causes colostrum to be expressed.This flows into the nipple 101, then into the vacuum chamber 102, through the bottom of the side wall 110, towards the orifice 114 and into the tube 2.

[0128] In some embodiments, a slight slope 115, as shown in Figure 7, extends from the junction 103 to the orifice 114, to more efficiently guide the colostrum toward the tube 2. Alternatively or in addition to this slope 115, a channel 116, as shown in Figure 9, may help to channel and guide the colostrum.

[0129] Figures 11 to 13 show in isolation another embodiment of the device according to the invention.

[0130] The body of the device 100 has on the vacuum chamber 102 an annular bead 118 delimiting a proximal end of a recess for receiving one or more fingers 106.

[0131] The vacuum chamber 102 has a flat bottom wall 111.

[0132] The tip 112 has on an internal face at its end a chamfer 119 making it easier to insert a collection container 2.

[0133] The invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

[0134] For example, in another embodiment, the opening is arranged to allow insertion of a collection container other than a tube, such as a bottle, syringe, or pipette.

[0135] The insertion opening can be simply defined by a single hole passing through the side wall of the chamber.

[0136] The relief(s) 107 present on the internal face of the breast shield 101 in the compression zone may have other shapes. These are, for example, bosses or ribs.

[0137] It may be a single relief that extends around the entire internal perimeter of the breast shield in the compression zone or several reliefs distributed periodically around the perimeter. Alternatively, the relief(s) are absent from the bottom of the compression zone and confined to the top and sides of the breast shield.

[0138] In another embodiment, the compression is automated.

Claims

Claims 1. Breast expression device (1), comprising a body (100) made of an elastically deformable material, defining a breast shield (101) and a vacuum chamber (102) communicating with the breast shield (101), the device (1) having an opening communicating with a colostrum collection cavity, the breast shield (101) having a wall of flared shape, preferably generally conical, shaped to apply at its distal end (104) in a hermetic manner over the entire circumference of the breast behind the nipple, so as to allow the formation of a vacuum near the nipple and the holding by suction effect of the device on the breast, the breast shield (101) defining behind its distal end (104) a deformable compression zone (105), making it possible to compress the milk ducts of the breast by applying pressure on the external surface of said zone,one or more reliefs (107) being present on the internal face of the compression zone (105) in order to prevent it from adhering to the breast during use., 2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, the opening being arranged to allow the insertion of a container (2) for collecting colostrum.

3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the relief(s) (107) on the internal face of the compression zone being grooves or ribs, preferably grooves, in particular oriented longitudinally.

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the teat (101) having at its distal end (104) an annular bead (108).

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the wall of the teat (101) thickening towards the rear in a part (109) of the compression zone (105).

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the vacuum chamber (102) having a slope (115) and / or a recess (116) for channeling and guiding the colostrum towards the opening communicating with a colostrum collection cavity.

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the vacuum chamber (102) comprising a side wall (110) and / or a bottom wall (111) having, when observed in longitudinal section, a shape curved towards the outside.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the body (100) having at the junction of the teat (101) and the vacuum chamber (102) an annular constriction (103).

9. Device (1) according to any attachment to claim 2, the opening allowing the insertion of the container (2) being defined by an end piece (112) comprising at its end a clamping lip (113) oriented radially inwards, the end piece (112) preferably communicating with the interior of the vacuum chamber (102) by at least one orifice (114) passing through the side wall (110) of the chamber (102), of smaller section than that defined by the free edge of the clamping lip (113).

10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the body (100) being made of a material, in particular a silicone, with a hardness of between 30 and 70 Shore A.

11. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the teat (101) having at least one receiving recess (106) for one or more fingers on the compression zone (105).

12. Breast expression assembly comprising a device (1) according to any attachment to claim 2 and a container (2) for collecting colostrum, arranged to be inserted therein, the container (2) preferably being a so-called “standard” analysis tube.

13. Method for extracting colostrum using the breast expression assembly according to the preceding claim, comprising the following steps: a) inserting a collection container (2) into the opening of the device (1) provided for this purpose, b) compressing the wall (110) of the vacuum chamber (102) to reduce its internal volume, c) positioning the breast shield (101) on the breast, centered on the nipple, then releasing the vacuum chamber (102), so that the device (1) adheres by suction effect to the breast, d) placing one's fingers on the compression zone (105), preferably on the receiving recess (106) of one or more fingers, e) perform repetitive compression movements on it to compress the milk ducts of the breast, and collect the colostrum in the container (2).

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