Eactation baee supporting breastfeeding period for postpartum mothers

Abstract

This invention is an effective and comfortable device for the combined use of back massage, breast massage, and warm compress techniques to increase the amount of milk produced by the mother, and is characterized in that it comprises a main body (1) having a bearing portion (1.1) in the center thereof and capable of making an angle of 180 degrees with the handle (3) to be positioned on the bearing portion (1.1), and at least three movable balls (2) which move independently of each other, contain a heat-sensitive medical gel inside, and have a hard plastic material structure that can be placed in and removed from the main body (1).

Description

[0001] LACTATION BALL SUPPORTING BREASTFEEDING PERIOD FOR

[0002] POSTPARTUM MOTHERS

[0003] Technical Field:

[0004] This invention is an effective and comfortable device for the combined use of back massage, breast massage, and heat application techniques to increase the amount of milk produced by the mother.

[0005] State of the Art:

[0006] Breastfeeding is very valuable in terms of fetal and maternal health. Supporting breastfeeding is of great importance, especially in the early postpartum period to initiate and maintain breastfeeding and to increase breastfeeding rates. WHO recommends that mother and baby should have skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible after birth and that women should be encouraged to start breastfeeding.

[0007] Breastfeeding, especially for infants aged 0-6 months, is critical for healthy growth and development. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) advocate that every baby should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months after birth and that breastfeeding should continue until the age of 2 years, provided that it is accompanied by supplementary foods. However, breastfeeding rates globally and in Turkey are still lower than expected. Breastfeeding rates in the first 6 months were reported as 1% in the UK, 16.4% in the USA, 12% in Azerbaijan, 16% in Afghanistan, 51% in China, and 53% in Egypt. In Turkey, this rate is 41% according to TDHS 2018 data.

[0008] Many factors affect lactation and effective breastfeeding in the early postpartum period. In particular, the type of birth of the newborn is one of the important factors affecting the breastfeeding process. Today, caesarean section rates are increasing in developing countries and in Turkey. It is a known fact that many factors such as prolonged separation of mother and baby, lack of skin-to-skin contact, surgical pain and invasive interventions in cesarean deliveries negatively affect breastfeeding success. Primiparous and caesarean section mothers are the groups that need to be supported primarily in the breastfeeding process.

[0009] There are many practices in the literature to support breastfeeding in the early postpartum period and to increase breastfeeding rates. It is known that different non- pharmacological methods such as kangaroo care, yoga, back massage, breast massage, acupressure, and heat application are used to support the breastfeeding process. Massage is a therapeutic technique practiced all over the world and aimed at relieving breastfeeding problems. There are various breast massage techniques that can be used to treat breastfeeding problems. Similarly, in the early postpartum period, back massage, breast massage, and heat application to the breast can be performed to stimulate the milk ejection reflex.

[0010] Also, different innovative apparatuses with various features are known to increase breastfeeding rates, contrary to the current state of the art. One of these is the mochi breast device. By providing the milk ducts with the micro-level vibration they need, this device helps to regulate milk flow, open blocked milk ducts, soften the breast so that the baby can suck more comfortably, and support the complete emptying of the mother's breast both during milking and breastfeeding. Increased milk release is supported by applying low levels of vibration to the breast tissue.

[0011] Another product known in the present art is called "Lactamo". Lactamo is a soft and safe silicone ball designed to help with breastfeeding problems. Lactamo uses a combination of warmth, movement, and compression to help with common breastfeeding problems. The duration of use of Lactamo is 1 year. It is recommended to renew the device after 1 year. If the balls become damaged or punctured during use and the gel inside leaks, it is recommended to be replaced immediately. The problems identified include Lactamo being a single silicone ball, less pressure being applied to a more limited area, Lactomo being only used for massage of the breast tissue, having a lifespan of 1 year, and being disposed of when deterioration occurs in the gel it contains.

[0012] Another product used in the present art is the spiky massage ball, which is a multipurpose silicone ball with different shapes used in different parts of the body. However, since there is no gel inside the spiky massage balls, there is no possibility of heat-cold application. The spiky massage ball only has the function of massage application.

[0013] The general features of these products include ease of use to alleviate common problems encountered during breastfeeding, softness, movement, safety, and small size. However, these products are very difficult to use alone. Furthermore, the use of these massagers can make it difficult for individual women to perform back massage, which is considered effective in the literature. For these products to be used effectively, they must have the ability to massage both the breast and the back area. This can help to alleviate problems encountered during breastfeeding more effectively. The devices mentioned are insufficient and disadvantageous in this regard.

[0014] Products such as "Lactamo" and "Spiky Massage Ball" are designed as a single ball. This design may limit the massaged area. Furthermore, soft balls in silicone form reduce the effectiveness of the massage. On the other hand, devices like "Mochi" are also small in size. This can lead to a reduction in the effectiveness of the massage. These products are designed to stimulate the release of milk from the breasts and relieve breast problems. However, the design of these products needs to be effective, easy and practical to help mothers save time and combat the challenges they face during the postpartum period. However, the single-ball design and small sizes can make these devices difficult to use, limiting the massage area and wasting the mother's time regarding the effectiveness of the massage.

[0015] Patent application number TR2024011837 describes a warm massage breastfeeding bra for increasing milk. In the relevant document, a warm massage breastfeeding bra is described, which is used in mothers who have premature birth, cesarean delivery, low milk, breast congestion, mastitis, inability to empty the breast, and which provides an increase in breast milk during breastfeeding. However, there is no application regarding back massage.

[0016] CN215426053U describes the multifunctional breast protector for relieving milk engorgement. The invention relates to the technical field of medical sanitary ware, in particular to a multifunctional breast protector for alleviating milk engorgement, comprising a pair of cups, removable shoulder straps, and fixing straps. However, in said document, there is no application regarding back massage.

[0017] As a result, there is a need for a new technology which can overcome the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0018] Definition of the Invention:

[0019] The invention is designed to increase lactation and support breastfeeding for breastfeeding mothers in the postpartum period. With the innovative product developed, the aim is to increase milk production and ensure successful breastfeeding by applying massage and dry heat application techniques to the mother's back area and breast tissue.

[0020] In contrast to the present art, this invention effectively applies back massage to increase the release of milk from the breasts. The invention makes it possible for the mother to massage herself independently of the person who will support her, and allows her to perform back and breast massage easily and effectively. In this way, the invention will enable women to manage the breastfeeding process individually and actively. In the postpartum period, women making the right choices for themselves and their babies and breastfeeding their babies effectively and successfully will strengthen their autonomy.

[0021] The invention is designed in the form of three moving balls that move independently of each other. In this way, the massage area is kept wide. This allows the woman to perform a more effective massage in less time, therefore saving time. In addition, since the three moving balls in the invention are independent of each other, it is possible to remove only the faulty ball and install a new one in case of any technical problem. Furthermore, the simple structure of the invention facilitates assembly and reduces labor and product costs to a lower level compared to products in the present art.

[0022] With the removable structure of the balls in the invention, both dry hot and dry cold massage can be applied. Dropping the balls only into boiling water or cold water provides ease of application. With this invention, the back massage together with the heat application physiologically increases the release of oxytocin in the mother and activates milk production. Then, the massage applied to the breast tissue together with the heat application allows the milk ducts in the breasts to open and release milk. The invention therefore combines back massage, breast massage, and heat application techniques to produce more breast milk.

[0023] This invention is an effective and comfortable device for the combined use of back massage, breast massage, and warm compress techniques to increase the amount of milk produced by the mother. No preliminary preparation is needed for the use of this invention. If it is to be used with heat application, it will be sufficient to keep it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Since the invention is suitable for sterilization, it can also be used for other individuals. It can be used alone or with the help of a partner, friend, etc.

[0024] The invention benefits the mother not only with heat application but also with cold application. If there is breast tenderness and pain in the breasts after breastfeeding, breast pain and tenderness will decrease when the mother places the lactation ball without massage on the breast tissue after cooling the balls. There is also a second benefit of the device independent of breastfeeding. The invention is effective on the musculoskeletal system thanks to its effective and comfortable massage application on a larger body surface and can be used in cases such as muscle pain, tension, spasm in other body parts.

[0025] The folding structure of the handle part in this invention facilitates portability. When folded, the handle becomes smaller and can be easily attached to the main body. Furthermore, the handle makes back and chest massages much easier. Likewise, this handle is designed in a way that users can grip it comfortably.

[0026] With the easy fastening of the parts that make up the invention to each other, it is easy to install, and thanks to the short assembly time, costs are low. Also, the invention has a solid structure.

[0027] Description of the Drawings:

[0028] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, so that the features of the invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated, however it is not intended to limit the invention to these particular embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended all alternatives, modifications, and equivalences that may be included in the field of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims are within the scope. It should be understood that the details shown are for the sole purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and are intended to provide the most useful and easily understandable description of both the embodiment of the methods and the rules and conceptual features of the invention. In the drawings;

[0029] Fig. 1 is a front view of the main body.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a front view of the movable ball.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a front view of the handle.

[0032] Fig. 4 is a view of the handle showing the application of the main body.

[0033] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the exploded assembly of the invention.

[0034] Fig. 6 is an overall view of the invention.

[0035] The figures which will help understand this invention are numbered as indicated in the accompanying drawing and are given below with their names.

[0036] Description of the References:

[0037] 1. Main body 1.1. Bearing part

[0038] 1.2. Lower body

[0039] 1.2.1. Slot

[0040] 1.3. Upper cover

[0041] 1.3.1. Latch

[0042] 2. Movable ball

[0043] 3. Handle

[0044] 3.1. Projection

[0045] 3.2. Segment

[0046] Detailed Description of the Invention:

[0047] The main parts constituting the invention are the main body (1), the movable ball (2), and the handle (3). The main body (1) consists of lower body (1.2) and upper cover (1.3). In the inner part of the lower body (1.2), bearing parts (1.1) are formed in the same way to ensure the bearing of the movable ball (2). The handle (3), which can be coupled to the main body (1), has protrusion (3.1) and segment (3.2) features.

[0048] Figs. 1-2 show the main body (1) and movable ball (2) views. The main body (1) houses the moving balls (2). The main body (1) is designed so that the movable balls (2) can be inserted and removed. The main body (1) contains slots in which a plurality of movable balls (2) can be mounted. The movable balls (2) move independently of each other and are not integrated with the main body (1). Movable balls (2) are in a attachable and detachable form. These balls (2) are manufactured from hard plastic material. Inside the movable balls (2) is a heat-sensitive medical gel. For heat application, it will be sufficient to keep the movable balls (2) in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. For cold application, the movable balls (2) should be kept in cold water in the same way. The movable balls (2) in the main body (1) can be replaced if deformed, punctured, or lost. The number of movable balls (2) is preferably three, but may vary depending on the type of massage. Fig. 3 shows the handle (3) part. This part has at least one section (3.2) and is collapsible. It is designed for self-massage by the user. The protrusion (3.1) is inserted into the slot (1.1) on the main body (1), allowing the user to perform massage movements more easily. The main body (1) moves 180 degrees by means of the handle (3), allowing the person to massage from different angles {Fig. 4}.

[0049] The application of the invention is as follows: first, since heat application will be performed, each movable ball (2) is heated appropriately and placed in the main body (1). First, a back massage (on the back area, especially at the posterior level of the 4th, 5th, and 6th ribs and the adjacent paravertebral area, as indicated in the guide) is performed to stimulate milk production reflexes and the release of prolactin and oxytocin. The mother first self-massages the back area on the side of the breast tissue that she will breastfeed with a lactation ball. She applies back massage for at least 3-5 minutes by applying light pressure from top to bottom and from bottom to top with repetitive serial movements. She then places the lactation ball on the breast tissue to be breastfed from and applies a heat massage with linear movements from top to bottom, from the periphery to the center of the nipple, again applying light pressure. During this process, the mother will notice that she feels relaxed and that milk begins to flow from the nipple. After breastfeeding her baby correctly and effectively, she can use the lactation ball for cold application to reduce pain and tenderness in the breast tissue and nipple. Breast pain and tenderness will be reduced by merely placing the lactation ball on the breast tissue without massage after soaking the movable balls (2) in cold water for 2-3 minutes and cooling.

[0050] Fig. 5-6 show the exploded assembly view and full assembly view of the invention. The lower body (1.1) and the upper cover (1.2) constituting the main body (1) are connected to each other by the slot (1.2.1) and latch (1.3.1) elements. The mounting process is completed by channeling the latch (1.3.1) into the slot (1.2.1). The latch (1.3.1) is preferably made of plastic material and, when pressed with the finger, allows the upper cover (1.3) to be easily separated from the lower body (1.2). If the latch (1.3.1) is to be manufactured from a metallic material, it may comprise a spring part inside, which may facilitate a reciprocating movement of the latch (1.3.1). After the upper cover (1.3) is separated from the lower body (1.2), the movable balls (2) are positioned on the bearing parts (1.1). The bearing parts (1.1) have a slight external lip, so that the movable balls (2) are prevented from detaching from the bearing parts (1.1) after the upper cover (1.3) is closed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A lactation ball supporting the breastfeeding period for postpartum mothers, characterized in that it comprises:- a main body (1) having a bearing portion (1.1) in the center thereof and capable of making an angle of 180 degrees with the handle (3) to be positioned on the bearing portion (1.1),- at least three movable balls (2) which move independently of each other, contain a heat-sensitive medical gel inside, and have a hard plastic material structure that can be placed in and removed from the main body (1).

2. The lactation ball supporting the breastfeeding period for postpartum mothers according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a handle (3) comprising at least one segment (3.2).

3. The main body (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a lower body (1.2) and an upper cover (1.3), which are attachable and detachable from each other by means of a slot (1.2.1) and a latch (1.3.1) respectively.

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