Areola pad

Abstract

The invention provides an areola pad for use during breast feeding. The invention is used to treat sore and painful nipples caused by breast feeding and to enable uninterrupted nursing. The invention includes a flexible element composed of one or more bio-compatible polymers, where the element is breathable, and allows contact between the mother and the infant. The flexible element further includes a centrally-located opening for receiving a nipple of any size, where the nipple extends through the opening and is uncovered.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to an areola pad useful for treating sore or painful nipples, for example in women who are breast feeding. The areola pad includes a flexible element having a centrally located opening through which the nipple extends. The areola pad can be worn during breast feeding. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] It is well known that breast feeding is highly recommended and preferred over bottle feeding. The physical experience of breast feeding enhances bonding between the mother and baby. Further, breast milk provides immunoglobulins to the baby, thus conferring passive immunity to the baby through the mother. [0003] However, virtually every mother who attempts to breast feed her baby experiences sore and painful nipples at some point. For many women, this can lead to cracked, bleeding nipples, and even breast infections. Such experiences cause many women to abandon breast feeding. Presently, there is no satisfactory treatment for these c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention provides an areola pad that is flexible and can cover the areola and nipple. The pad can be flat or dome-shaped, and can be made of a breathable material. The pad can also have one or more openings and slits. The pad can be sterile and disposable or multi-use. The bio-compatible polymer can be silicone-based or a porous membrane. The pad can also be prelubricated with a thin film of lanolin."

Problems solved by technology

However, virtually every mother who attempts to breast feed her baby experiences sore and painful nipples at some point.

For many women, this can lead to cracked, bleeding nipples, and even breast infections.

Such experiences cause many women to abandon breast feeding.

Presently, there is no satisfactory treatment for these conditions that provide immediate relief.

However, it is generally difficult to breast feed while using such preparations as an infant nurses every two to three hours and topical solutions need to be removed.

Also, it is very difficult in today's world to “air dry” nipples.

Doctors do not recommend using nipple shields like the Medela™ shield to treat sore nipples, because such use does not correct the underlying problem (incorrect latching-on) and creates additional problems.

Specifically, use of such shields causes the mother to receive less stimulation, thus causing a decrease in milk production, and thereby causing diminished milk supply and diminished weight gain of the baby.

Other problems associated with the use of such shields include: nipple confusion, whereby the baby may become so used to the shield that he or she may refuse the mothers natural nipple; a decreased ability of the baby to smell and feel the mother; and a negative effect on bonding between the baby and the mother.

Neither of these devices, nor known treatments, help to ease pain and soreness during breast feeding.

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