Suction sequences for a breastpump

Abstract

A breastpump is provided with one or more novel suction sequences which are considered to produce advantageous particularized results. Such sequences include a suction method for increased milk production and an improved suction method in general.

1 - 15 . (canceled)  
   
   
       16 . A breastpump comprising: 
 a breastshield having a portion within which a woman's breast is received for the expression of milk;    a source of vacuum in communication with said breastshield; and    a programmable controller for varying the vacuum.    
   
   
       17 . A breastpump comprising: 
 a breastshield having a portion within which a woman's breast is received for the expression of milk;    a source of vacuum in communication with said breastshield;    a mechanism for operating said source of vacuum according to a first sequence; and    a controller for operating said source of vacuum according to a second sequence.    
   
   
       18 . An improved breastpump for the expression of mother's milk, the breastpump having a mechanism for manipulating the breast to express milk therefrom, wherein the improvement comprises a programmable controller for said mechanism.  
   
   
       19 . A method for operating a breastpump comprising the steps of: 
 recording the suckling sequence of an infant in terms of at least suction force over time, and    programming a breastpump to operate in accordance with said recording.    
   
   
       20 . A method for breastpumping comprising: 
 providing a breastshield having a portion within which a woman's breast is received for the expression of milk;    providing a source of vacuum in communication with said breastshield which is operated by a controller; and    programming said controller to operate said vacuum in a plurality of different ways.