Compression model on a clinically-relevant in-vitro lactating breast model

Abstract

Breastfeeding is incredibly important in infant nutrition and can provide many health benefits for the lactating parent as well [1]. Breast pumps allow for the expression and feeding of breastmilk when natural breastfeeding cannot occur. However, breast pumps only use suction to express milk, and the mechanics that come from a baby's natural suckling [2] are ignored. The aim of the research in this thesis is to understand the capabilities of compression via soft robotics in assisting the expression of milk from a lactating breast. The work presented in this thesis is two-fold: (1) a clinically-relevant in-vitro model of the lactating breast is developed, and (2) a soft robotic compression model mimicking natural breastfeeding and hand expression is tested on the lactating breast model. Although the compression model alone was able to express liquid from the model, it was not as effective as suction alone, nor did it increase the efficacy of suction when used in conj unction.