Abstract: A nipple shield includes a base portion having a cutout for allowing a nose of the baby to contact the mother's breast during breastfeeding and a nipple portion that extends outward from the base portion. The nipple portion includes a sidewall and a generally flat end wall that has a plurality of openings therein. The nipple portion is configured for receiving the nipple therein and to be placed in the baby's mouth during breastfeeding.

Abstract: A liner for use with a breast pump has an outer flange portion and a longitudinal portion extending outward from the outer flange portion. The outer flange portion has a first noncircular opening therein for receiving at least a portion of a breast including a nipple. The longitudinal portion has a second opening and a tubular passageway between the first noncircular opening and the second opening for allowing milk expressed from the breast received in the liner to pass through the liner. The outer flange portion is generally planar and adapted to engage a portion of the breast surrounding the nipple during use of the breast cup. The liner is configured for movement between an opened configuration of the noncircular opening and a collapsed configuration of the noncircular opening.

Abstract: A nipple for use with a nursing bottle is provided. The nipple includes a base portion and a bulbous sidewall connected to and extending upward from the base portion. The bulbous sidewall has a height and a maximum width that is larger than said height. The nipple further includes an end portion extending upward from the bulbous sidewall and having an outlet opening therein.

Abstract: A breast pump has at least one collection assembly for engaging at least a portion of a breast surrounding a nipple and a vacuum pump for applying a vacuum to the collection assembly and thereby to at least the nipple of the breast. A controller is operable to cyclically operate the vacuum pump between a maximum vacuum pressure in the range of about 70 mm Hg to about 150 mm Hg and a latching pressure of about 30 mm Hg.

Abstract: A nipple for a bottle assembly includes a flow control valve configured to open when subjected to a first vacuum pressure and to close when subjected to a second vacuum pressure that is substantially the same as or less than the first vacuum pressure. The flow control valve is configured to maintain the flow rate through the nipple between approximately 7 milliliters per minute and approximately 15 milliliters per minute.

Abstract: A breast cup assembly for a breast pump has a generally funnel-shaped support member with an open wide end, an open narrow end, a tapered central passage extending between the wide end and the narrow end. A liner is positioned at least in part in the support member. The liner has a first noncircular opening therein for receiving at least a portion of a breast including a nipple, a second opening spaced from the first noncircular opening, and a tubular passageway between the first noncircular opening and the second opening for allowing milk expressed from the breast received in the liner to pass through the liner. The liner is configured for movement between an opened configuration of the noncircular opening and a collapsed configuration of the noncircular opening.

Abstract: A nipple shield includes a base portion having a cutout for allowing a nose of the baby to contact the mother's breast during breastfeeding and a nipple portion that extends outward from the base portion. The nipple portion includes a sidewall and a generally flat end wall that has a plurality of openings therein. The nipple portion is configured for receiving the nipple therein and to be placed in the baby's mouth during breastfeeding.

Abstract: A breast pump has at least one collection assembly for engaging at least a portion of a breast surrounding a nipple and a vacuum pump for applying a vacuum to the collection assembly and thereby to at least the nipple of the breast. A controller is operable to cyclically operate the vacuum pump between a maximum vacuum pressure in the range of about 70 mm Hg to about 150 mm Hg and a latching pressure of about 30 mm Hg.

Abstract: A liner for use with a breast pump has an outer flange portion and a longitudinal portion extending outward from the outer flange portion. The outer flange portion has a first noncircular opening therein for receiving at least a portion of a breast including a nipple. The longitudinal portion has a second opening and a tubular passageway between the first noncircular opening and the second opening for allowing milk expressed from the breast received in the liner to pass through the liner. The outer flange portion is generally planar and adapted to engage a portion of the breast surrounding the nipple during use of the breast cup. The liner is configured for movement between an opened configuration of the noncircular opening and a collapsed configuration of the noncircular opening.

Abstract: A breast cup assembly for a breast pump has a generally funnel-shaped support member with an open wide end, an open narrow end, a tapered central passage extending between the wide end and the narrow end. A liner is positioned at least in part in the support member. The liner has a first noncircular opening therein for receiving at least a portion of a breast including a nipple, a second opening spaced from the first noncircular opening, and a tubular passageway between the first noncircular opening and the second opening for allowing milk expressed from the breast received in the liner to pass through the liner. The liner is configured for movement between an opened configuration of the noncircular opening and a collapsed configuration of the noncircular opening.