Engineering Evaluation of a Breast Pump Device

Engineering Evaluation of a Breast Pump Device

This research involves feasibility testing of design concepts to support device development of an electric breast pump. The purpose is to evaluate a prototype device for feasibility purposes and not health outcomes.

This engineering evaluation involves the voluntary participation of healthy adult lactating women for feasibility testing of breast shield designs. Participants will be asked to rate the breast shield design for fit, comfort, and the ease of use. In addition, participants will be asked to rate a comparison of the device relative to their experiences with their current commercial breast pump and breastfeeding their baby.

Inclusion Criteria:

• History of good health
• Currently lactating and planning to continue breastfeeding for the next 3 to 4 months
• Currently using a commercial electric breast pump at least several times a week
• Sufficient milk supply for one missed infant feeding per device testing visit
• Willing to attend five device testing visits over 3 to 4 months
• Willing to be video recorded during device testing
• Willing to discard milk collected during testing

Exclusion Criteria:

• No active breast or nipple injury, breast inflammation or infection, or nipple piercing
• No prior history of breast implant, reduction or reconstruction surgery
• Not currently pregnant