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 . A breastpump comprising:
 a breastshield having a portion within which a woman's breast is received for the expression of milk;   a source of pressure in communication with said breastshield; and   a user programmable controller including an input mechanism through which the user interfaces with said controller to provide commands capable of varying more than (i) the maximum amount of pressure applied, and (ii) the frequency of maximum pressure application in a cyclical sequence for operating the breastpump, such that after achieving a maximum negative pressure, there is an initial slope for a pressure increase and a period of time where said pressure increase is slowed before continuing about said initial slope.   
     
     
         2 . A method of operating a breastpump comprising:
 providing a breastshield having a portion within which a woman's breast is received for the expression of milk;   providing a source of pressure in communication with the breastshield;   providing a user programmable controller;   providing an input mechanism in operative communication with the programmable controller; and   inputting a program from a plurality of possible programs selected by the user through the input mechanism where said possible programs have varying amounts of pressure applied, varying frequency of pressure application, and include at least one program which has a varying pressure curve which deviates from a simple curve between maximum and minimum or no pressure, such that there is a period where the pressure increase is slowed.