Patent ID: 7819839
Filing Date: 2010-10-26
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method for a woman to express breast milk, comprising: (a) placing a breast shield over an area centered on the areola and nipple of a breast of the woman, wherein: (1) the breast shield comprises (2) the flange and tube form a common passageway; (3) the passageway surrounding the nipple when the shield is fitted onto the breast and suction is applied, extends in a direction substantially non-perpendicular to the areola; and (4) the flange is shaped so that an area of the breast, at least in an area below the nipple, contacts an inner wall of the flange when the breast shield is fitted onto the breast without suction being applied; (b) orienting the breast shield such that the passageway, at the point surrounding the nipple, extends downward; and (c) while the passageway is so oriented, expressing milk from the breast through the passageway and the tube while the woman is reclining.