Abstract:
A hands-free lactation aid and soothing garment can be used for simultaneous warm and cool therapy. Therapeutic cozies can be used in conjunction with a camisole or nursing camisole, bra, or nursing bra or apparel, can be inserted into a cozy cover for use with an adjustable neckband. With the appropriate breast cozies, breast pumping or nursing can occur simultaneously with warm/cool therapy, and a privacy shield attaches easily. An additional neck therapy insert can be used to sooth a sore neck, while an additional nipple soother can be attached to the center of the cozies to provide simultaneous warm and cold therapy to the effected area.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    While specifically addressing the complications that can arise during breast feeding, it should be noted that most women find the vast majority of their nursing experiences to be some of their most intimate and beautiful times with their children. Many mothers experience difficulties with lactation. Within 72 hours of giving birth, often women experience engorgement of their breasts as their breasts start producing more milk to meet the needs of a nursing infant. More blood flows to the breasts and some of the surrounding tissue can swell, eliciting swollen, tender, throbbing breasts. Fortunately, engorgement passes quickly (24 to 48 hours if nursing regularly) for most women. Unfortunately, when engorgement does not resolve, it can lead to more serious and painful complications of breastfeeding. This can result in problems not only for the mother but for the feeding infant as well. 
         [0002]    Clogged ducts are the enemy of a nursing mother. Milk does not flow freely with clogged ducts, which can result in the feeding infant&#39;s nutritional demands not being met. Sometimes a milk duct leading from the milk-making cells through an area of the breast and nipple get plugged (blocked), resulting in a tender lump beneath the areola, and potentially a wedge-shaped area of redness extending from the lump back towards the wall of the chest. While the initial discomfort of a clogged duct may come and go, if left untreated clogged ducts may become infected resulting in mastitis or diminished milk supply. 
         [0003]    Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue. In addition to breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness of the breast, mastitis also includes flu-like symptoms, such as headache, fever, chills, and exhaustion. 
         [0004]    Recommended treatment of engorgement, clogged ducts, and mastitis include the application of heat or cold therapy as well as the continued expression of milk from the breast(s), either by nursing or pumping. By reducing the speed of impulses conducted by nerve fibers pain sensations are reduced by cold. Additionally, cold causes constriction of the blood vessels and veins thereby reducing swelling. While it is not well known how the administration of heat reduces pain, it is well known that heat therapy produces a “relaxing and soothing” feeling to the patient as well as opening blood vessels, increasing blood flow, and helping to increase milk flow. When a nursing mother is able to relax, the oxytocin hormone is released, which stimulates milk expulsion while stimulating prolactin, which helps in the production of milk. 
         [0005]    New breast feeding mothers are prone to neck tension and discomfort from looking down at their babies and breasts while nursing. This posture creates neck, head and shoulder tension, which can restrict blood-flow in the neck area, which in turn may restrict blood flow to the breast area resulting in possible restricted milk production and restricted milk expulsion. 
         [0006]    While often painful, emptying the milk from the affected breast frequently is important to recovering from the aforementioned conditions. In particular, pumping via an automated breast pump can be beneficial due the fact that the pumping speed and suction can be increased/decreased accordingly. 
         [0007]    In order to provide some relief, individual cold packs and warm compresses are utilized. However, this approach is cumbersome and inefficient, requiring a “spare hand” to hold the pack or compress in place, that a nursing mother simply does not have. A mother simply cannot apply a compress, pump (or nurse), and care for her infant simultaneously with just two hands. When treating for clogged milk ducts, in addition to heat and suction, massaging the affected area becomes impossible. Existing products require a mother to stuff thermal packs inside her bra with direct contact with the skin, which can be uncomfortable, unsightly and can possibly burn the skin. 
         [0008]    Beyond nursing mothers, this invention is also well suited for woman who experience breast discomfort from breast cancer treatments and any type of breast related surgery, hot flashes and even PMS. Nursing women and non-nursing women who suffer from Raynaud&#39;s Disease can also benefit greatly from this invention in that it aids in blood circulation to effected areas. Inflammation from treatments and surgery can be treated with cold breast therapy, and the combination of warm and cold therapy helps circulate good blood to the effected area resulting in faster recovery times. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    At the heart of the present invention is a soothing garment and hands-free lactation aid that allows for the application of heat and cold therapy to both breasts and the neck. It is adjustable, can be worn over clothing, is modular for customization, is washable, and employs a natural, non-toxic, thermal medium that retains both warmth and cold for reasonably long periods of time. In an alternate embodiment the therapeutic garment supports a breast pump allowing the user to simultaneously pump while applying warm or cold therapy to her breasts, while having free hands to massage breasts, if trying to loosen clogged milk ducts. 
         [0010]    In addition to applying soothing comfort to the breast and neck area the present invention is also suited to be worn around the waist to help ease discomfort from the pelvic and lower back areas with the application of heat and cold therapy. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment shown in use; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a top view of a first embodiment of the lactation aid and soothing garment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a right-side view of a first embodiment of the lactation aid and soothing garment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of a first embodiment of the lactation aid and soothing garment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a top view illustrating how a first embodiment breast cozy is inserted into a first embodiment cozy cover; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a partial top view illustrating how the adjustable neckband is inserted into a first embodiment cozy cover wherein a section of the cozy cover has been folded downward to reveal the interior of the cozy cover; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a partial top view illustrating the adjustable neckband secured within a first embodiment cozy cover, wherein a section of the cozy cover has been folded downward to reveal the interior of the cozy cover; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the first embodiment breast cozy; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a right-side view of the first embodiment breast cozy; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the first embodiment breast cozy; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a top view of the first embodiment cozy cover; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a right-side view of the first embodiment cozy cover; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a bottom view of the first embodiment cozy cover; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a top view of the second embodiment breast cozy; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a right-side view of the second embodiment breast cozy; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a bottom view of the second embodiment breast cozy; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is a top view of the second embodiment cozy cover; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a right-side view of the second embodiment cozy cover; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is a bottom view of the second embodiment cozy cover; 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the first embodiment breast cozy shown in use with a camisole; 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a first embodiment breast cozy shown in alternate method of use with a nursing camisole; 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a second embodiment cozy cover with a connection strap partially attached; 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a second embodiment cozy cover attached to a camisole via a connection strap; 
           [0034]      FIG. 24  is a partial top view illustrating the adjustable neckband secured within a first embodiment cozy cover; 
           [0035]      FIG. 25  is a partial top view illustrating the adjustable neckband secured within a second embodiment cozy cover; 
           [0036]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a breast pump flange; 
           [0037]      FIG. 27  is a partial top view illustrating the adjustable neckband secured within a third embodiment breast cozy; 
           [0038]      FIG. 28  is perspective view of the body belt; 
           [0039]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a lactation aid and soothing garment with third embodiment cozy covers in use with one side attached to a breast pump; 
           [0040]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a lactation aid and soothing garment in use with the privacy shield attached; 
           [0041]      FIG. 31  is a top view of the third embodiment breast cozy; 
           [0042]      FIG. 32  is a right-side view of the third embodiment breast cozy; 
           [0043]      FIG. 33  is a bottom view of the third embodiment breast cozy; 
           [0044]      FIG. 34  is a top view of the third embodiment cozy cover; 
           [0045]      FIG. 35  is a right-side view of the third embodiment cozy cover; 
           [0046]      FIG. 36  is a bottom view of the third embodiment cozy cover; 
           [0047]      FIG. 37  is a top view of the adjustable neckband; 
           [0048]      FIG. 38  is a right-side view of the adjustable neckband; 
           [0049]      FIG. 39  is a bottom view of the adjustable neckband; 
           [0050]      FIG. 40  is a right-side view of the therapeutic neckband insert; 
           [0051]      FIG. 41  is a top view of the therapeutic neckband insert; 
           [0052]      FIG. 42  is a bottom partial-phantom view of the adjustable neckband with a partially inserted therapeutic neckband insert; 
           [0053]      FIG. 43  is a top view of a first embodiment breast cozy showing a center fill hole area before being filled; 
           [0054]      FIG. 44  is a top view of a first embodiment breast cozy with a central circular loop fastener stitched down to secure the thermal media in place and allow for the attachment of a thermal nipple soother; 
           [0055]      FIG. 45  is a perspective view of a first embodiment breast cozy with a thermal nipple soother being attached to the central circular loop fastener; 
           [0056]      FIG. 46  is a right-side view of a first embodiment breast cozy with a thermal nipple soother attached; 
           [0057]      FIG. 47  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the lactation aid and soothing garment shown in an alternate method of use; 
           [0058]      FIG. 48  is a perspective view illustrating how to arrange the first embodiment of the lactation aid and soothing garment into the alternate method of use illustrated in  FIG. 47 ; 
           [0059]      FIG. 49  is a perspective view of a second embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment wherein the breast cozies are connected via a fastener; 
           [0060]      FIG. 50  is a perspective view of a second embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment; 
           [0061]      FIG. 51  is a perspective view of a second embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment folded about its midpoint; 
           [0062]      FIG. 52  is a top view of a second embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment; 
           [0063]      FIG. 53  is a right-side view of a second embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment; and 
           [0064]      FIG. 54  is a bottom view of a second embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment; 
           [0065]      FIG. 55  is a top view of a third embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment; 
           [0066]      FIG. 56  is a back view of a third embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment; 
           [0067]      FIG. 57  is a right-side view of a third embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment; 
           [0068]      FIG. 58  is a front view of a third embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment tied to a second third embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment; 
           [0069]      FIG. 59  is a front perspective view of the third embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment; 
           [0070]      FIG. 60  is a back perspective view of the third embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment; 
           [0071]      FIG. 61  is a top view of a fourth embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment; 
           [0072]      FIG. 62  is a back view of a fourth embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment; 
           [0073]      FIG. 63  is a right-side view of a fourth embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment; 
           [0074]      FIG. 64  is a front view of a fourth embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment tied to a second fourth embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment 
           [0075]      FIG. 65  is a front perspective view of the fourth embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment; 
           [0076]      FIG. 66  is a back perspective view of the fourth embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment with a thermal nipple soother being attached; 
           [0077]      FIG. 67  is a top view of the thermal nipple soother; 
           [0078]      FIG. 68  is a right-side view of the thermal nipple soother; and 
           [0079]      FIG. 69  is the back view of the thermal nipple soother. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0080]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment  2  shown in use. Visible from the outside, garment  2  has two first embodiment cozy covers  4 , a pairing strap  6  that connects cozy covers  4 , and an adjustable neckband  8 .  FIGS. 2-4  are simply top, right-side, and bottom views of first embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment  2  with first embodiment cozy cover  4 , respectively. It can be seen on  FIG. 2-4  that cozy covers  4  are bulbous due to fact that they contain first embodiment breast cozies  10 , illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0081]    Looking at  FIG. 5 , details of cozy cover  4  are visible. Cozy cover  4  is generally a circular or egg-shaped sealable pocket adapted for the insertion and retention of breast cozy  10 . Cozy cover  4  is formed from two substantially similar egg-shaped halves, an outer fabric half  12  and an inner fabric half  14  stitched about a portion of their exterior perimeter to form a openable, sealable pocket capable of retaining breast cozy  10 . The stitching that joins the fabric halves  12 ,  14 , terminates at the upper section (a lobe portion) of the cozy cover  4  as to form an openable flap  15  for the insertion of breast cozy  10 . Outer fabric half  12  has two apertures  16  formed therethrough for receipt of a garment fasteners  18  affixed to said inner fabric half  14 . As illustrated garment fasters  18  are buttons; however, it should be noted that any garment fastener or mechanical fastener such as a tie, dome fastener, or hook-and-loop fastener may be used. A one-half mating strip of a hook-and-loop fastener  20  is affixed below garment fasters  18  on inner fabric half  14  for sealing engagement with a counterpart one-half mating strip  22  located on breast cozy  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Pairing aperture  24  extends through cozy cover  4  and resides along the side perimeter of cozy cover  4 . Pairing aperture is configured to receive pairing strap  6 . As visible in  FIGS. 3-4  pairing strap  6  can be stitchedly affixed at its proximate end about the perimeter of cozy cover  4  with a free distal end for passage through pairing aperture  24 . As is illustrated in  FIG. 48 , pairing strap  6  employs both hooks and loops of a hook-and-loop fastener about one face so as to allow pairing strap  6  to fasten to itself after passage through pairing aperture  24 . As is illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4  pairing aperture  24  resides therethrough a first cozy cover  5 , while pairing strap  6  is stitchedly affixed to second cozy cover  7 . It should be noted that any garment fastener or mechanical fastener such as a tie, dome fastener, or hook-and-loop fastener may be used. Additionally, pairing strap  6  could be a separate item that is not stitchedly affixed to a cozy cover. In this scenario a pairing aperture would pass therethrough both first cozy cover and second cozy cover. To secure first cozy cover to second cozy cover, pairing strap  6  would simply be placed through both pairing apertures and then fastened to itself. 
         [0082]    While cozy covers  4  can be made from any fabric, easy to care for fabrics, such as 100% natural cotton and synthetic polyester, or a combination of both, are ideal choices, for comfort, durability, and being machine washable. 
         [0083]    The neckband  8  is formed from two substantially similar shaped fabric strips that are stitched together, around their perimeter, to form a unitary neckband. As is illustrated in  FIGS. 6-7  adjustable neckband  8  can extend into, and be retained within cozy cover  4  via garment fasteners  18  operating in concert with neckband apertures  25  and apertures  16 , accounting for the adjustable length of neckband  8 . Designed to accommodate a variety of body types, neckband  8  is designed to never be too short, nor fit too snuggly around the user&#39;s neck/shoulders, and as such prevents chaffing. Neckband apertures  25  reside in pairs and in parallel configuration at both ends of neckband  8  as is illustrated in  FIGS. 37-39 . The user simply selects their preferred length, places garment fasteners  18  through neckband apertures  25  and then finally secures cozy cover  4  to neckband  8  by then placing fasteners  18  through apertures  16  located on outer fabric half  12 . To maximize heat/cold retention, the user will tuck the extra length of the neckband  8  into the cozy cover  4  on the top surface of the breast cozy  10 , so as to not hinder the transfer of heat/cold from the thermal mass to the breast. The extra length of the neckband  18  will serve as an insulator, helping to drive the heat/cold towards the breast. The ends of the neckband  8  may contain a reflective insulating material (not shown) housed between the substantially similar fabric strips at each end of the neckband  8 , or it may also be affixed to the inner face of the neckband  8  in the same region. Additionally the interior face of outer fabric half  12  may also have a reflective insulating material (not shown) to drive the heat/cold towards the breast. 
         [0084]    While neckband  8  can be made from any fabric, easy to care for fabrics, such as 100% natural cotton and synthetic polyester, or a combination of both, are ideal choices, for comfort, durability, and being machine washable. 
         [0085]    For additional thermal therapy, neckband  8  includes a pocket  88  for insertion of a thermal mass insert  90 , illustrated in  FIG. 37-42 . Thermal mass insert  90  is an oblong shaped fabric container that can be filled with any suitable thermal mass that can be placed both in the freezer and microwave, such as natural grains with herbal scents, thermal beads, gel packs, gel beads, or clay. Thermal mass insert  90  has two retention loops  92  located at opposite ends allowing insert  90  to be secured within pocket  88  via buttons  94  stitched within pocket  88 . Thermal mass insert  90  has four distinct compartments  93  for retaining the thermal mass. Compartments  93  are separated by stitch lines  96  that allow thermal mass insert to conform to the user&#39;s neck/upper shoulder region by bending along the stitch lines  96 , providing pain relief to an area often fatigued by nursing. Stitch lines  96  also serve to more evenly distribute the thermal mass throughout insert  90 . Thermal mass insert  90  can be constructed from any suitable or desired fabric, and while illustrated with buttons securing insert  90  within neckband pocket  88 , any suitable fastening means could be employed such as a tie, dome fastener, or hook-and-loop fastener. For additional retention, a strip of hook-and-loop fastener  89  can be placed within pocket  88  as illustrated in  FIG. 42  for mating retention with a strip of hook-and-loop fastener. 
         [0086]    Turning now to  FIGS. 8-10  first embodiment breast cozy  10  is visible. Breast cozy  10  is also configured in a circle or egg-shape, and has an inner concave face  26  and an outer concave face  28  as can be seen in  FIG. 9 , the right-side view. Central circular stitched region  30  is empty as to not apply direct warmth to the nipple, which is ideal for the general population; however, for women with Raynaud&#39;s Disease, direct warmth to the nipple is recommended. For this scenario of desired heat on the nipple and also for those with chapped and sore nipples who need cold on their nipples, a central thermal nipple soother  130  can be separately heated or cooled and attached in the center of the cozy (See FIGS.  45  and  66 - 69 ), via a circular one-half mating strip of hook-and-loop fastener affixed to central circular stitched region  30 . This allows for simultaneous hot or cold therapy on the breast; warm breast with cold nipples, cold breast with warm nipples or full coverage warm or full coverage cold. Nipple soother  130  is simply a small fabric or polymer disk containing a thermal mass that is capable of being placed in a freezer for cooling or in a microwave for warming. Nipple soother  130  has one-half of a hook-and-loop fastener attached about one face as illustrated in  FIGS. 68 and 69  for mating attachment with breast cozy  10  and  50  or with fourth embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment  122 , illustrated in  FIG. 66 . 
         [0087]    Thermal mass holding compartments  32  radiating out 360° about a perimeter of said central circular stitched region  30 . Thermal mass holding compartments  32  are defined by stitch lines  34  extending normally from said perimeter of said central stitched region  30  to a stitched circle  36  about the perimeter of said cozy  10 , and keep the thermal mass evenly distributed throughout cozy  10 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 8-9  four thermal mass holding compartments  32  are illustrated. To aid in obtaining a cupped, form fitting design, form-fitting stitch lines  38  extend normally from stitched circle  36  partially bisecting thermal mass holding compartments  32 . Form-fitting stitch lines  38  allow thermal mass holding compartments  32  to bend along lines  38  in addition to bending along stitch lines  34 , since no thermal mass/media resides along form-fitting stitch lines  38 . 
         [0088]    A hanging aperture  40  is formed therethrough a top edge of cozy  10 . The mating one-half strip of a hook-and-loop fastener  22  is affixed adjacent said aperture for mating engagement with one-half mating strip of a hook-and-loop fastener  20  on inner fabric half  14  of cozy cover  4 . Again, any suitable fastening means could be employed such as a tie, dome fastener, or hook-and-loop fastener without departing from the scope of the invention. A first fastening means  44  is affixed adjacent said hook-and-loop fastener  22 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10  first fastening means  44  is the socket portion of a dome fastener, as is well known in the art. A fastening strap  46  having a proximate end affixed to a top edge of said cozy  10  on said outer concave face  28  and a second fastening means  48  adapted for mating engagement with said first fastening means  44  affixed to a distal end of said fastening strap  46 . As illustrated second fastening means  48  is the dome of a dome fastener.  FIGS. 11-13  illustrate first embodiment cozy cover  4  with first embodiment breast cozy  4  secured within. 
         [0089]    Thermal mass compartments  32  are filled with any suitable thermal mass that can be placed both in the freezer and microwave, such as natural grains with herbal scents or non-toxic thermal beads, gel packs, gel beads, or clay. Second embodiment breast cozy  50  is illustrated in  FIGS. 14-16 . Breast cozy  50  is designed for larger breasts than first embodiment breast cozy  10 . Second embodiment breast cozy  50  varies from cozy  10  in design of the thermal mass storage compartments  32 . In order to obtain a contoured, form fit around a larger breasts, wedge shaped thermal mass voids  52  are created. Additionally, pleats  54  are employed to further aid in forming a large concave cup around the breast, allowing for maximum contact and comfort of the thermal medium with the breast. Pinching together and stitching (bar tacking) thermal mass voids  52  will create a pleat  54 . 
         [0090]      FIGS. 17-19  illustrate second embodiment cozy cover  56  with second embodiment breast cozy  50  secured within. Second embodiment cozy  56  only varies in construction from first embodiment cozy cover  4  by size and the addition of darts  58 . Darts  58  are folds sewn into the fabric to help provide a three-dimensional shape to a garment to allow the second embodiment cozy cover  56  to conform to the shape of the breast. See  FIGS. 24-25 . The pleats  54  on breast cozy  50  correspond with the darts  58  on the cozy cover for optimum fit, conformability, comfort and performance. 
         [0091]      FIGS. 43-44  illustrate how first embodiment breast cozy  10  is filled with the thermal mass/media. A central circular region is left open for filling. Once filled, the central region is stitched closed using a central circle fabric piece constructed of loop-fastener allowing for attachment of hook-fastener (or vice versa). Although first embodiment breast cozy  10  is illustrated, the central-fill method and applicable thermal nipper soother  130  is also applicable to second embodiment breast cozy  50 . 
         [0092]      FIG. 20  illustrates how first embodiment breast cozy  10  can be worn independently. A woman simply secures cozy  10  to her tank top, bra, or camisole via fastening strap  46  as illustrated. While  FIG. 20  only illustrates first embodiment breast cozy  10 , second embodiment breast cozy  50  can be used in an identical fashion.  FIG. 21  shows and alternate method of use, wherein first embodiment breast cozy  10  (or second embodiment breast cozy  50 ) can be attached or hooked to a nursing camisole or nursing bra via hanging aperture  40 . Breast cozy  10  or second embodiment breast cozy  50  can also be attached to a tank top, camisole, or nursing camisole, by first placing it within cozy cover  4  (or second embodiment cozy cover  56 , when using second embodiment breast cozy  50 ) as illustrated in  FIG. 23 , via connection strap  60 . 
         [0093]    First embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment  2  can also be used to sooth the pain and discomfort on other areas of the body associated with menstrual cramps, back pain or even an upset stomach, as is illustrated in  FIG. 47-48 . 
         [0094]    Turning to  FIGS. 26-30 , third embodiment cozy cover  62  and breast cozy  64  are designed to accommodate a breast pump flange, as to allow a woman to wear the lactation aid and soothing garment  2  while breast pumping. Third embodiment breast cozy  64  is configured in a non-contiguous donut shape having an inner concave face  66  and an outer concave face  68 , with a keyhole shaped void  70  extending from its center to an outer peripheral edge  72 . A series of thermal mass holding compartments  32  are formed between the keyhole shaped void  70  and outer peripheral edge  72 . The keyhole shaped void  70  is sized to accept the breast pump flange  84  and still provide the greatest amount of thermal therapy to the breast. Again, thermal mass holding compartments  32  are defined by stitch lines  34  extending normally from a perimeter of the keyhole shaped void to peripheral edge  72 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 31-33  four thermal mass holding compartments  32  are illustrated. To aid in obtaining a cupped, form fitting design, form-fitting stitch lines  38  extend normally from peripheral edge  72  partially bisecting thermal mass holding compartments  32 . Form-fitting stitch lines  38  allow thermal mass holding compartments  32  to bend along lines  38  in addition to bending along lines  34 , since no thermal mass resides along form-fitting stitch lines  38 . All attachment means and fasteners are identical on third embodiment breast cozy  64  as first embodiment cozy  10  and second embodiment cozy  50 . 
         [0095]    Third embodiment cozy cover  62  is illustrated in  FIGS. 34-36 . Cozy cover  62  is washable and made of an outer non-contiguous donut shaped fabric half  74  and an inner substantially similar, non-contiguous donut shaped fabric half  76  stitched about a portion of their exterior perimeter to form a pocket capable of retaining third embodiment breast cozy  64 , and is made for its sealable retention. As such, cozy cover  62  has a substantially similar keyhole shaped void  65 . In additional to retaining all attachment means and fasteners identical to second cozy cover  56  and first embodiment cozy cover  4 , third embodiment cozy cover  62  has a pair of fabric loops  78  disposed on opposite sides for receiving engagement by a body belt  80 . Additionally, a pair of ties  82  is disposed on a bottom end of cozy cover  62  for helping to secure a breast pump flange  84  in  FIG. 27 .  FIG. 29  illustrates how the third embodiment breast cozy  64  in conjunction with third embodiment cozy cover  62  secured to adjustable neckband  18  are used to secure a breast pump flange  84 . Body belt  80  helps secure cozy covers  62  to the user by passing through fabric loops  78 , while ties  82  are tied around breast pump flange  84  to secure the pump in place. While the use of fabric loops  78  in conjunction with body belt  80  is illustrated herein, other methods of securing flange  84  to cozy cover  62  could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention. Should the user desire some privacy, opaque, fabric privacy shield  86  can be secured through the third embodiment cozy covers  62  as illustrated in  FIG. 30 . Privacy shield  86  has two apertures  85  formed therethrough for mating engagement with garment fasteners  18 . 
         [0096]    Designed for a clinical setting, second embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment  98  is illustrated in  FIGS. 50-54  and should be constructed from a antimicrobial, fluid proof, hypoallergenic, stain resistant, antistatic, and flame resistant material such as polyurethane laminate fabric or a coated nylon, which are both soft to the touch and capable of conforming to the body. The thermal mass for second embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment  98  can be thermal beads, gel pack, gel beads, or clay. Clinical breast cozies  100  are configured in circle or egg-shape thermal mass holding compartments, each having an inner convex face  102  and an outer convex face  104 , with an adjustable length band  106  connecting the two breast cozies  100  as is illustrated in  FIG. 50 . To allow the user to connect cozies  100  a first fastening means  108  is affixed to a side of first cozy  101 , and a second fastening means  110  is affixed to a side of said second breast cozy  103  and is adapted for connection to said first fastening means  108 . In  FIGS. 50-54  a dome fastener is illustrated as the fastening means, with first cozy  101  having the socket portion of a dome fastener and cozy  103  having the dome portion. It should be noted that a button and loop or hook-and-loop fastening means could also be employed for connecting first cozy  101  with second cozy  103  without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0097]    A third embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment  112  is illustrated in  FIGS. 55-60 . Third embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment  112  is comprised two identical attachable slings  114  having a bulbous distal end  116  and a tie-able proximate end  118 , and a microwavable and freezeable thermal mass, and is designed to use the breast cozy  10  or  50 . Thermal mass container  113  is held via a hook-and-loop fastener within pocket  120  located at bulbous end  116  as is visible in  FIG. 57 . To use third embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment  112  the user simply places thermal mass container  113 , which could be breast cozy  10  or  50 , within pockets  120  of two slings  114  and ties the proximate ends together to a desired length as illustrated in  FIG. 58  and places the entire assembly into the microwave or freezer to achieve desired temperature. 
         [0098]    Finally, fourth embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment  122  is illustrated in  FIGS. 61-66 . Forth embodiment lactation aid and soothing garment  122  is comprised of two identical attachable slings  124  having a bulbous distal end  126  and a tie-able proximate end  128 . Bulbous distal end contains thermal mass of thermal beads which are non toxic, resistant to mold and mildew and washable. The fabric is fast drying synthetic material or as an alternative, natural cotton or a blend. The ends of 128 of the slings  124  are simply tied together to obtain a length of the device that best suits the user. 
         [0099]    Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.