Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are described for matching of mothers&#39; milk to the correct baby in hospitals or other institutions where mothers&#39; milk is expressed in advance and stored for feeding to the baby at a later time. Electronically readable indicia are used to confirm the identity of the baby, the milk units, and caregivers when the mother&#39;s milk is fed to a baby. Apparatus and methods for the collection, storage, and communication of information relevant to handling of the mother&#39;s milk are detailed such that complete audit trails are recorded and guidance to the caregiver is provided in order to ensure that all required procedures are executed properly.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to apparatus and method for matching of mother&#39;s milk to the correct baby in hospitals or other institutions where mothers&#39; milk is expressed in advance, stored and later fed to the baby. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Newborn infants must sometimes be cared for at a hospital for some time after birth, particularly in the case of premature or otherwise challenged babies. It is well recognized that it is advantageous for the infant to be fed its mother&#39;s natural breast milk; hence, mothers of infants requiring hospital care are encouraged to express milk for storage at the hospital, for administration to the baby when the mother is absent. 
     Many diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis and syphilis can be transmitted by human breast milk. For this reason, it is preferable that the baby receives only milk from its own mother. In addition, human breast milk that is improperly stored may harbour dangerous bacteria, which could harm the child. 
     The process for managing mothers&#39; milk in hospital nurseries is generally as follows. Mothers are provided with a breast pump to help them express milk into appropriate containers at home. The mother is expected to label the containers with identification information and the date and time of expression then return the milk to the hospital. At the hospital, the milk is stored in a common refrigerator along with milk from other mothers. 
     A caregiver responsible for managing the baby&#39;s diet creates a feeding order that includes the volume of milk to be fed, and specifies any dietary supplements that must be added. It is usual practice to include an order for baby formula with the order, in case there is insufficient mother&#39;s milk available. Based on the order, units of milk are prepared for the baby and are labelled with the baby&#39;s identification, using the oldest mother&#39;s milk available. 
     When the baby requires feeding, the caregiver selects a prepared milk unit from the refrigerator and checks to make sure it is for the intended baby. 
     The selected milk unit is then fed to the baby, following a procedure that may include aspirating the baby&#39;s stomach to see if it has completely digested the previous feeding, feeding the baby the new milk, and recording the time taken and quantity fed. This information is useful for managing the overall nutrition of the infant. 
     There are several areas of risk with this process. It is possible that milk from the wrong mother may be selected by the caregiver; that an older milk unit might be missed, resulting in wastage; that milk may have been stored too long and may no longer be safe; and that the correct feeding procedure may not be followed. Other than training of caregivers, little is available to reduce the risk of the process. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The current invention reduces the risk of a baby receiving the wrong milk by providing apparatus and method for labelling the milk unit with a label including the baby&#39;s identification in an electronically readable form, and providing the baby with identification in electronically readable form so that the milk unit and baby&#39;s identification can be matched at the time of feeding. 
     In another aspect, the current invention provides a means for monitoring the storage of the mother&#39;s milk to ensure that it is correctly stored, that the storage duration is within pre-set limits, that the oldest milk for the intended baby is used first, and that the volume of mother&#39;s milk in storage at any time can be determined. 
     In another embodiment, the invention includes apparatus and method for ensuring that the caregiver follows the correct procedures and records the required information when the baby is fed. 
     The current invention also includes means for obtaining a feeding order, enduring that it is for the correct baby, that the feed volume is recoded, an that all required additives are properly noted. Advantageously, the invention provides means for ensuring that the baby&#39;s identification as noted on the feeding order is correctly matched with the mother&#39;s milk used to fill the order, and that the prepared milk is correctly labelled with the baby&#39;s identification, and further, that the amount of milk available is known at the time the order is placed, so that a contingency order for formula can be prepared if there is not sufficient milk in storage. 
     The invention also provides means for recording feeding orders, storage and retrieval of milk from one or more storage locations, and feeding of babies in a database, which can in turn be used to create a complete record of the feeding history for each baby. 
     The foregoing are accomplished with apparatus and methods described herein that herein employ electronically readable indicia to confirm the identity of the baby, the milk units, and caregivers when the mother&#39;s milk is fed to a baby. The present invention further relates to the collection, storage, and communication of information relevant to handling of the mother&#39;s milk such that complete audit trails are recorded and guidance to the caregiver is provided in order to ensure that all required procedures are executed properly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reference to the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiment presented herein and to the drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a flowchart for feeding mother&#39;s milk to a baby in a hospital setting. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of one possible apparatus for managing the feeding order preparation, label printing, feeding start and feeding completion processes of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of one possible apparatus for managing the milk storage and retrieval processes of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a flow chart for the place feeding order process of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a flow chart for the print labels process of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a flow chart for the place milk into storage or return milk to storage processes of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a flow chart for the retrieve milk or feeding units from storage processes of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a flow chart for the preparation of feeding units process of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a flow chart for the begin feeding baby process of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a flow chart for the end feeding baby process of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  gives an overview of one possible process for ordering, obtaining and feeding milk to a baby in a hospital setting. Each of the steps illustrated in  FIG. 1  and described in this overview are described more fully below. 
     The process begins with the preparation of feeding order (process  10 ). This feeding order includes the baby&#39;s identification, the amount of milk to be fed, and information about any dietary supplements the baby may require. Information about the feeding order is stored in database  30 . 
     In anticipation of the baby&#39;s need for milk, the baby&#39;s mother expresses milk in advance. To ensure that the milk is correctly identified as being for a particular baby, labels for the milk bottles are printed in advance (process  12 ). Information about the labels printed is stored in database  30 . When the baby&#39;s mother expresses and collects the milk, it is labelled with the pre-printed labels (process  14 ). The milk is then placed into a storage refrigerator until required (process  16 ). Information about the storage of the milk is recorded in database  30 . 
     When the feeding order (process  10 ) is to be filled, the labelled milk is removed from the storage refrigerator (process  18 ). Information about the removal of the milk from storage is recorded in database  30 . The milk is then prepared in accordance with the feeding order (process  20 ). Completion of the milk preparation is recorded in database  30 . If there is excess milk, it is returned to the refrigerator, along with the prepared feedings (process  22 ). Information about the storage of the original milk and the prepared feedings is stored in database  30 . 
     When the baby is to be fed, a feeding unit is retrieved from storage (process  24 ). Removal of the feeding unit is recorded in database  30 . The feeding is started as described below (process  26 ). Information collected during the feeding start is recorded in database  30 . Once the feeding is completed, the end of the feeding is recorded (process  28 ). The information collected during the end of feeding is recorded in database  30 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates apparatus suitable for implementing the ordering (process  10 ), label printing (process  12 ), begin feeding (process  26 ) and end feeding (process  28 ) parts of the method according to the invention. The apparatus includes several components that are used in conjunction to execute the steps. 
     Each caregiver involved in the transfusion process has an identity means  40 , which includes electronically readable caregiver code  42 . Caregiver code  42  may be a linear or two-dimensional barcode using any one of many common barcode formats, such as code39, code128, Interleave 2 of 5, PDF 417, Matrix code, QR code, or others. Caregiver code  42  may also be any other type of electronically readable code means such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. Caregiver identity means  40  may be an employee identification card or similar item, in which caregiver code  42  is embedded, or to which caregiver code  42  is applied. In the exemplary embodiment presented herein, caregiver code  42  is a barcode label encoded with a unique number or letter combination, which is applied to the caregivers&#39; employee identification card. 
     Each baby to be fed wears an identification wristband  44 , which includes electronically readable patient code  46 . Patient code  46  may be a linear or two-dimensional barcode using any one of many common barcode formats, such as code39, code128, Interleave 2 of 5, PDF 417, Matrix code, QR code, or others. Patient code  46  may also be any other type of electronically readable code means such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. In the exemplary embodiment presented herein, patient code  46  is a PDF-417 barcode, in which the patient&#39;s identity number, surname, forename, date of birth and sex are encoded. 
     In some cases, a baby may be too small or too compromised to permit the attachment of a wristband. In such cases, patient code  46  may be printed on a label, which is applied to the baby&#39;s incubator, bassinet, or in another convenient location near the baby. 
     In the exemplary embodiment presented herein wristband  44  is either a PDC Smart CompuBand or PDC Smart ScanBand (Precision Dynamics Corporation, www.pdcorp.com). These wristbands incorporate RFID chips and can be programmed and printed with any standard barcodes using printers like the Zebra Technologies R402 printer/programmer (Zebra Technologies, www.zebra.com). Although one possible embodiment of the invention uses RFID wristbands, an alternative embodiment uses wristbands having printed barcodes and no RFID chips. Wristbands that may be printed with barcodes are available from many sources, including the Z-Band from Zebra technologies. The Z-Band and similar products can be printed using commonly available thermal and thermal transfer label printers. 
     The apparatus according to the invention also includes a portable computer, preferably a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)  48 . PDA  48  includes reader  50 , which is able to read caregiver code  42  and patient code  46 . Reader  50  may be a barcode scanner, a barcode imager or an RFID reader. PDA  48  is also preferably equipped with a wireless network means, a touch screen, communication means for communicating with a portable printer, and is suitable for cleaning and disinfection. In the exemplary embodiment presented herein, PDA  48  is a Symbol PPT2748, a Symbol SPT1746, a Symbol MC50, a Symbol MC3000 (Symbol Technologies Ltd, www.symbol.com), an HHP Dolphin, or an Intermec Model 700. 
     Included on PDA  48  is software to implement the ordering (step  10 ), label printing (process  12 ), begin feeding (process  26 ) and end feeding (process  28 ) methods in accordance with the invention, as hereinafter described. 
     The apparatus further includes portable printer means  52  which can communicate with PDA  48  such that PDA  48  can cause printer  52  to print labels as required. In the exemplary embodiment presented herein, printer  52  is a Zebra QL-220 (Zebra Technologies, www.zebra.com) battery powered printer, which may be connected to PDA  48  with a cable or through a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth connection or an 802.11x connection. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates apparatus suitable for implementing the steps of placing milk into storage (process  16 ), removing milk from storage (process  18 ) or returning milk to storage (process  22 ). 
     Expressed mother&#39;s milk and prepared milk feeding units are stored in refrigerator  72 , which is usually in a location accessible to those charged with collecting milk for feeding or for preparation. Refrigerator  72  is equipped with electronic lock  70 , which in turn is connected to computer  64 , such that software installed on computer  64  can lock and unlock refrigerator  72 . 
     Also connected to computer  64  is reader  62 , which may be a barcode scanner (such as the Imageteam IT 4410 High Density Image Reader, Hand Held Products, Skaneateles Falls N.Y., www.handheld.com) or RFID reader (such as the Gemini HF200, Blackroc Technology Limited, www.blackroc.com). Computer  64  is also connected to speaker  66 , and disk drive  68 . Database  30  is stored on disk drive  68 . 
     Computer  64  is further connected to touch screen  60  that provides a visual display and a touch operated user interface for operating the software running on computer  64 , and to weighing device  74 , which can send weight information to computer  64 . 
     In some hospitals, there may be more than one location where milk or milk feeding units are stored before fed to a baby. Milk may be moved from place to place before it is finally fed to a baby. Each time the milk is moved into or out of a refrigerator, it is important to make sure that the milk has not been out of refrigeration longer than an acceptable time, and that the milk has not passed its expiry date. For this reason, the apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 3  is normally installed at every location where milk is stored, even temporarily. Each such installation will be connected to database  30  so that data may be shared among all instances of the apparatus. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , software included on PDA  48  provides means for creating a feed order (process  10 ). At each step in process  10 , the software causes PDA  48  to display messages to the caregiver indicating the next step that the caregiver should perform. This forces the caregiver to follow a pre-defined procedure that is the same each time an order is created. This has the effect of allowing even inexperienced caregivers to prepare a complex order as if they have been highly trained. 
     In the first step of order creation process  10 , PDA  48  displays a message asking the caregiver to read their caregiver code  42  (step  80 ). To do this, the caregiver uses reader  50  of PDA  48  and either scans caregiver code  42  (if caregiver code  42  is a barcode) or brings reader  50  within range of caregiver code  42  (if caregiver code  42  is an RFID tag). 
     When a caregiver code is successfully read, PDA  48  displays a message requesting the caregiver to read the baby&#39;s patient code  46  (step  82 ). Using reader  50  of PDA  48 , the caregiver either scans patient code  46  (if patient code  46  is a barcode) or brings reader  50  within range of patient code  46  (if patient code  46  is an RFID tag). PDA  48  displays the patient identification information encoded in patient code  46 . In the exemplary embodiment presented herein, this display includes the baby&#39;s identification number, surname, forename, date of birth and sex. PDA  48  displays a message asking the caregiver to confirm that the patient information is correct. 
     If the caregiver is satisfied that the information read from wristband  44  is correct, they press a button on the touch screen of PDA  48  to confirm that they have checked the information. 
     PDA  48  now displays a message asking the caregiver to enter the volume of milk to be ordered. In the exemplary embodiment, a keypad is displayed on the touch screen of PDA  48  to facilitate entry of the volume information (step  84 ). Once the volume information is entered correctly, the caregiver presses a button on the touch screen of PDA  48  to confirm the order volume. 
     PDA  48  now displays a selection of dietary supplements that the caregiver may choose to order for addition to the mother&#39;s milk (step  86 ). Once the required supplements have been selected (or if no supplements are required), the caregiver presses a button on the touch screen of PDA  48  to confirm the supplement requirements. 
     When feeding orders are placed, PDA  48  may query database  30  to determine the amount of milk available for the baby. In the exemplary embodiment, this is done by sending the data over a wireless network from PDA  48  to a computer on which is stored database  30 . The volume of milk available is recorded into database  30  when milk is placed into storage as hereinafter described. If there is not sufficient milk available in storage, a message displayed on PDA  48  will ask the caregiver to prepare a contingency formula order, so that any shortage of the natural mother&#39;s milk can be made up with formula. PDA  48  displays a selection of different formulas from which the caregiver selects the most appropriate to be used for contingency (step  88 ). The caregiver then presses a button on the touch screen of PDA  48  to confirm the contingency formula type. 
     Like natural mother&#39;s milk, the formula may need to be fortified with dietary supplements. PDA  48  now displays a selection of dietary supplements that the caregiver may choose to order for addition to the formula (step  90 ). Once the required supplements have been selected (or if no supplements are required), the caregiver presses a button on the touch screen of PDA  48  to confirm the supplement requirements. 
     At this point, the software on PDA  48  saves the order information in database  30  (step  92 ). In the exemplary embodiment, this is done by sending the data over a wireless network from PDA  48  to a computer on which is stored database  30 . 
     PDA  48  now displays a message prompting the caregiver to print out the order. The caregiver connects and turns on printer  52 , then presses a button on the touch screen of PDA  48  to print out the order. The printed order includes the baby&#39;s identification information, the volume of milk ordered, a list of any supplements requested for the mother&#39;s milk, the type of formula to use if required, and any supplements required for the formula. In addition to this information, a two-dimensional barcode is printed on the order. This two-dimensional barcode (which may be a PDF-417, OR, Matrix Code, Aztec, or other two-dimensional barcode) encodes at least the baby&#39;s identification, and may also encode the volume, supplements, formula, and formula supplements information. The two-dimensional barcode permits electronic reading and confirmation of the order information when the milk is prepared (process  20 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , software included on PDA  48  provides means for printing labels for the bottles in which the baby&#39;s mother will collect milk she expresses (process  12 ). 
     PDA  48  displays a message asking the caregiver to read their caregiver code  42  (step  96 ). To do this, the caregiver uses reader  50  of PDA  48  and either scans caregiver code  42  (if caregiver code  42  is a barcode) or brings reader  50  within range of caregiver code  42  (if caregiver code  42  is an RFID tag). 
     When a caregiver code is successfully read, PDA  48  displays a message requesting the caregiver to read the baby&#39;s patient code  46  (step  98 ). Using reader  50  of PDA  48 , the caregiver either scans patient code  46  (if patient code  46  is a barcode) or brings reader  50  within range of patient code  46  (if patient code  46  is an RFID tag). PDA  48  displays the patient identification information encoded in patient code  46 . In the exemplary embodiment presented herein, this display includes the baby&#39;s identification number, surname, forename, date of birth and sex. PDA  48  displays a message asking the caregiver to confirm that the patient information is correct. 
     If the caregiver is satisfied that the information read from wristband  44  is correct, they press a button on the touch screen of PDA  48  to confirm that they have checked the information. 
     PDA  48  next displays a message asking the caregiver to select the number of labels to be printed (step  100 ). The software on PDA  48  then assigns a sequence number for each of the labels to be printed (step  102 ), and sends this information to database  30  (step  104 ). In the exemplary embodiment, this is done by sending the data over a wireless network from PDA  48  to a computer on which is stored database  30 . 
     The caregiver connects and turns on printer  52 , then presses a button on the touch screen of PDA  48  to print out the labels (step  106 ). Each printed label includes the baby&#39;s identification and the assigned sequence number, and also includes a two-dimensional barcode that encodes the baby&#39;s identification and the sequence number. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , software on computer  64  provides means for controlling the storage of mothers&#39; milk in refrigerator  72 , either when it is first received (process  16 ) or when it is returned (process  22 ) as hereinafter described. 
     Computer  64  displays a message on touch screen display  60  asking the caregiver to scan their caregiver code  42 . To do this, the caregiver uses reader  62  and either scans caregiver code  42  (if caregiver code  42  is a barcode) or brings caregiver code  42  within range of reader  62  (if caregiver code  42  is an RFID tag) (step  110 ). 
     When a caregiver code is successfully read, computer  64  displays two buttons on touch screen display  60 , and displays a prompt asking the caregiver to indicate if they are putting milk into the refrigerator or taking milk out of the refrigerator. For this process (process  16  or process  22 ), milk is being put into the refrigerator, so the caregiver selects the ‘putting in’ option (step  112 ). 
     Computer  64  now displays a selection of different container types on touch screen display  60 . The caregiver touches the container type to tell computer  64  what type of container is to be stored (step  114 ). 
     Computer  64  now displays a prompt on touch screen display  60  asking the caregiver to place the milk container on electronic scale  74  (step  116 ). Scale  74  measures the weight of the container, and then subtracts from this weight the pre-determined weight of the empty container, to calculate the weight of milk in the container. This weight is multiplied by a factor equal to the density of milk to arrive at a volume of milk (step  118 ). 
     Computer  64  now causes touch screen display  60  to display a prompt asking the caregiver to scan the two-dimensional barcode printed on the container label (step  120 ). This label is either one of the labels printed as described in process  12  above, or a milk unit label printed during process  20 . 
     Once the container barcode is read, computer  64  searches database  30  to see if the milk unit has ever been stored in the refrigerator, by looking for a record of a milk unit having the same assigned sequence number as that contained in the label (step  122 ). If no previous record is found, it is assumed that this is a new unit of milk, in which case computer  64  displays a prompt on touch screen display  60  asking the caregiver to enter the date and time that the milk was expressed (step  124 ). If a previous record for the milk unit is found, the last date and time that the milk was removed from refrigerator  72  is retrieved. This date and time is compared to the current date and time to determine how long the milk has been outside of refrigeration (step  126 ). If the milk has been outside of refrigeration too long, a warning is sounded through speaker  66  and a warning message is displayed on touch screen display  60  (step  130 ). If the milk has not been out of refrigeration too long, or if the milk is being stored for the first time, the date and time of the expression of the milk is compared to the current date and time to see if the milk has passed its expiry date (step  128 ). If the milk has passed its expiry date, a warning is sounded through speaker  66  and a warning message is displayed on touch screen display  60  (step  130 ). If the milk has not yet passed its expiry date, a message is displayed on touch screen display  60  instructing the caregiver to put the milk into the refrigerator and door lock  70  is released so that the caregiver can open refrigerator  72  and place the milk into storage (step  132 ). When either the warning message in step  130  or the success message in step  132  is displayed, a record is stored in database  30 , including the time and date, the caregiver&#39;s identification, container type, container weight, milk volume, time and date of expression (if entered), and all information in the container barcode (which includes the baby&#39;s identification and the sequence number) (step  134 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , software on computer  64  provides means for controlling the retrieval of milk from refrigerator  72 . 
     Computer  64  displays a message on touch screen display  60  asking the caregiver to scan their caregiver code  42 . To do this, the caregiver uses reader  62  and either scans caregiver code  42  (if caregiver code  42  is a barcode) or brings caregiver code  42  within range of reader  62  (if caregiver code  42  is an RFID tag) (step  110 ). 
     When a caregiver code is successfully read, computer  64  displays two buttons on touch screen display  60 , and displays a prompt asking the caregiver to indicate if they are putting milk into the refrigerator or taking milk out of the refrigerator. For this process (process  18  or process  24 ), milk is being taken out of refrigerator  72 , so the caregiver selects the ‘taking out’ option (step  142 ). 
     Computer  64  now displays a message asking the caregiver to scan the baby&#39;s identification (step  144 ). This may be the two-dimensional barcode on a milk order barcode that is produced when the feeding order is created as described in process  10 , above, or may be a copy of the baby&#39;s wristband barcode. Once a baby&#39;s identification barcode is read, refrigerator lock  70  is de-activated, permitting the caregiver to retrieve milk units from refrigerator  72  (step  145 ). 
     Computer  64  displays a message on touch screen display  60  asking the caregiver to scan the barcode on a milk unit to be removed from refrigerator  70 . When a milk unit barcode is scanned (step  146 ), computer  64  compares the baby&#39;s identification encoded in the barcode on the milk unit to the baby&#39;s identification read from the barcode in step  144  (step  148 ). If the identification from the two barcodes does not match, a warning is sounded with speaker  66  and a warning message is displayed on touch screen display  60  (step  154 ). If the identification confirms that the milk unit is intended for the baby identified in step  144 , the date and time of the expression of the milk is compared to the current date and time to see if the milk has passed its expiry date (step  150 ). If the milk has passed its expiry date, a warning is sounded through speaker  66  and a warning message is displayed on touch screen display  60  (step  154 ). Computer  64  now checks database  30  to see if the milk unit is the oldest milk unit available in the refrigerator, as determined by the data and time of expression entered when the milk is first stored in the refrigerator (step  151 ). If the milk is not the oldest available, a prompt is displayed on touch screen display  60  asking the user to scan a different milk unit (step  153 ). If the milk unit scanned is the oldest available, and if the milk has not yet passed its expiry date, a message is displayed on touch screen display  60  informing the caregiver that the correct milk was selected and is suitable for use (step  152 ). When either the warning message in step  154  or the success message in step  152  is displayed, a record is stored in database  30 , including the time and date, the caregiver&#39;s identification, and the baby&#39;s identification (step  156 ). 
       FIG. 8  describes the steps followed when preparing a feeding unit (process  20 ). Software to manage this process can be installed on any typical desktop computer equipped with a label printer such as a Zebra TLP-2824 thermal label printer (Zebra Technologies, www.zebra.com) and a barcode scanner capable of reading two-dimensional barcodes, such as the Imageteam IT 4410 High Density Image Reader, (Hand Held Products, Skaneateles Falls N.Y., www.handheld.com). 
     The preparation software first displays a message asking the caregiver to scan their caregiver code  42  (step  160 ), then scan the two-dimensional barcode on the order produced in process  10  as described above (step  161 ). The computer will then display the details of the order, including the amount of milk required (step  162 ). The caregiver will then retrieve the required amount of milk from refrigerator  72  (process  18 ). If there is not enough useable mother&#39;s milk available, the caregiver will obtain the contingency formula that was specified in the order (step  163 ). 
     Next the caregiver prepares the milk and/or formula by adding the dietary supplements specified in the order. Each of the supplements added are confirmed with the preparation software (step  164 ). 
     When the milk had been prepared and decanted into containers for each feeding unit, the preparation software is used to print the required number of feeding unit labels (step  166 ). The labels are then applied to the feeding units (step  168 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , software included on PDA  48  provides means for verifying the baby&#39;s identity and beginning the process of feeding a baby with the prepared feeding unit (process  26 ). 
     PDA  48  displays a message asking the caregiver to read their caregiver code  42  (step  170 ). To do this, the caregiver uses reader  50  of PDA  48  and either scans caregiver code  42  (if caregiver code  42  is a barcode) or brings reader  50  within range of caregiver code  42  (if caregiver code  42  is an RFID tag). 
     When a caregiver code is successfully read, PDA  48  displays a message requesting the caregiver to read the baby&#39;s patient code  46  (step  172 ). Using reader  50  of PDA  48 , the caregiver either scans patient code  46  (if patient code  46  is a barcode) or brings reader  50  within range of patient code  46  (if patient code  46  is an RFID tag). PDA  48  displays the patient identification information encoded in patient code  46 . In the exemplary embodiment presented herein, this display includes the baby&#39;s identification number, surname, forename, date of birth and sex. PDA  48  displays a message asking the caregiver to confirm that the patient information is correct. 
     If the caregiver is satisfied that the information read from wristband  44  is correct, they press a button on the touch screen of PDA  48  to confirm that they have checked the information. 
     PDA  48  next displays a message asking the caregiver to scan the two-dimensional barcode on the feeding unit (step  174 ). The software on PDA  48  compares the baby&#39;s identification as read from patient code  46  with the baby&#39;s identification as read from the barcode on the feeding unit (step  176 ). If the identification does not match, PDA  48  sounds a warning and displays an error message (step  178 ). If the identification does match, PDA  48  displays a prompt asking if the baby&#39;s stomach is aspirated (to remove undigested milk), and if so, to enter the volume of the aspirate and indicate if the undigested milk was returned to the baby&#39;s stomach (step  180 ). Entry is facilitated with touch-screen numeric keypad displayed on the screen of PDA  48 . 
     When either the warning message in step  178  is displayed, or when the amount of aspirate is recorded, a record is stored in database  30 , including the time and date, the caregiver&#39;s identification, the baby&#39;s identification, the sequence number for the milk unit fed, and the amount of aspirate recovered and/or returned (step  182 ). In the exemplary embodiment, this is done by sending the data over a wireless network from PDA  48  to a computer on which is stored database  30 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , software included on PDA  48  provides means for finishing the process of feeding a baby (process  28 ). 
     PDA  48  displays a message asking the caregiver to read their caregiver code  42  (step  190 ). To do this, the caregiver uses reader  50  of PDA  48  and either scans caregiver code  42  (if caregiver code  42  is a barcode) or brings reader  50  within range of caregiver code  42  (if caregiver code  42  is an RFID tag). 
     When a caregiver code is successfully read, PDA  48  displays a message requesting the caregiver to read the baby&#39;s patient code  46  (step  192 ). Using reader  50  of PDA  48 , the caregiver either scans patient code  46  (if patient code  46  is a barcode) or brings reader  50  within range of patient code  46  (if patient code  46  is an RFID tag). PDA  48  displays the patient identification information encoded in patient code  46 . In the exemplary embodiment presented herein, this display includes the baby&#39;s identification number, surname, forename, date of birth and sex. PDA  48  displays a message asking the caregiver to confirm that the patient information is correct. 
     If the caregiver is satisfied that the information read from wristband  44  is correct, they press a button on the touch screen of PDA  48  to confirm that they have checked the information. 
     PDA  48  next displays a message asking the caregiver to enter the volume of milk delivered to the baby in the course of the feeding (step  194 ). Entry is facilitated with touch-screen numeric keypad displayed on the screen of PDA  48 . 
     When the feeding volume is entered, a record of the feeding completion is stored in database  30 , including the time and date, the baby&#39;s identification and the volume of milk delivered to the baby. In the exemplary embodiment, this is done by sending the data over a wireless network from PDA  48  to a computer on which is stored database  30 . 
     From the detailed description above, it can be seen that the invention provides means for recording every step in the storage, preparation and delivery of mothers&#39; milk to babies in hospital care, including all movements of the milk prior to feeding. Each of the steps is recorded in database  30 . It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that data collected in this way can easily be read into a database program such as Microsoft Access (Microsoft Corporation, www.microsoft.com) from which various reports can be created. It is also possible, with the same database program, to determine the complete history of any particular baby&#39;s feedings. Such data can easily be correlated with a baby&#39;s weight to provide valuable information for management of the baby&#39;s nutrition. 
     Many different adaptations and variations of the subject invention are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention, therefore, the present invention should be limited only by the scope of the appended claims. For example the delivery of blood or drugs to patients presents many of the same problems as those described herein for blood transfusion. It would be clear to one skilled in the art that a system similar to that described here could be used to control the collection and administration of drugs, or transfusion of blood to a patient. 
     Therefore, while the present invention has been described in terms of various preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill that the spirit and scope of the invention is not limited to those embodiments, but extend to the various modifications and equivalents as defined in the appended claims.