Patent Publication Number: US-2016220744-A1

Title: Colostrum collection system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/111,493 filed Feb. 3, 2015 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/169,738 filed Jun. 2, 2015, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of neonatal feeding, and more particularly to a system and method for collection, storage and delivery of colostrum. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Colostrum, a milky fluid produced by the mammary glands of humans and other mammals shortly before and/or shortly after birth, has been found to contain antibodies and concentrated nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and other materials beneficial to neonates or newborns. As such, collection and feeding of colostrum to newborns is often desirable. 
     Collection and delivery of colostrum, however, has proved challenging. Colostrum often comes in very slowly and in very small quantities. Known methods for collection of colostrum include manual expression and mechanical expression using a pump system. Known pump expression systems include both open and closed systems. In open systems the pump mechanism is exposed to the collected colostrum. Open system pumps typically incorporate a sealed system in order to maintain suction. In closed systems, a barrier prevents the collected colostrum from traveling to the pump system. Closed system pumps benefit from a ventilated system and typically do not require seals. 
     Breast pump systems generally have a coupling or receiver for attachment of bottles or other collection containers. This coupling site is usually configured as a conventional collar having a downward depending rim with an internal set of screw threads. Collection containers such as bottles used with pump systems typically have a rim with corresponding external screw threads to removably couple the collection container with the breast pump. 
     Collection using previously known methods (both manual expression and pump expression) typically uses different containers for collecting colostrum and administering said colostrum to an infant, necessitating a transfer between containers. Due to colostrum&#39;s high viscosity, colostrum commonly sticks to the containers causing excessive waste. Transfer between containers also increases the risk of contamination or spillage. 
     Therefore, needs exist for improved systems and methods for collection and delivery of colostrum. These systems and methods would ideally collect and deliver colostrum efficiently, so that there was little waste of collected colostrum. It would also be beneficial if these improved systems and methods were compatible with a variety of commercially available breast pumps. 
     SUMMARY 
     In example embodiments, the present invention provides improved systems and methods for collection, storage and delivery of colostrum for feeding to neonates or newborns. 
     In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system for collection of colostrum. The system preferably includes a breast pump for expressing colostrum from a mammalian breast, the breast pump having a breast pump discharge port for delivery of the expressed colostrum. The system preferably also includes a collection syringe body including an internal chamber, a proximal end having a flange and a plunger opening in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and a distal end having a syringe discharge port in fluid communication with the internal chamber. The system preferably also includes a collar adaptor including a receiver for releasable engagement of the proximal end of the syringe body and a coupling for attachment to the breast pump discharge port. 
     In another aspect, the invention relates to a collar adaptor for a colostrum collection system. The collar adaptor preferably includes a receiver for releasable engagement of a proximal end of a syringe body and a coupling for attachment to a breast pump discharge port. 
     In still another aspect, the invention relates to a method of collecting colostrum from a mammalian breast into a containment syringe. The method preferably includes coupling a collection syringe body to a breast pump with a collar adaptor, the collection syringe body having an internal chamber for receiving and containing collected colostrum, a proximal end having a flange and a plunger opening in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and a distal end having a syringe discharge port in fluid communication with the internal chamber; the breast pump having a breast pump discharge port; and the collar adaptor having a receiver for releasable engagement of the proximal end of the syringe body and a coupling for attachment to the breast pump discharge port, The method preferably further includes expressing colostrum from the mammalian breast by operation of the breast pump, and discharging the expressed colostrum from the breast pump discharge port directly to the internal chamber of the collection syringe body through the plunger opening. 
     In another aspect, the invention relates to a system including a syringe for receiving collected colostrum directly from a breast pump or other collection means, and a coupling collar that holds the flange of the syringe in place and connects to the collection/bottle coupling part of the breast pump. 
     In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of collection of colostrum from a breast pump or other collection means into a syringe, using the above-described collection system. 
     In still another aspect, the invention relates to an adaptor coupling or conversion kit for adapting an existing breast pump for use in connection with collection of colostrum into a syringe-based containment. 
     These and other aspects, features and advantages of example embodiments of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a colostrum collection system according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a colostrum collection system according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed view of a syringe and collar adaptor for attachment of the syringe to a breast pump. 
         FIG. 4  is another detailed view of collar adaptor and syringe for attachment of the syringe to a breast pump. 
         FIG. 5  is another detailed view of a collar adaptor and syringe for attachment of the syringe to a breast pump. 
         FIG. 6  shows a colostrum collection system according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows a collar adaptor according to another example embodiment of the same invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the collar adaptor of  FIG. 7  with a syringe. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view the collar adaptor and syringe of  FIG. 8  with a breast pump. 
         FIG. 10  shows an exploded view of the collar adaptor in  FIG. 7 , depicting the removable gasket. 
         FIG. 11  shows an exploded view of a colostrum collection system according to another example embodiment of the same invention. 
         FIG. 12  shows a collar adaptor and syringe according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded side view of the collar adaptor and syringe of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a detailed view of the collar adaptor of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom view of the collar adapter in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 16  shows a collar adaptor and syringe according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of the syringe and collar adaptor of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  shows a collar adaptor, syringe and breast pump according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded view of the colostrum collection system of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  shows a collar adaptor and syringe according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of the collar adaptor and syringe of  FIG. 20  coupled together. 
         FIG. 22  shows a collar adaptor and syringe according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the collar adaptor and syringe of  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  shows a collar adaptor and syringe according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  is a bottom view of the collar adaptor and syringe of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 26  is a side view of the collar adaptor and syringe of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 27  shows a collar adaptor and gasket according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 28  is a side view of the collar adaptor and gasket of  FIG. 27 . 
         FIG. 29  is an alternate side view of the collar adaptor and gasket of  FIG. 27 . 
         FIG. 30  shows a syringe with the collar adaptor and gasket of  FIG. 27 . 
         FIG. 31  shows the collar adaptor and syringe of  FIG. 30  attached to an example configuration of a breast pump to create a colostrum collection system. 
         FIG. 32  is a detailed view of the colostrum collection system of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 33  is a detailed view of the collar adaptor and syringe of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 34  shows the collar adaptor and syringe of  FIG. 30  attached to another example configuration of a breast pump to create a colostrum collection system. 
         FIG. 35  is a detailed view of the colostrum collection system of  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 36  is a detailed view of the collar adaptor and syringe of the colostrum collection system of  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 37  is a bottom view of the collar adaptor and syringe of  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 38  shows a collar adaptor and syringe according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 39  is a detailed view of the collar adaptor of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 40  shows a collar adaptor and syringe according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 41  is a top view of the collar adaptor of  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 42  is a detailed view of the collar adaptor of  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 43  is a top view of the collar adaptor and syringe of  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 44  shows male thread dimensions of a collar adaptor according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 45  shows female thread dimensions of an example breast pump coupling to which a collar adaptor according to an example embodiment of the present invention may be attached. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. 
     Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. 
     With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1-43  show various embodiments and aspects of colostrum collection systems  10 ,  10 ′ according to example forms of the present invention. In its various forms, the system includes a breast pump  20 ,  20 ′ or other means for expressing and collecting colostrum from the breast of a human or other mammal, the breast pump being secured to a syringe collection, containment and delivery device  30  using a collar adaptor  50 . 
     In depicted embodiments, the breast pump  20  includes a collar  22  with a downward depending rim, the interior of which may contain internal screw threading (not pictured). The breast pump collar  22  is ordinarily the coupling site for correspondingly threaded bottles or other containers for collection of breast milk using the pump. In use with the system and method of the present invention, the breast pump collar  22  is adapted for coupling to alternate containers such as a syringe body with the syringe plunger removed, to collect, store and deliver colostrum for feeding from the syringe to a neonate. The syringe  30  typically has an elongated barrel or syringe body  32  which includes an internal chamber defining a contained volume for receiving and discharging fluid contents, a first or distal end that may include a syringe discharge or dispensing port  34 , and a second or proximal end which includes an open end  36  defining an opening for receiving the syringe plunger, and a flange  38 . 
     The collar adaptor  50  is generally cylindrical and includes an upper attachment portion  52  configured for detachably coupling with the breast pump collar  22 . The collar adaptor  50  also includes a lower base  54  which is attached concentrically with the upper attachment portion  52  and has an outer circumference at least as large as the outer circumference of the breast pump collar  22 . The collar adaptor  50  includes a hole  56  extending from center of the top of the attachment portion  52  through the bottom of the base  54 . 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  show a collar adaptor  50  according to an example embodiment of the present invention, with a syringe  30  held in the collar adaptor. As depicted, the collar adaptor hole  56  has a size and shape to accommodate the elongated body  32  of the syringe  30 . A segment of the attachment portion  52  of the collar adaptor  50  includes external threads  58  to complement the internal threads in the breast pump collar  22 . In example embodiments, the threads are a Gerber-style or universal thread compatible with various breast pump makes and models. For example,  FIG. 44  shows example details of a male external threaded coupling profile of a collar adaptor, having a minor thread diameter of about 36.80 mm, a thread pitch of about 4.00 mm, a thread angle of about 70°, a thread height of about 1.37 mm, and a thread width of about 2.45 mm.  FIG. 45  shows example details of a corresponding female internal thread configuration of an example breast pump collar to which a collar adaptor of a colostrum collection system can be used in connection with, having a nominal major thread diameter of about 39.8 mm, a thread pitch of about 4.00 mm, a thread angle of about 70°, a thread height of about 1.21-1.24 mm, a thread width of about 2.14 mm, and a thread pitch angle of about 1.73°. In alternate embodiments, different thread formats and dimensions can be provided for compatibility with different breast pumps or other equipment. Also, the male and female configurations of the collar adaptor and the breast pump collar can be reversed in alternate embodiments. The top surface of the attachment portion  52  includes a recessed area  60  of size and shape to receive the flange  38  of the syringe  30 . In example embodiments, the collar adaptor  50  is constructed of polypropylene, or alternatively of other polymers or other materials. 
     In the present embodiment, the colostrum collection system  10 ,  10 ′ is assembled by inserting the distal end of the syringe  30  downward through the hole  56  of the collar adaptor  50  from the top of the attachment portion  52 , through the base  54  until the syringe  30  is positioned with its flange  38  engaged within the recessed area  60  in the top of the collar adaptor  50 , and the top of the syringe  30  is flush with the top of the collar adaptor  50 . The attachment portion  52  of the collar adaptor  50  is then screwed into the breast pump collar  22 , retaining the flange  38  of the syringe  30  between the collar adaptor  50  and the breast pump collar  22 . In alternate embodiments, the attachment portion  52  of the collar adaptor  50  is engaged with the breast pump collar  22  by snap couplings, friction fit, threads, interengaging connectors or other retention means. 
     The breast pump  20  is operated in its intended fashion to express colostrum. The expressed colostrum is directly transferred from the discharge of the breast pump  20  into the syringe  30 . After collection, the syringe  30  is removed from engagement with the breast pump  20  and may be stored for subsequent use. A syringe plunger (not pictured) may be inserted into the open end  36  of the elongated body  32  of the syringe  30  in typical fashion for delivery of colostrum from the syringe. The collar adaptor  50  may be removed from the syringe  30  or may remain in place. The colostrum may be delivered directly from the syringe  30  through the dispensing port  32  for feeding to a newborn or neonate via a feeding tube, a nipple attachment, and/or other delivery means connected to the dispensing port  32 , for example by advancing the syringe plunger into the syringe  30 , by suction through the dispensing port  32 , by gravity feed, by dispensing pump, or otherwise. Alternatively, the colostrum can be transferred from the syringe  30  to another container for delivery. Because the sealing head of the syringe plunger wipes down the internal walls of the elongated body  32  of the syringe  30  as it is advanced to dispense the colostrum, fluid loss due to sticking to the container walls is minimized or eliminated. The collar adaptor  50  optionally includes one or more flats or projections along its side surface to prevent it from rolling off of a support surface. 
       FIGS. 7-10  show a collar adaptor  150  according to another example embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the collar adaptor  150  includes two ring shaped seal rings or gaskets  162 ,  164  for providing a liquid tight seal between interfacing elements of the colostrum collection system  10 . The adaptor-to-syringe gasket  162  has a width and diameter configured such that the outer surface of the adaptor-to-syringe gasket  162  fits within the collar adaptor hole  156  and the inner surface of the adaptor-to-syringe gasket  162  fits around the elongated body  32  of the syringe  30 . The adaptor-to-collar gasket  164  is configured with a width and diameter such that the inner surface of the adaptor-to-collar gasket  164  fits around the attachment portion  152  of the collar adaptor  150  and the outer surface of the adaptor-to-collar gasket  164  does not extend wider than the base  154  of the collar adaptor  150 . In example forms, the gaskets  162 ,  164  can be constructed from various compressible materials, such as rubber, plastic, polymer or other materials of construction suitable for a liquid tight seal. 
     To assemble the system, the adaptor-to-syringe gasket  162  is positioned around the syringe-receiving channel or hole  156  and within the recessed area  160  at the top of the collar adaptor  150  so that when the syringe  30  is moved downward through the collar adaptor  150 , as depicted in  FIG. 8 , it also passes through the adaptor-to-syringe gasket  162 . The adaptor-to-syringe gasket  162  is held between the syringe flange  38  and the recessed area  154  of the attachment portion, forming a fluid-tight seal between the syringe  30  and the collar adaptor  150 . The adaptor-to-collar gasket  162  is positioned around the attachment portion  152  of the collar adaptor  150  resting against the top of the collar adaptor base  154 . When the collar adaptor  150  is screwed into the breast pump collar  22 , as depicted in  FIG. 9 , the adaptor-to-collar gasket  164  is held between the top of the collar adaptor base  154  and the bottom rim of the breast pump collar  22 , forming a fluid-tight seal between the collar adaptor  150  and the breast pump collar  22 . As depicted in  FIG. 10 , the adaptor-to-collar gasket  164  is optionally removable from the collar adaptor  150 . Installation of the gaskets  162 ,  164  will be advantageous for use with “open system” breast pumps  20  that utilize a sealed system to maintain efficient pumping action, whereas removal of the gaskets will facilitate use in connection with “closed system” breast pumps  20  to provide venting. Thus, the provision of removable gaskets allows compatibility with both open and closed breast pump systems. 
       FIG. 11  shows a collar adaptor  250  according to another example embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the collar adaptor  250  includes a grip sleeve  270  extending downward from the outer circumference of the collar adaptor base  254 . The grip sleeve  270  contains a plurality of internal ribs  272 . The internal ribs  272  extend inwardly from the inner surface of the grip sleeve  270  towards the center point of the collar adaptor  250  parallel to the bottom surface of the base  254 . The internal ribs  272  have a length such that the elongated body of the syringe  32  can be accommodated between the edges of the internal ribs  270  as depicted. The internal ribs  272  strengthen the attachment and aid the fitting of the syringe  30  to the attachment. Optionally, the grip sleeve  270 , may have a textured surface to facilitate attaching and detaching the collar adaptor  250  to the breast pump collar  22 . 
       FIGS. 12-15  show a collar adaptor  350  according to another example embodiment of the present invention. As depicted in  FIG. 12 , the top surface of the attachment portion  352  of the collar adaptor  350  slopes downward from outer edge of attachment portion  352  to the outer surface of the hole  356 . The grip sleeve  370  includes a slot  374  that extends vertically from the bottom of the grip sleeve  370  to a distance below the collar adaptor base  354 , and horizontally a dimension configured to accommodate the length of the syringe flange  38 . As depicted in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the bottom of the collar adaptor base, within the grip sleeve  370 , contains two end clips  376  which are perpendicular to the length of the slot  374 , and one side clip  378 , which is parallel to the length of the slot  374 . The clips  376 ,  378  are long enough to accommodate the syringe flange  38 . The end clips  376  are positioned a distance apart such that they will engage with the ends of the length of the syringe flange  38  when it is positioned with the open end  36  of the syringe  30  below the collar adaptor hole  356 . The side clip  378  is positioned to engage with the side of the flange  38  when the syringe  30  is in the same position. An adaptor-to-syringe gasket  362 , with an inner diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the inner surface of the syringe elongated body  32  is attached to the bottom of the collar adaptor base  354  so that the inner surface of the adaptor-to-syringe gasket  362  is aligned with the inner surface of the collar adaptor hole  356 . The clips are optionally configured to receive and engage the syringe flange with a friction or interference fit, and/or are sufficiently flexible to resiliently engage the syringe flange. The syringe  30  is removably engaged with the collar adaptor  350  by positioning the syringe flange  38  so that its length is parallel with the length of the slot  374  in the grip sleeve  370 . As depicted in  FIG. 13 , the syringe  30  slides laterally into the grip sleeve  370  and is positioned so that the syringe flange  38  engages with the clips  376 ,  378 . The end clips  376  engage with the ends of the flange  38  length and the side clip  378  engages with one side of the flange  38  width. The clips  376 ,  378  secure the syringe  30  to the bottom of the base  354  of the collar adaptor  350  such that the open end  36  of the syringe  30  is aligned with the collar adaptor hole  356  and the adaptor-to-syringe gasket  362  forms a liquid tight seal between the syringe  30  and the collar adaptor  350 . In this example embodiment it is not necessary to detach the collar adaptor  350  from the breast pump collar  22  in order to attach and detach the syringe  30  from the collar adaptor  350 . The sloped surface of the attachment portion  352  prevents plugging of the syringe  30  by a breast pump one-way valve. This embodiment can also employ a removable adaptor-to-collar gasket  364  in the same position as previously described. 
       FIGS. 16 and 17  show a collar adaptor  450  according to another example embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the collar adaptor comprises a grip sleeve  470  including a slotted opening or slit  480  which is parallel to the bottom of the collar adaptor base  454 . The slit  480  has a length and width configured to slidingly receive the flange  38  of the syringe  30  therein. The grip sleeve  470  also includes a channel or slot  482  extending downward from the center of the slit  480  to the bottom of the grip sleeve  470 , the width of which is such that it can accommodate elongated body  32  of the syringe  30 . The collar adaptor  450  in  FIGS. 16 and 17  may include clips  476 ,  478  and gaskets  462 ,  464  in similar fashion to those features depicted in  FIGS. 14 and 15  and described above. The syringe  30  is engaged with the collar adaptor  450  by positioning the length of the syringe flange  38  parallel to and aligned with the slit  480  in the grip sleeve  470  and sliding the syringe flange into the slit. As depicted in  FIG. 17 , the syringe  30  slides laterally into the collar adaptor such that the syringe flange  38  passes through the slit  480  and the syringe elongated body  32  passes through the slot  482  in the grip sleeve  470 . The syringe  30  can be retained in engagement with the collar adaptor base  454  using clips  476 ,  478  as described above, by friction engagement or a close tolerance fit between the syringe flange  38  and the slotted opening  480 , or by other retention means. The syringe  30  is removed by reversing the process to slide the syringe flange  38  out of the slotted opening  480  of the collar adaptor  450 . 
       FIGS. 18 and 19  show a collar adaptor  550  according to another example embodiment of the same invention. As depicted, a plurality of clips  590  protrude from bottom of the collar adaptor base  554 . The clips  590  are of sufficient length to accommodate the thickness of the syringe flange  38 . The clips  590  are positioned where they will engage with the syringe flange  38  when it is positioned such that the syringe opening  36  is aligned with the collar adaptor hole  556 . As depicted in  FIG. 19 , the top of the syringe  30  is press fitted to the bottom base  554  of the collar adaptor  30  so that the clips  590  engage with the syringe flange  38 , and resiliently snap over the edges of the flange to removably secure the top of the syringe  30  to the bottom of collar adaptor  550 . The attachment portion  552  of the collar adaptor  550  includes a threaded fitting to be screwed into breast pump collar  22 . This embodiment optionally enables the collar adaptor  550  to accommodate a larger syringe  30  with a wider flange  38 . It also allows different size syringes  30  to be fitted to the same collar adaptor  550  because this embodiment removes the constraints of working inside the dimensions of the threaded connection. 
       FIGS. 20 and 21  show a collar adaptor  650  according to another example embodiment of the same invention. As depicted, the collar adaptor base  654  includes a hinge  692  and pivotally mounted retention arm  694 . In use, the syringe flange  38  is secured between the retention arm  694  and the collar adaptor base  654  which keeps the syringe  30  attached to the collar adaptor  650 . A releasable snap coupling, latch or other closure means may be provided to hold the retention arm  694  closed with the syringe flange  38  engaged with the collar adaptor  650 . Optionally, one or more clips  690  as depicted in  FIGS. 18 and 19  and described above may be used in conjunction with the hinge  692  and arm  694 . The collar adaptor  650  can be secured to the breast pump  20  by threaded coupling in the manner described above. 
       FIGS. 22 and 23  show a collar adaptor  750  according to another example embodiment of the same invention. As depicted, the top of the attachment portion  752  of the collar adaptor  750  includes a recessed area  760  approximately the size and shape of the syringe flange  38 , preferably slightly larger so that the syringe flange  38  easily fits in the recessed area  760 . The recessed area  760  has a depth such that when the bottom of the syringe flange  38  is resting on the bottom of the recessed area  760 , the top of the syringe flange  38  is below the top of the attachment portion  752  of the collar adaptor  750 . The attachment portion  752  may include a protrusion  761  that extends from one side wall of the recessed area  760 , beginning a distance above the bottom of the recessed area  760  large enough to accommodate the thickness of the syringe flange  38 . As depicted, the protrusion  761  extends vertically to the top of the attachment portion  752 . The grip sleeve  770  defines a tapered or bowed profile, where its diameter increases from the top to the bottom. The syringe  30  is inserted into the collar adaptor  750  by inserting the distal end of the syringe  30  downward through the collar adaptor hole  756  from the top of the attachment portion  752  until the syringe  30  is positioned such that the flange  38  is received in the recessed area and against the protrusion  761 . The syringe  30  is held such that the bottom of the syringe flange  38  rests on the bottom of the recessed area  760 , and the top of the syringe  30  sits below the top of the collar adaptor  750 . In this embodiment, the recessed seated position of the syringe  30  within the attachment portion  752  of the collar adaptor  750  facilitates threading the attachment portion  752  into the breast pump collar  22 . The seated position of the syringe  30  also provides clearance for a one-way valve (not pictured) that may be present on the breast pump  20 . The tapered or bowed profile of the grip sleeve  770  allows a user to more readily differentiate between the collar attachment  750  and the breast pump collar  22  for removal of the collar from the pump. The syringe tip or discharge port  34  at the distal end of the syringe body  32  can be closed by a removable tip cap  40  as shown, or by a plug or other closure, to prevent unintended discharge of fluid from the syringe  30  during collection and storage. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/844,922 is incorporated by reference as showing an example tip cap  40  suitable for use on connection with the syringe  30 . 
       FIGS. 24-26  show a collar adaptor  850  according to another example embodiment of the same invention. As depicted, the dispensing port  34  of the syringe  30  includes a removable tip cap  40 . The tip cap  40  is a size where, when attached to the dispensing port  34 , a portion of the tip cap  40  extends beyond the outer surface of the syringe elongated body  32 . As depicted in  FIG. 25 , the hole  856 ′ in the collar adaptor  850  includes a rounded cutout  846 , the diameter of which is large enough to accommodate tip cap  40  when it is attached to the dispensing port  34 . The syringe  30  is inserted into the collar adaptor by aligning the attached tip cap  40  with the cutout  846  in the collar adaptor hole  856 ′ and moving the distal end of the syringe  30  downward through the hole  856 ′ of the collar adaptor  850  from the top of the attachment portion  852 . 
       FIG. 27-30  show a removable gasket  962  for use with a collar adaptor  950  such as shown in  FIGS. 22-26 . As depicted, the gasket  962  comprises two gasket subcomponent seal portions  964 ,  966 . The upper portion  964  is shaped to fit the lower surface of the recessed area  960  in the attachment portion  952  of the collar adaptor  950 . The lower portion  966  has generally the same shape and size as the previously described adaptor-to-collar gasket. The two gasket portions  964 ,  966  are formed as one unitary gasket  962  using one or more connecting members or webs  968 . The connecting members position the upper portion  964  of the gasket  962  such that it rests on the bottom surface of the recessed area  960  and the inner surface is aligned with the collar adaptor hole  956 , and the lower portion  966  rests on the top of the collar adaptor base  954 . Typically, the gasket  962  is formed of a compressible material for forming a fluid tight seal between components. As depicted in  FIG. 27 , the gasket  962  is press fitted to the collar adaptor  950  and is easily removable. The gasket  962  is positioned so that the shape of the upper portion  964  is aligned with the bottom surface of the recessed area  960  and the inner surface of the upper portion  964  of the gasket  962  is aligned with the collar adaptor hole  956 . As depicted in  FIG. 30 , the syringe  30  is inserted into the collar adaptor  950  by moving the distal end of the syringe  30  downward through the hole  956  and the upper portion  964  of the gasket  962 . The upper portion  964  of the gasket  962  is held between the collar adaptor  950  and the syringe flange  38 , forming a liquid tight seal. When the collar adaptor  950  is attached to the breast pump collar  22 , the lower portion  966  of the gasket  962  is held between the collar adaptor base  954  and the rim of the breast pump collar  22 , forming a liquid tight seal. 
       FIGS. 31-37  show the collar adaptor  850  of  FIGS. 24-26  attached to various different types of commercially available breast pumps  20 ,  20 ′. As depicted in  FIGS. 31-33 , the collar adaptor  850  and syringe  30  are fitted to an Ameda Purely Yours breast pump  20 ′. As described above, the seated position of the flange  38  of the syringe  30 , depicted in  FIG. 33 , creates clearance which prevents the Ameda one-way valve  24 , depicted in  FIG. 32 , from occluding the syringe elongated body  32  and creating a vacuum. As depicted in  FIGS. 34-37 , the collar adaptor  850  and syringe  30  are fitted with a Limerick breast pump  20 . In example forms, the collar adaptor comprises a universal fit coupling configuration for use with a plurality of different breast pump types and brands, and/or one or more adaptor couplings are provided to allow connection to different breast pump types and brands. 
       FIGS. 38 and 39  show a collar adaptor  1050  according to another example embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the top of the attachment portion  1052  of the collar adaptor  1050  includes a recessed area  1060 , the depth of which is approximately equal to the thickness of the syringe flange  38 . The attachment portion  1052  includes external threads  1058  which begin at the top surface of the attachment portion  1052 . When the syringe  30  is inserted into the collar adaptor  1050 , the flange  38  is positioned within the recessed area  1060  so that the top of the syringe  30  is flush with the top of the attachment portion  1052  of the collar adaptor  1050 . A gasket (not pictured) may be provided to sit atop the top surface of the collar adaptor  1050  once the syringe  30  is within the hole  1056 ′ and the flange  38  is seated within the recessed area  1060 . 
       FIGS. 40-43  show a collar adaptor  1150  according to another example embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the hole  1156  in the collar adaptor  1150  includes a notch  1148  of size and shape to provide clearance for a vent  42  that may be present on the syringe  30 ′. In example forms, the vent  42  is in the form of an indent or rib formed on an outer periphery of the syringe elongated body  32 . U.S. Pat. No. 8,992,448, which is herby incorporated by reference herein, discloses a vented syringe to which the present invention may be adapted. Optionally, two or more notches  1148  may be provided for syringes  30 ′ comprising two or more vents  42  as depicted in  FIG. 42 . Optionally, the clearance cutout  1146  provided for the tip cap  40  may be combined with the clearance notch  1148  provided for the vent  42 , as depicted in  FIG. 40 , in the event a syringe  30  contains both a vent  42  and removable tip cap  40 . 
     While the depicted embodiments generally depict examples having external threading  58  on the collar adaptor  50  to attach the collar adaptor  50  to internal threading on the breast pump collar  22 , in alternate embodiments, a snap-fit coupling, friction fit or other attachment means may be utilized to engage the collar adaptor  50  with the breast pump  22 . While the collar adaptor  50  has been described as cylindrical, it may have any alternate size, shape, contour and overall design so long as it is compatible with the collar  22  or attachment portion of the breast pump  20 . 
     In example embodiments, the syringe  30  utilized in connection with the system and method of the present invention comprises a 20 ml NeoMed syringe. However, other sizes and/or brands of syringes  30  may be used with different collar adaptor  50  designs or the collar adaptor  50  may take a universal fit form that would allow for compatibility with multiple syringe  30  sizes and formats. The collar adaptor  50  may be configured for compatibility with various syringe flange  38  designs or the collar adaptor  50  may take a universal fit form that would allow for compatibility with multiple different syringe flange  38  designs. 
     In example embodiments, open system breast pumps  20  may be used in connection with the colostrum collection system  10 , such as for example, Medela (Pump in Style, Pump in Style Advanced, Pump in Style Advanced Backpack, Symphony), Evenflo (Comfort Select Dual, Elan Single, Elan Dual), First Years (Natural Comfort Double, Easy Comfort, miPump Deluxe Double, miPump Double, miPump Single). In other example embodiments, closed system breast pumps  20  may be used, such as for example, Avent ISIS iQ Duo, Ameda (Elite, Purely Yours, Purely Yours w/carryall, Purely Yours w/backpack), Playtex Embrace, Nailey Medical Nurture III, Evenflo Comfort select, First Years Natural Comfort Double, Lansinoh Double Electric, Avent ISIS iQ Uno, Avent ISIS iQ Uno Complete, First Years Natural Comfort Single, Medela Swing, and Hygeia (EnDeare, Enjoye-LBI, Enjoye-EXT, Enjoye-EPS). In further alternate embodiments, other breast pumps  20  (open, closed, or otherwise) may be adapted for use in connection with the colostrum collection system  10  according to example forms of the invention. 
     In example methods of use, the system of the present invention enables the collection of colostrum by providing a collar adaptor having a receiver for engaging the proximal end or flange of a syringe body, and a coupling for attachment to the discharge of a breast pump, engaging the proximal end or flange of the syringe body with the receiver of the collar adaptor, attaching the coupling of the collar adaptor to the breast pump, and operating the breast pump to express colostrum from the breast and deliver the colostrum directly into the internal contained volume of the syringe. The method optionally further comprises removing the syringe from the collar adaptor, capping the distal discharge port of the syringe, inserting the syringe plunger or other closure means into the proximal opening of the syringe body to close the syringe for storage, removal of the cap from the discharge port, attachment of a feeding tube or other fluid transfer means to the discharge port, and/or enteral feeding delivery of colostrum from the syringe by advancing the syringe plunger into the syringe body. The method optionally further comprises addition of one or more supplements, medications, formula, breast milk or other constituents to the collected colostrum for enteral delivery. Also, while the embodiments are generally described herein for use in collecting and dispensing colostrum, the disclosed systems and components may be used for collecting and dispensing breast milk, formula, medications, supplements, and/or other enteral fluids. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.