A new device developed by an interdisciplinary team at Northwestern University aims to alleviate the challenge of determining how much milk a baby consumes during breastfeeding. The wearable device, designed by engineers, neonatologists, and pediatricians, provides real-time monitoring of breast milk intake. It uses bioimpedance technology, similar to that used for measuring body fat, to measure changes in the breast's electrical properties as milk is consumed.
The unobtrusive device wraps around the breast and transmits data wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet. This allows parents to see a live display of their baby's milk intake. John A. Rogers from Northwestern University stated, “Knowing exactly how much milk an infant is receiving during breastfeeding has long been a challenge for both parents and healthcare providers.” He added that this technology offers "a convenient and reliable way to monitor milk intake in real time."
Dr. Daniel Robinson highlighted the stress families face due to uncertainty about nutrition, especially for preterm infants in the NICU. He noted that current methods are cumbersome and expects this sensor to be a significant advance in lactation support.
The project began four years ago when Lurie Children’s Hospital approached Rogers' team with this unmet need. Jennifer Wicks explained that traditional methods like weighing babies before and after feeding provide estimates but are not convenient for most families.
Rogers’ team previously developed sensors for NICU babies and applied their expertise here by sending a safe electrical current through the breast via electrodes. Changes in these currents correlate with milk volume changes.
The study included rigorous testing on models and human subjects, ensuring consistency over time with 12 mothers participating both at home and in NICUs. Julia Seitchick, one participant, expressed relief at having precise measurements available during breastfeeding.
Robinson and Wicks emphasized the importance of precise feeding volumes for NICU babies who have specific nutritional needs due to underdeveloped digestive systems.
Looking ahead, researchers hope to integrate this technology into everyday wear like breastfeeding bras and expand its capabilities to measure other factors such as milk quality.
“Breastfeeding can be extremely emotional for mothers,” said Wicks, emphasizing that reducing uncertainty could decrease stress significantly. The study titled “A compact, wireless system for continuous monitoring of breast milk expressed during breastfeeding” was supported by various institutions including the Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics.