NU 2024-030

INVENTORS

• John Rogers*
• Craig Garfield
• Matthew Grayson
• Jihye Kim
• Seyong Oh
• Daniel Robinson
• Jennifer Wicks
• Jaeyoung Yoo

SHORT DESCRIPTION

A compact, wireless, wearable bioimpedance sensor system for real-time monitoring of breast milk volume during breastfeeding.

BACKGROUND

Traditional methods for assessing milk intake rely on pre‐ and post‐feed infant weighing – an uncomfortable and inaccurate process. This invention utilizes a soft, flexible, and non‐invasive bioimpedance system that continuously monitors the volume of milk expressed during breastfeeding, thereby addressing critical hurdles in maternal and neonatal care.

ABSTRACT

This invention introduces a compact, unobtrusive wireless device that interfaces with the breast using strategically-placed electrodes. By measuring changes in alternating current impedance, the device correlates bioimpedance shifts with the volume of milk expressed during feeding, transmitting data in real time to a smartphone for continuous graphical display.

Comprehensive experimental and computational evaluations validate the system’s clinical-grade accuracy. Developed in collaboration with neonatologists, the platform overcomes the limitations of traditional weighing methods by providing actionable insights into the dynamics of breastfeeding, ultimately supporting improved infant nutrition and maternal care.

APPLICATIONS

• Real-time monitoring of milk consumption during feeding sessions.
• Continuous assessment in both clinical (NICU) and home environments.
• Remote monitoring to enhance infant nutrition management.
• Integration with mobile health applications for intuitive user interaction.

ADVANTAGES

• Non-invasive and accurate measurement of milk volume.
• Continuous, real-time data delivery for immediate feedback.
• Eliminates the need for cumbersome pre‐ and post‐feed weighing.
• Enhances user comfort during breastfeeding sessions.

PUBLICATIONS

• John Rogers*, et al. A compact, wireless system for continuous monitoring of breast milk expressed during breastfeeding , Nature, 14 May 2025.

IP STATUS

US Patents Pending

IN THE NEWS

Got data? Breastfeeding device measures babies’ milk intake in real time. Soft, comfortable wearable device takes the guesswork out of breastfeeding. May 14, 2025 | By Amanda Morris