Mama Swaddle

Abstract

The present invention is as a dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment of stretchable fabric with spring back tension featuring the Upper Body Expansion Support Band and Expansion Support Ties. The present invention may be used as the “Mama Swaddle” to provide: support of the infant(s) torso, head, and neck in the upright position between mom's breasts and allows mom to be hands free;the necessary expansion needed, both vertically and horizontally, to allow for easy movement and support of the infant(s) from the upright position between mom's breasts to the upper side of the breast, with infant's head supported in the sniffing position for safe correct breastfeeding, hands free;the necessary expansion needed for mom's breasts; for manual breast milk expression or hands free pumping when the tied crossover fronts are separated to form openings on each side; and,bra free support when Expansion Support Ties are secured.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Research has shown multiple benefits of Skin-to-Skin contact for both the newborn and mother. These findings led to Joint Commissions' mandating changes in newborn care immediately following delivery and in the postpartum phase. These changes have produced challenges for Birthing Centers now faced promoting Skin-to-Skin contact while increasing supplemental breastfeeding, and exclusive breastfeeding results, in the face of decreasing accidental infant falls and Sudden Unexpected Postnatal Collapse (“SUPC”) incidents.

Risk Factors of the Mother-Infant Dyad:

• • Maternal risk factors: “fatigue, sedation, primiparous, distraction, on narcotic meds, history of smoking, obese/pendulous breasts.” i.e. 1
  • Infant risk factors: falls, exposure when infant is passed around the room by guests and incorrect positioning, “Position of the infant is a key factor to minimizing risk of Sudden Unexpected Postnatal Collapse. Sudden Unexpected Postnatal Collapse is an emerging complication of Skin-to-Skin contact and breastfeeding the first hours and days post birth.” i.e. 2
  • Environmental risk factors: “Breastfeeding, intermittent observation, unsafe and/or prone positioning, failure to model and reinforce safe sleep practice.” i.e. 3

To help meet these challenges, we are exploring the use of the Mama Swaddle, designed for the mother to safely hold and position her infant in Skin-to-Skin contact, while providing the mother comfort and discretion.

The Mama Swaddle is designed to safely hold infant in Skin-to-Skin contact. The Mama Swaddle supports the infant in the upright position between the breasts and allows the newborn to easily move to the breastfeeding position for optimum Latch and Baby Led Breastfeeding. Nurses have reported that the mother went from stressed to relaxed when she wore the Mama Swaddle.

The Mama Swaddle for Preemies adapts for the NICU unit in birthing centers. Added straps and hook & loop closures assist the mother with caring for her premature baby.

Below is information on Skin-to-Skin contact cited from Dr. Susan Ludington's article in Newborn & Infant Nursing Reviews (2013).

Dr. Susan Ludington Hoe is the leading researcher worldwide in Skin-to-Skin care, also known as Kangaroo Care. Her tireless efforts and contributions of over 25 years have helped bring great advances in mother and infant care worldwide.

Skin-to-Skin contact (“SSC”), also known as Kangaroo Care, has been recommended for all healthy term newborns by the American Academy of Pediatrics, 1; The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist, 2; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3; and, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, 4, because of SSC's numerous positive effects in infants and their families. 5 Skin-to-Skin contact's ability to regular the infant's temperature and prevent hypothermia and hypoglycemia has earned SSC recognition in the Neonatal Resuscitation Program as the first step for all healthy term infants who do not require resuscitation. 6 Other profound and undisputed effects of SSC are improvement in initiation, duration, and exclusivity of breastfeeding and enhanced milk production. 7 Because of these lactation effects, provision of SSC beginning immediately after birth and continuing until the first feeding at the breast is finished has been identified as the essential first step for meeting Healthy People 2020 breastfeeding goals, 8 the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses' perinatal core measures for excellent care, 9 and the new Joint Commission mandate that all healthy term infants born in hospitals delivering 1100 or more infants/year are exclusively breast milk fed by discharge. 10, 11 Continuing SSC throughout postpartum may yield or increase exclusive breast milk feedings at discharge. 1, 12

*Ludington-Hoe S M, Morgan K. Infant Assessment and Reduction of Sudden Unexpected Postnatal Collapse Risk During Skin-to-Skin Contact. Newborn & Infant Nursing Reviews (2013).

Additional organizations recommending Skin-to-Skin contact for full term infants are in the references:

Agency for Health Research and Quality, 13

International Confederation of Midwives, 21

American Academy of Family Practice, 14

International Lactation Consultants Association, 22

American College of Nurse Midwives, 15

Lamaze International, 23

American Dietetic Association, 15

National Perinatal Association, 24

American Heart Association, 17

Office on Women's Health, US Depart. of Health, 25

California Department of Health Services, 18

Office of the Surgeon General Public Health, 26

Childbirth Connection, 19

United States Breastfeeding Committee, 27

Coalition for Improving Maternity Services, 20

Excerpts From:

A Comprehensive Evidence-Based Review of Skin-to-Skin (Kangaroo) Care with Full-term Infants, Susan M. Ludington-Hoe, R.N., CNM, Ph.D.; FAAN; Barbara Morrison, R.N., CNM, FNP, Ph.D.; Gene Cranston Anderson, R.N., Ph.D., FAAN

“Keep the infant in KC at least until the first suckling at the breast has been accomplished.” (Sinusas & Gagliardi, 2001; Warren, 2008).

“Kangaroo Carc increases oxytocin release in both mother and infant. Oxytocin, in turn, facilitates breastfeeding, bonding, maternal relaxation, uterine contractions, and minimization of stress.” (Dordevic, et al., 2008; Uvnas-MobergSuckling maintains development, 2003; Uvnas-Moberg, et al., 2005).

“Suckling induces production of the anterior pituitary's prolactin-secreting cells even when estrogen drops at cell integrity. Suckling also induces prolactin surges in maternal blood, supporting normal lactation.” (Uvnas-Moberg, 1999; Uvnas-Moberg, 2003).

“The colostrum delivered with the initial sucks is rich in T and B lymphocytes, enhancing infant immunity.”

“Also, sending the infant to the observation nursery at any time during the postpartum is detrimental because once the infant is in the nursery, treatments, physical assessments, and screenings get clustered together and result in prolonged separation from the mother.” (Vazquez & Berg, 2012).

Conducting these procedures at the mother's bedside is the best practice.

“Have the mother provide continuous KC until discharge. Mother and infant should remain in KC as much as possible throughout the postpartum stay for improved interactions, development, and breastfeeding.” (Kent, et al., 2012; Vasquez & Berg, 2012).

“Continued KC as much as possible throughout the first three months of life.” (Chalmers, O'Brien, & Boscoe, 2009).

Use KC as a FIRST intervention for breastfeeding problems. (Vazquez & Berg, 2012).

“Remember, Kangaroo Care is the newborn's playground.” (Winberg, 2005). Birth—a condition that threatens prolactin.

Kangaroo Care's continual use throughout the mother's day can be accomplished using tube top, slings, or wraps to position the infant near the breast while maintaining maternal modesty as the mother conducts routine postpartum activities.

Purposes:

• • Increase the duration of healthy term infants being held Skin-to-Skin during their mothers' postpartum hospitalization, 10, by using the Mama Swaddle.
  • Increase Breastfeeding and Exclusive Breastfeeding, because when the infant is in the right habit environment, Baby-Led breastfeeding is facilitated and the infant can easily move to the breastfeeding position in the Mama Swaddle.
  • Decrease falls and SUPC incidents, because the infant is secured by the Mama Swaddle in the upright position between the mother's breasts or in the breastfeeding position.

Related Applications

One Piece Baby Carrier—U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,727 B1

Adult Infant Bonding Garment—U.S. Pat. No. 5,946,725

Baby Carrier—U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,498

Vest for a Nursing Mother—U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,611

Medical Wrap for Neonatal Kangaroo Care—Patent No.: US 2014/0283277

Sling Type Infant Carrier—U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,362 B1

Garments and Methods for Carrying a Baby to Provide Skin-to-Skin Contact—Patent No.: US 213/0291279 A1

Infant Holding Garment—U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,047 B1

Infant Carrier—Patent No.: US 2012/0234877 A1

Carrier for Baby—Pat. No. DES. 306,655

Related Applications as Applied to Mama Swaddle

One Piece Baby Carrier—U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,727 B1

This application is not designed for Skin-to-Skin contact as is Mama Swaddle

This application not designed to support a infant in the upright position, which is the recommended position for all babies as is Mama Swaddle

This application does not support breastfeeding as does Mama Swaddle

This garment has armholes, which can be constricting. The Mama Swaddle allows mobility.

This garment has inflexible ties, which could be constricting and uncomfortable for the mother and the infant. The Mama Swaddle offers expandable ties.

The fleece mentioned in this application would not expand. The Mama Swaddle is made of an expandable jersey material.

Adult Infant Bonding Garment—U.S. Pat. No. 5,946,725

This application offers no neck support for infant as does Mama Swaddle

Pouch confines infant to only one position

Pouch restricts the size and movement of infant

Infant is to be slid down into the garment

The pouch is negative because there is fabric between mother and infant, prohibiting heat transfer.

Baby Carrier—U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,498

The babies' faces are not visible

Infant's legs should not be put through any openings or spread apart

Vest for a Nursing Mother—U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,611

Not designed for Skin-to-Skin contact

Not a breathable material

Uses a lot of buttons which are not stable

Medical Wrap for Neonatal Kangaroo Care—Patent No.: US 2014/0283277

Claims of Skin-to-Skin but inconclusive results

Sling Type Infant Carrier—U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,362 B1

Infant not supported.

Does not support breastfeeding

Babies breathing could be obstructed

Garments and Methods for Carrying a Baby to Provide Skin-to-Skin Contact—Patent No.: US 213/0291279 A1

No neck support

Pouch confines infant to only one position

Pouch restricts the size and movement of infant

Infant is to be slid down into the garment

The pouch is negative because there is fabric between mother and infant, prohibiting heat transfer.

Infant Holding Garment—U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,047 B1

No Skin-to-Skin contact

No back or neck support for the mother

No neck support for the infant

No breastfeeding options

Infant Carrier—Patent No.: US 2012/0234877 A1

Claims of Skin-to-Skin but inconclusive results

Carrier for Baby—Pat. No. DES. 306,655

Does not support the infant at all, except to carry some of the infant's weight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a dual-sided full-coverage crossover garment made of stretchable fabric with spring back tension, consisting of an Upper Body Comfort Band section constructed, and sewn, with a stretch seam to the lower body of the garment, secured with Expansion Support Ties and may be used as the “Mama Swaddle”. This construction design provides allowance for the necessary expansion over mom's breasts as well as safely supporting the infant in the upright position of Skin to Skin contact between mom's breasts and necessary additional expansion during infant transitioning to the correct breastfeeding position, on the upper side of the breast, continually supporting the infants neck and head maintaining an open airway in the nose sniffing position.

The garment body design provides support to the infant's torso and legs facilitating and maintaining proper infant body alignment parallel to mom and permits complete infant leg extension within the garment affording full coverage for mom and infant.

The “Mama Swaddle” incorporates in its design Comfort Band Ties, sewn with an angled seam, on each side of the Upper Body Comfort Band. Proper positioning of the garment for wear requires the garment body be centered in the back and crisscrossed in the front. The ties, located on the left and right sides of the garment in the Axillary area, are pulled and crossed in the back of the body and then pulled around to the front of the body and secured in place by tying under mom's breasts providing bra free support. The tie design permits safe hands free support of the infant's body, bottom and feet. In this tied position, the crisscrossed sections in the front provide openings that allow for manual breast milk expression or hands free pumping.

Optional garment features consist of: Straps that provide for the safe transfer support of an infant from, and return to, an incubator; and Medical Assistive Line Holders that attach to the straps maintaining secure and proper contamination free positioning of all medical tubing, lines, respirator and medical support devices that aid in the care and life support of special need infants.

The “Mama Swaddle” invention garment design, combined with other features, aspects and advantages, are best understood when referenced to the attached drawings, descriptions and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment with added optional sleeve 20;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment with infant in breastfeeding position with both Expansion Support Ties 10 on shoulders;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment with infant in breastfeeding position using only one Expansion Support Tie 10 on shoulder opposite from breastfeeding infant;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment with infant in breastfeeding position with Upper Body Expansion Band 12 pulled up for support of infant's head and discretion;

FIG. 6 is an open view of the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment with optional strap(s) 22;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment with Expansion Support Tie 10 threaded behind the optional strap 22;

FIG. 8 is a front view for expressing milk with the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment with left and right crossed-over fronts 15 separated for expressing milk;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment shown with optional strap(s) 22 with Expansion Support Tie 10 and optional sleeve(s) 20 threaded under optional strap(s) 22 and Medical Assistive Line Holder 24 attached to strap 22; and,

FIG. 10 is a front view of the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment secured with Expansion Support Ties 10 secured with a slip knot 26 for quick release.

For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description represents the best currently contemplated modes for carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment.

FIG. 1 shows an oblique frontal view, to a dual-sided full-coverage crossover garment made of stretchable fabric with spring back tension, consisting of an Upper Body Comfort Band section 12 constructed, and sewn, with a stretch seam 14 to the lower body of the garment 15, secured with Expansion Support Ties 10 tied in a square knot 16. In this view, an adult is holding an infant in the upper body garment secured by the dual-sided left and right portions 15. The dual-sided full-coverage crossover garment is centered in the back of the wearer. The left side of the garment is drawn to the right side and can be drawn under the right arm or over the right shoulder. The right side of the garment is drawn to the left side and can be drawn under the left arm or over the left shoulder. Expansion Support Ties 10 are crossed in the back and brought to the front to tie in a square knot 16. Hem 18.

FIG. 2 is a front view of dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment with added optional sleeve(s) 20.

FIG. 2 Front view of general configuration of the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment constructed according to the invention when employed as a dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment. The garment body is stitched to Upper Body Expansion Band 12 by stretch seam 14. Right and left Expansion Support Ties 10 are stitched to the Upper Body Expansion Band 12 by seam. Optional sleeve(s) 20 is stitched on the lower side of the Expansion Support Tie 10 starting at garment body 15 and continuing the length of the sleeve(s).

FIG. 3 is an oblique front view of the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment constructed according to the invention and featuring the expansion that is provided by the Upper Body Support Expansion Band 12 for the infant to move and be stabilized in the breastfeeding position, both Expansion Support Ties 10 on shoulders.

FIG. 3 Oblique front view of the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment used for breastfeeding showing how the Expansion Support Ties 10 are used on shoulders for vertical expansion needed for correct positioning, coupled with the Upper Body Expansion Support Band 12 to provide the horizontal expansion and support needed for movement of infant to the breastfeeding position for comfort and safety. A square knot 16 is recommended for securing active infants.

FIG. 4 is a front view with infant breastfeeding in the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment constructed according to the invention, using one of the two Expansion Support Ties 10 to give support on one side for breastfeeding infant allowing more flexibility for positioning. The Upper Body Expansion Support Band 12 provides ample support to safely position infant.

FIG. 5 is a front view with infant breastfeeding in the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment constructed according to the invention, with Upper Body Expansion Band 12 pulled up for discretion and to secure infant's head.

FIG. 6 is an open view of the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment when constructed according to the invention shown open in front with optional strap(s) 22 which consists of bra slide adjuster(s) as needed per strap 22 and loop connector(s) are sewn to each strap 22. Optional strap(s) 22 are connected to the front and the back of the Upper Body Expansion Support Band 12 in alignment with the breasts to support the garment when mom is positioning a special needs infant.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment when constructed according to the invention with Expansion Support Tie 10 threaded under optional strap 22 for closure of garment, either under the arm or over the shoulder.

FIG. 8 is a front view for expressing milk. This is done by separating the left and right Upper Body Expansion Support Bands 12 by lifting one Upper Body Expansion Support Band 12 above the breast and lowering the other Upper Body Expansion Support Band 12 to beneath the breast to create an opening for breast milk expression. To secure the garment, Expansion Support Tics 10 are pulled to the back, crossed and brought to the front under the breasts, giving support for the breasts and then tied. This view shows the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment, when constructed according to the invention, wrapped under the arms and around the body instead of the over the shoulder crossover style shown in FIG. 1. Optional strap(s) 22 are added for a special needs infant(s).

FIG. 9 is a front view of the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment when constructed according to the invention, shown with optional strap(s) 22 consisting of loop connectors sewn to the front of straps 22 designed to be mated to the hook closure sewn to the back of the Medical Assistive Line Holder(s) 24 which maintain secure and proper contamination free positioning of all medical tubing, lines, respirator and medical support devices that aid in the care and life support of special need infants. Expansion Support Tie 10 attached to optional sleeve(s) 20 is threaded under optional strap 22 for added for comfort and discretion. Slip knot 26 is the recommended closure for quick release for a special needs infant(s).

FIG. 10 is a front view closure using a slip knot 26 to secure Expansion Support Ties 10 of the dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment, when constructed according to the invention, for quick release for a special needs infant(s).

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters of Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. An expandable garment of stretchable fabric with spring-back tension designed for holding, carrying, and breastfeeding an infant allowing for manual breast milk expression or hands free pumping while simultaneously providing bra free support comprising: a dual-front, side-to-side crossover expandable garment body;a Upper Body Expansion Support Band consisting of a two-ply stretchable fabric with spring-back tension sewn with a stretch seam to an expandable garment body;a plurality of Expansion Support Ties consisting of a two-ply stretchable fabric with spring-back tension having an expansion support feature is attached to the left and right side of the Upper Body Expansion Support Band by angled seams (for a secure contoured fit);garment may employ a square knot to secure the Expansion Support Ties for regular wear; and/orgarment may employ a slip knot to secure the Expansion Support Ties to facilitate quick removal for a baby subject to distress.

5. The garment as in claim 4 may consist of optional multiple panels and additional multiple seams to accommodate larger size mothers.

6. The garment as in claim 4 may consist of a plurality of optional adjustable strap apparatuses connected to left and right fronts and back of the Upper Body Expansion Support Band in alignment with the breasts to secure garment when needed comprising: a plurality of straps;a plurality of bra slide adjusters per strap; anda loop connector sewn to each strap front.

7. The garment as in claim 4 may consist of an optional Medical Assistive Line Holder apparatus to securely attach medical tubing, lines, respirator and medical support devices maintaining proper contamination free positioning for special need infants and is connected to the front of optional adjustable strap apparatus referenced in claim 6 attaching to the left or right side of the Upper Body Expansion Support Band comprising: multi-layered fabric(s) thickness, length three times the width with finished outer edges;a hook connector sewn vertically and centrally to the backside full length of the Medical Assistive Line Holder for the purpose of securing Medical Assistive Line Holder to loop connector on the front of optional strap apparatus referenced in claim 6;a protective cover for hook connector comprising a fabric piece sized approximately one-third the width centered over the hook connector and equal to the full length of the Medical Assistive Line Holder with a loop connector sewn vertically, lengthwise to fabric piece and abutted to the hook connector to form a hinge and mate with the hook connector for closure when Medical Assistive Line Holder is not in use; and,a plurality of sewn hook/loop closures placed on the front of Medical Assistive Line Holder to adapt to various medical device needs.

8. The garment as in claim 4 may consist of an optional sleeve sewn to lower edge of Expansion Support Ties starting at the body of the garment.