Little Duckling
A breastfeeding aid for children with cleft palates
Clefts are one of the most common facial defects, in the UK 1 in 700 infants are born with cleft palates each year. As a result from this infants are not able to breastfeed, as they cannot generate sufficient negative intra-oral pressure to draw milk out from the breast. Some mothers are often very disappointed that they are not able to have this experience, which can affect their supply when expressing milk and can even have a negative affect on the bond felt between the mother and child.
This project aims to facilitate breastfeeding, reducing stress and exhaustion in mothers and developing the facial muscles of the infants . Less time is spent expressing milk or preparing feed, allowing more time to be spent with their child. Breastfeeding also helps to release hormones in the mother can have a positive affect for bonding between mother and child.
Exhibited at Made In Brunel 2014, Oxo Tower
Exhibited at Design for Health 2014, St Thomas’ Hospital
Guidance from St Thomas’ Cleft Service
Funding from What’s In My Community
Process
A working prototype was able to be tested on a new mother, the results were promising and mother reported the prototype to be easy to use and comfortable.
Final Product Renders
The final product will be made from a medical grade silicone with accompanying clear polypropylene container.
