New Device Measures How Much Breast Milk a Baby Is Getting

Yahoo

26-05-2025

Fact checked by Sarah ScottA team of engineers, neonatologists, and pediatricians at Northwestern University developed a wearable device that can help parents gauge how much breastmilk their baby is getting.
The device could help ease any stress or concern about whether their baby is eating enough.
Until the device is on the market, there are several other ways to make sure your baby is getting enough nourishment.Breast and chestfeeding offers countless benefits for mom and baby, but one aspect of nursing causes many parents intense stress. I mean, who among us hasn't worried that our baby isn't getting enough breast milk?
While there are ways to determine if your baby is being properly nourished, like counting diaper output, researchers at Northwestern University felt there must be an easier and more updated method. So, they developed a device that uses sensors to measure exactly how much breast milk a baby is drinking.
It's important to note that the sensors are not available at the moment, but the hope is that the technology will be at new parents' disposal in a few years.
Lead researcher ​Daniel Robinson, MD MSc, an associate professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, explains to Parents that the device was designed to help health care professionals manage the nutritional needs of preterm and sick infants in the NICU. Their goal is also to reduce stress for breastfeeding parents and avoid the cumbersome use of pre- and post-feed weighing of infants.
'A mother would place a wireless sensor on the breast,' Robinson explains about how the device functions. 'Technically, the sensor is measuring a change in bioimpedance as the infant pulls milk out of the breast. The signal changes as the milk is expressed and breast tissue changes.'
Then, that information would be sent via Bluetooth to a smartphone, so parents can keep track of their baby's breastmilk intake.
Until the device is operational, if you are not a technophile, or if you can be technically challenged (timidly raises hand), Abrie McCoy, an IBCLC with SimpliFed, wants new parents to remember their bodies were made to breastfeed efficiently!
That said, McCoy emphasizes, 'It's completely normal to wonder if your baby is getting enough to eat.'
'While these concerns are valid, take a deep breath and trust in your body and your ability to nourish your baby,' she advises new parents.
McCoy says instead of focusing on finding an exact measurement of breast milk intake, parents should look for the signs of a successful feed.
Signs of a successful feeding routine include:
Your newborn is nursing often. McCoy says a new baby will nurse at least 8 to 10 times in a 24-hour period.
Baby is making wet and dirty diapers. 'From day 3 to 1 month old, your baby should have at least six wet diapers and three dirty diapers per day,' McCoy says. 'These numbers tell us your baby is well-hydrated and getting the nourishment they need.'
Baby continues to grow and thrive. This is a key indication that your baby is receiving the nourishment required.
Baby is experiencing a steady increase in head circumference, length, and weight. These trends are measured at your baby's well visits.
McCoy encourages new parents to support their bodies in providing nourishment to their babies, and following the baby's lead when it comes to showing hunger cues. Don't forget to relax and reach out for help from a lactation specialist or your child's pediatrician if you have concerns.
Read the original article on Parents