Bio-Inspired Breastfeeding Simulator (BIBS): A Tool for Studying the Infant Feeding Mechanism

Objective: This work introduces a bio-inspired breastfeeding simulator (BIBS), an experimental apparatus that mimics infant oral behavior and milk extraction, with the application of studying the breastfeeding mechanism in vitro. Methods: The construction of the apparatus follows a clinical study by the authors that collects measurements of natural intra-oral vacuum, the pressure from infant's jaw, tongue and upper palate, as well as nipple deformation on the breast areola area. The infant feeding mechanism simulator consists of a self-programmed vacuum pump assembly simulating the infant's oral vacuum, two linear actuators mimicking the oral compressive forces, and a motor-driven gear representing the tongue motion. A flexible, transparent and tissue-like breast phantom with bifurcated milk duct structure is designed and developed to work as the lactating human breast model. Bifurcated ducts are connected with a four-outlet manifold under a reservoir filled with milk-mimicking liquid. Piezoelectric sensors and a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera are used to record and measure the in vitro dynamics of the apparatus. Results: All mechanisms are successfully coordinated to mimic the infant's feeding mechanism. Suckling frequency and pressure values on the breast phantom from the experimental apparatus are in good agreement with the clinical data. Also, the change in nipple deformation captured by BIBS matches with those from in vivo clinical ultrasound images. Significance: The fully-developed breastfeeding simulator provides a powerful tool for understanding the bio-mechanics of breastfeeding and formulates a foundation for future breastfeeding device development.