Haberman Feeder

Haberman Feeder is a specialized bottle designed for babies who have difficulty feeding. Named after its inventor, Mandy Haberman, the feeder is often used for babies with cleft palate or other conditions that interfere with successful feeding.

History

The Haberman Feeder was invented by Mandy Haberman in the 1980s. Haberman, a mother herself, was inspired to create a solution for babies who struggle with feeding due to conditions such as cleft palate, Down syndrome, and neurological disorders. The feeder has since become a popular choice for parents and healthcare professionals dealing with these challenges.

Design

The Haberman Feeder is designed to allow the baby to control the flow of milk, reducing the risk of choking and promoting more natural feeding rhythms. The bottle features a one-way valve and a slit valve at the teat, which together prevent air from entering the baby's stomach and reduce the effort required to feed. The feeder also has a squeezable body to allow caregivers to assist with feeding if necessary.

Use

To use the Haberman Feeder, the caregiver fills the bottle with milk, then adjusts the flow rate to match the baby's feeding ability. The baby can then feed at their own pace, with the caregiver able to assist by squeezing the bottle if needed. The design of the feeder means that even if the baby pauses, the milk will not flow back into the bottle, reducing the risk of choking.

Benefits

The Haberman Feeder offers several benefits for babies with feeding difficulties. It promotes more natural feeding rhythms, reduces the risk of choking, and can help to reduce colic caused by air entering the stomach. It can also make feeding less stressful for both the baby and the caregiver.

See Also

• Bottle feeding
• Cleft palate
• Infant nutrition