System and method for detecting infant swallowing

A system for detecting at least one infant swallowing event during a breastfeeding session, the system comprising:

• a sensor for detecting audio signals associated with at least one infant swallowing event, the sensor outputting at least one audio signal segment;
• a processor adapted for executing a code for:
• analyzing the at least one audio signal segment for an infant swallow pattern indicative of the at least one infant swallowing event, the processor comprising:
• detecting a first, a second and a third peak regions in the at least one signal segment;
• calculating a first duration from the end of the first peak region to the start of the second peak region and a second duration from the end of the second peak region to the start of the third peak region;
• detecting that the at least one swallowing event has occurred when the first duration falls within a first signature time range and the second duration falls within a second signature time range;
• and
• instructing a generation of a signal indicative of the swallowing event;
• and
• an output unit for generating an output of one or both of a sound and a picture in response to the signal indicative of the swallowing event.

A stethoscope for listening to infant swallowing sounds comprising:

• a contact element sized for positioning against the skin of an infant's head or neck;
• a sensor for generating at least one electrical audio signal segment in response to received sound vibrations from the infant, the sensor is in communication with the contact element so that sound is transmitted from the infant through the contact element to the sensor;
• an electrical transceiver for providing electrical communication external of the stethoscope, for transmitting the at least one electrical audio signal segment, and for receiving at least one signal indicative of an infant swallowing event;
• and
• at least one speaker sized for positioning in proximity of or inside an ear canal of a user, the speakers being in electrical communication with the electrical transceiver so that the at least one signal indicative of the infant swallowing event is transmitted by the speakers to the ears of the user.