The MiDi Story

MiDI (Milk Drop Intervention) was born directly from Barbara O'Rourke's profound moment of recognition that led to the revolutionary Milk Drop Method.

Lily's Story - Our Foundation

For over 30 years, Barbara O'Rourke has been feeding premature infants. Then one night, one baby and one moment changed how we care for our premature infants.

That night, Barbara was assigned to care for Lily, a preemie born at 27 weeks. After completing her cares and nesting her in, Barbara placed a drop of her mother's milk on Lily's lips. Lily seemed to smile as she pulled her little hands closer to her face and began to suck stronger and longer. Her mother was at the bedside crying and laughing all at the same time.

Barbara didn't care for Lily again until the night before her scheduled G-tube at 42 weeks. Lily had become severely aversive. After reviewing her complete medical history and finding no medical cause - no reflux, no vocal cord paralysis, no milk allergies, no aspiration - the stark reality emerged: "THAT WE DID THIS...just like the research says...all the negative oral experiences...it had happened so gradually...right before our very eyes."

The Evolution to MiDI

The Milk Drop Method proved remarkably successful - decreasing oral aversions, reducing length of stay, and decreasing G-tube placement. However, administration of the intervention was difficult. It's been years in the making: our MiDI developmental soother is engineered to allow the perfect size milk drop for premature infants to take without being too big to allow them to enjoy milk and continue learning to suck and swallow while creating positive neural connections.

Our Mission

We extend the transformative power of the Milk Drop Method through innovative developmental tools that provide consistent, positive sensory experiences for premature infants during their most critical developmental window. MiDI ensures that every interaction contributes to healthy neurological development rather than inadvertent aversion.

Our Commitment

Just as that first drop of mother's milk created a moment of connection for Lily, MiDI creates pathways for ongoing positive sensory integration that honors each infant's developmental journey and supports their natural capacity to thrive.

Contact

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Not ready for the pilot yet? Send us a note about products, training, implementation support, or research collaboration — one of our team members will reach out.