Local charity Lanarkshire Breastfeeding Initiative (LBI) have decided to mark Breastfeeding Awareness Week 2010 with a project that will have you in stitches. Inspired by similar schemes that have been successful elsewhere, we have launched the Knitted Bosom Project using a pattern supplied by the Lactation Consultants of Great Britain. Health Promotion meets knitting as crafty locals knit model breasts that will be used to teach new mums how to hand express their milk. The breasts will be used by midwives, nurses, breastfeeding support workers and breastfeeding peer supporters in the Lanarkshire area.
Hand expression is a handy skill for any mum who breastfeeds her baby and unlike a pump hand expression is free! Babies who are breastfed are less likely to suffer from gastro-intestinal infections, chest infections, urine infections, ear infections, asthma, eczema (where it runs in the family), diabetes in childhood and obesity. Breastmilk also has a special value to pre-term babies. Mothers benefit from breastfeeding too by having a lower risk of ovarian cancer, breast cancer and hip fracture in later life (caused by the bone disease, osteoporosis).
Knitted Bosoms will provide us with one more tool to help get breastfeeding mothers off to a good start and they're guaranteed to raise a smile. LBI are looking for as many Lanarkshire residents and staff as possible to participate in the Knitted Bosom Project.
Knitting Pattern
Crochet Pattern