August 1st to 7th is World Breastfeeding Week and the aim this year is to highlight breastfeeding peer counselling. One of my first knitting patterns was a "knitted boob" which I made at the request of someone training to be a breastfeeding peer support counsellor. The customisable breast (you can make one in any size, colour and fullness etc) is designed to help with demonstrations to new mothers and mothers-to-be. The pattern is on Ravelry in both English and Portuguese.
As societies change, mothers can no longer rely on having the expertise and support of an extended family during the weeks and months after delivery. Because of this, peer support is more important than ever for those who need help. There may be a group close to you who would appreciate a few "boobs" - they are very quick to make and use just a small amount of yarn.
If you'd like more information on the WBW aims and events please visit the WBW website.
This is all very close to my heart. I volunteered as a breastfeeding counsellor for years and years and years ... running groups and helping mums. I've made rather a few of these boobs in my time although I had to adapt another pattern I found to make it in the round. X
ReplyDeleteOh boy do I not miss nursing. It was stressful for me as I wasn't blessed with a lot of milk. I love the nursing bib invention. Wish I had that in my day. I remember nursing my daughter once in the car, all crammed in the seat.
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