Mums having babies at Good Hope Hospital are benefiting from a very unique kind of breastfeeding support in the form of ‘knitted breast’ teaching aids.

Provided by the Mothers’ Union Outreach Knit and Natter Group, who meet at St James’ Church Centre in Mere Green every last Tuesday of the month; the knitted breasts are used as a tool for Good Hope midwives to teach mums the skills of antenatal hand expressing and postnatal breastfeeding.

Jackie Scott, Good Hope Hospital infant feeding co-ordinator, said: “We are so lucky to have the Knit and Natter Group to support us by knitting the breasts.  They help break the ice with women learning breastfeeding techniques and we use them for training midwives, paediatricians and support workers.

“Breastfeeding is perfect for giving babies a healthy start as breastfed babies are less likely to suffer with diarrhoea and vomiting, or chest or ear infections. It can also have a positive impact on future health, for example preventing diabetes and obesity for baby and breast and ovarian cancer for mum.”

“New mum Emma Etheridge from Sutton Coldfield had 16-week old James at Good Hope.  She said: “James was tongue tied when he was born, so the knitted breasts really helped with learning different positions to feed him.  I’m now a peer support worker myself and the breasts add to a good atmosphere whilst helping mums through what can be a difficult experience.  I think they are great.”

Knitter Jo Cash from Mere Green said: “I feel so blessed to be able to share my skills and do something to help.  I’ve always got time to do a bit of knitting.”

The group meets in the foyer at St. James’ church centre, Mere Green between 11.15am – 12.00 every last Tuesday of the month.