As some of you may already know, I am currently training to be a breastfeeding helper with the Breastfeeding Network, with the hope that once my training is finished, I will be able to volunteer in breastfeeding groups, and even on the postnatal ward, supporting mums who are breastfeeding their babies, and may need a little bit of help or support to do it. The numbers of mums breastfeeding in the UK is quite poor really, when you consider that Mother Nature designed our bodies to perform this function for our newborns. I don't want to get into a whole political debate about the reasons behind this, nor to comment on it further really. Those of you who know me 'in real life' know how I feel about it all already, and really women should be able to make their own decisions, for their own reasons, on how they choose to feed their babies.
That said, I am obviously 'pro-boob' I couldn't deny that even if I wanted to. I am 7 months into my breastfeeding experience with my son, having fed my two daughters to 14 mths and 15 mths respectively. And the very fact that I want to be a Breastfeeding Helper kind of makes it a bit obvious how I feel on the subject!
So this week I want to use my blog to just promote the work that the Breastfeeding Network do. And to show you my boobs. Ok, before you get worried, I do not own a single photo of my boobs, or of me breastfeeding any of my children. So I don't want to show you my actual boobs. Just the ones I made. Phew.
The Breastfeeding Network is a charity whose aim is to offer independent information and support to breastfeeding mums and the people who care for them. In collaboration with The Association of breastfeeding Mothers they run a helpline, as well as running their own helpline too., and offer a range of information leaflets on a variety of subjects to do with breastfeeding. They also provide training in some parts of the country for mums, like myself, who want to help support other mums on their breastfeeding journeys. The training I am doing is also in association with Homestart, which is a family support organisation.
So why have I been making boobs? BfN helpers and supporters use them with mums to demonstrate hand expressing and also positioning and attachment with the cloth dolls. We were given the knitted boob pattern during a class, but me being me, I had to look and see if I could find a crochet version too! Apparently the charity is always looking for knitted boobs. Each helper is given their own boob during their training) so if anyone would like to help out then you can get in touch with the BfN or comment here, or email me (bluekasha@aol.com) and I'll put you in touch with my course tutor.
I have been looking for a pattern for a 'boob beanie' whilst searching the interweb for crochet patterns. I don't know if you have seen them, but they are for babies to wear on their heads while having their lunch in public. A very clever (and irritated I should think!) Australian mum came up with the idea due to being sick of all the negativity when she wanted to breastfeed her child in public. You can see it here. It basically resembles a boob. It is getting a bit cooler now, and I'm sure my little boy is in need of a new hat.... ;)
I am sure there are lots of other uses for these fabric bazoomas, especially since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month too. Boobs are amazing things, let's celebrate them :)
I'm linking up with Wendy for Handmade Monday as usual. Please spend any spare time you have having a look at the wonderful blogs linked up over there.
(just a quick note to my fellow bloggers... I have had a fair few problems with logging into google this week, so although I have been reading your blogs, I have been unable to post comments. Hopefully that will be resolved this week!)
Have a great week,
15 comments:
Good for you. There is definitely a need for people like you. I breastfed all three of my children but was basically told that I would be unable to feed my second one as he wasn't that interested. Had I not have been quite so stubborn, as well as having successfully fed my first born I am sure that I would have turned to the bottle. I wonder how many others have had a similar experience? I never worried about feeding in public - it was that or a screaming child. I know which they would have chosen!
Good for you. There is definitely a need for people like you. I breastfed all three of my children but was basically told that I would be unable to feed my second one as he wasn't that interested. Had I not have been quite so stubborn, as well as having successfully fed my first born I am sure that I would have turned to the bottle. I wonder how many others have had a similar experience? I never worried about feeding in public - it was that or a screaming child. I know which they would have chosen!
Well I never thought I'd be typing this, but I love your boobs.
I breast fed both my children, but did also give them both top up bottles from quite early on, which worked for me as it meant my husband could be very involved in their care.
I'm afraid I didn't succeed with breast feeding my two daughters 24 years ago, as I found it far too painful. Perhaps if I had had help from someone like you and this organisation things would have been different. Love the 'boob beanie' :)
Well done Helen - a great post. Love your boobs too. Looking forward to reading about your cooking in a future blog? Hope you have a good week.
Good for you Helen. I remember asking if I could sit in the changing room of a small department store to feed my son and being told to use the ladies loo. Needless to say, I walked out of that shop without the outfit I was about to buy! I was also told by a neighbour that it wasn't "right" to continue feeding my son after 6 weeks as he was a boy!
My daughter-in-law is currently successfully breast feeding my 12 week old grandson with the help of an excellent support group like yours, despite having some initial problems. She recently sent me a pic of the beanie on facebook so I feel a knitting project is on the way!
Keep up the good work!
Good for you Helen. I remember asking if I could sit in the changing room of a small department store to feed my son and being told to use the ladies loo. Needless to say, I walked out of that shop without the outfit I was about to buy! I was also told by a neighbour that it wasn't "right" to continue feeding my son after 6 weeks as he was a boy!
My daughter-in-law is currently successfully breast feeding my 12 week old grandson with the help of an excellent support group like yours, despite having some initial problems. She recently sent me a pic of the beanie on facebook so I feel a knitting project is on the way!
Keep up the good work!
Good for you on your 'boob' promotion. I have 2 (now grown up) children, breast fed one for only 4 weeks then I had to go into hospital so couldn't continue. My second went straight on the bottle. But I do remember my friends having to 'find somewhere private' to feed their children. Support groups are an important part of being a happy breast feeder. Well done :)
Jan x
Thanks for your kind words ladies, it means a lot x
Jill, there will be a foodie blog coming up in the next few days. I'll keep you posted!
Helen am loving your boobies, but you know me I share your love of boobies anyway!!
You have to do a double take with those little booby hats! lol
It was fun reading your blog post. I must admit I never breast fed my children. It was in the old days and my doctor didn't recommend it. I know times have changed now. Wishing you a wonderful week.
I didn't breast feed for very good reasons, but I know how hard it can be for some mums, so the more people that can help teach them the better. Your little boobs look very useful and I loved that boob hat!
Hi,
Ive just discovered your blog & really enjoyed it! There is a blog I think you would like it, you seem to have similar interests & she also works with breast feeding mothers & crochets baby boob hats!
Bean
OOOOOPS! me again I forgot to tell you the blog! Its called Treasures from the cherry tree.
Bean
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