STUDENT DESIGNS NURSING MUM’S CHAIR TO BOOST BREASTFEEDING
Leicestershire student Nicola Hart has designed a fabulous breastfeeding chair with privacy wings and arm support that could be used in cafes and other public places.
The design coincides with the news that mothers are finally to get the legal right to breastfeed in any public place when the recently announced Equality Bill becomes law.
Under current laws, women who breastfeed in places such as restaurants or bars can be charged under public order or indecency legislation but the new law will make it an offence to stop any woman from breastfeeding a baby up to the age of six months- although this age should of course be increased as health professionals recommend infants be breastfed to at least 1 year of age, so the new law should reflect this.
Nicola, 22, who gradutes from Leiceser De Montfort University next month will showcase her designs at the New Designers exhibition in London in two weeks time (10-13 July).
New Designers is the leading showcase for the freshest talent in the design world and has been hailed by the Prime Minister as one of the most important exhibitions in London. See http://www.newdesigners.com/.
Nicola said: “Although breastfeeding is encouraged by medical professionals, many women decide against it for a variety of reasons and one of the deciding factors is they believe they can’t breastfeed in public places, often due to poor facilities, lack of confidence and other people’s negative reactions.
“My chair is designed for the contract environment, especially cafes. It not only provides a good breastfeeding posture which is comfortable and supporting, it also takes into consideration other people’s attitudes in relation to breastfeeding in public and helps keep it discreet using privacy wings.
“The chair’s high back provides good back and neck support while providing an ergonomically sound posture. The low-cushioned armrests and wide seat provide plenty of room for mother and baby. An optional footrest allows shorter users to lift their feet to create the ideal flat lap, and the in-built table allows the user to eat or drink during the baby’s feed.”