They may rather resemble Christmas puddings, but these knitted breasts can help make the difference between a happy baby and mum, and a very frustrated pair!

NCT breastfeeding counsellor Karen Hall uses the knitted boobs when she’s teaching antenatal classes, to show how a baby needs to be positioned at the breast.

She says: “When a baby is not well positioned, it can cause the mum a lot of pain and have an adverse effect on her milk supply. In fact it's the most likely cause of pain in breastfeeding, so if mums and their partners have some knowledge about how to do this, it helps them to have a more positive experience of breastfeeding.”

Karen knits the breasts using a modified version of a pattern originally designed by Beryl Tsang.

New breasts are always needed, however, so Karen is for volunteers to knit boobs so they can be given to Breastfeeding Peer Supporters – local mums who get a few weeks of training to support other new mums, either at drop-in support groups or in the community.

As you can see from the photos, they’re great for stashbusting too, because the boobs can be any colours you like!

Click here for Karen’s boob knitting pattern.

Once your boob or boobs are complete, please send them to:

Caroline Atkins
Bagshot Surestart Centre
School Lane
Bagshot
GU19 5BP

And if you’re a new mum or know a new mum, you might like to contact the NCT Breastfeeding Line on tel: 0300 33 00 771. The helpline is open 7 days a week from 8am till 10pm. Alternatively visit http://bfsupport.me.uk/

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