Why a Breastfeeding Chair? Promoting breastfeeding by developing a breastfeeding chair for the new millenium.

The Breastfeeding Chair is available from MumStuff in a choice of four fabrics and over 120 colours with Free Delivery. We also offer personal advice based on our experiences of using the chair and free fabric samples.

Promoting breastfeeding by developing a breastfeeding chair for the new millenium.

This research for the breastfeeding chair presented a unique research collaboration between art and design and public health. It has long been recognised that breastfeeding rates in the UK are substantially below other European countries and below an optimal level to promote the health of mothers and infants.

There are many variables which affect a mothers decision to breastfeed, but a significant factor in the continuation of breastfeeding is infant distress and maternal pain and discomfort caused through poor positioning. Poor positioning can be seen in turn to be related to the types of furniture that mothers use to feed from, including that supplied in hospitals, GP waiting rooms, clinics as well as domestic furniture. Frequently mothers can be observed using cushions, stools and other equipment to enable them to reach a reasonable breastfeeding position.

This project aimed to design a new breastfeeding chair that would be ergonomically tested and designed to meet the needs of breastfeeding women. The new chair is therefore the result of extensive research that was used to very closely inform the design. This included interviews with women, photographic data, interviews with experts and testing early designs.
The research draws on feminist thinking as well as the history of breastfeeding and demonstrates how public health initiatives can be informed by working with other disciplines.

Special features of the chair include:

· Ergonomically designed low seat creating an appropriate and effective lap height
· Upright back including an inflatable lumbar support, negating the need for a cushion behind the back
· Generous, wide seat to allow a sibling to perch beside the mother
· Exceptional stability and comfort
· Wide range of upholstery fabrics available

See Breastfeeding Chair in fabric Exclusive to MumStuff.

For further information, or, if you would like to take part in ongoing research contact: bfchair@bcuc.ac.uk

Dr Lynn Jones
Principal Lecturer in Furniture Design
Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College