GB2478338A

GB2478338A - Waterproof breastfeeding garment

Info

Publication number: GB2478338A
Application number: GB1003615A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jenny Mcgillion
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-03-04
Filing date: 2010-03-04
Publication date: 2011-09-07
Also published as: GB201003615D0

Abstract

A waterproof breastfeeding garment includes a waterproof fabric inner layer across a front section 10, the layer being sandwiched between absorbent fabric 11. The garment further includes a front slit opening from the top centre to approximately half way down the front of the garment to form two fold-down flaps in the front section 4, 5. The flaps are releasably connected by hook and loop fastenings to a fabric band 9 running across the top of the garment.

Description

BACKGROIJND

The present invention relates to an article of clothing, in general, and in particular, an upper-body breastfeeding garment for use by nursing mothers during breast-feeding.

A plethora of research studies have demonstrated that breastfeeding is associated with significant health benefits for both infant and mother. Health professionals are keen to promote breastfeeding to expectant and new mothers, highlighting not only the health benefits, but additionally emphasising the convenience of breastfeeding compared to bottle feeding formula milk. Despite this, only one-third of babies in the UK are breast fed at birth, and less than five per cent are breast fed at five months. Many women cite inconvenience' as one reason why they do not attempt or continue with breastfeeding.

One inconvenience that the majority of breastfeeding women encounter is that of leaking breasts -both in between breast feeds and during breastfeeding. Leakage of breast milk can prove both uncomfortable and embarrassing for new mothers. Breast milk leakage is particularly commonplace for new mothers whilst milk production is regulating, however can continue for the entire duration of breastfeeding, which can be many months or even years.

In order to manage the leakage of breast milk, the majority of breastfeeding women wear either disposable or reusable breast pads within a bra during daytime hours. However many women find it uncomfortable to wear nursing bras or specialist breastfeeding tops, with straps and plastic fastenings, during the night. In addition, breast pads can easily fall out during night feedings, and can be difficult to retrieve in the dark. Even where breast pads are utilised, where there is significant leakage this can lead to damp and uncomfortable outer garments and bedclothes, which require frequent changing.

The present breastfeeding garment differs from those current available, as it incorporates a range of unique features, specifically designed for use during night-time feeding (although it can be used during the daytime also) to combats the above-mentioned problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an upper-body breastfeeding garment which provides easy access to the breasts, and prevents leaking milk from reaching the breastfeeding mother's outer garments or bedclothes.

It is the object of this invention to provide a breastfeeding garment that provides waterproof coverage of the breast area. A further object of this invention is to provide a breastfeeding garment that has absorbent properties. A third object of the invention is to provide a breastfeeding top that enables quick and easy access to the breasts, A fourth objective is to provide a breastfeeding garment that is soft and comfortable against the skin. To achieve these objectives the present breastfeeding garment is constructed from absorbent fabric, with an inner waterproof layer across the breast area. The primary advantage is that the waterproof layer prevents leaking milk from soaking through the garment onto the bed sheets or outer clothing. Additional advantages of the present breastfeeding garment include quick and easy access to breasts, and a garment that is soft and comfortable enough to wear for long periods throughout the day-time and night-time.

An example of the invention is illustrated by the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 -illustrates the closed breastfeeding garment.

Figure 2 -illustrates the open breastfeeding garment.

Figure 3 -illustrates a section through the breastfeeding garment

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Breastfeeding Garment The present invention relates to an upper body garment for breastfeeding. The garment is a band-shaped design, comprising 2 separate panels of fabric, front and back, with a right hand seam and a left hand seam (1&2). The front central section of the breastfeeding garment (from seam to seam) incorporates a waterproof layer (11) in between top' and bottom' outer layers of absorbent fabric (12). The breastfeeding garment incorporates a split down the centre of the front panel to approximately two thirds of the way down the front panel (3), forming two fold-down flaps (left and right) (4&5). Left and right flaps are fastened by a device such as Velcro TM attached horizontally across the inside top of the fold-down flaps (6&7) which fix to a partner fastener (8) attached to a fabric band running across the top of the garment (9). A further fastener will run vertically down the inside length of the central split (10), with the partner fastener running along the outer length of the central split, to prevent gaping.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A breastfeeding garment, in which the front panel comprises a waterproof-coated fabric or waterproof layer which may be produced in, but not limited to fluorocarbon or polyurethane, situated between outer, top and bottom layers of absorbent fabric.
2. A breastfeeding garment according to claim 1, simply comprising a front panel of fabric and a back panel of fabric,
3. A breastfeeding garment according to claims 1 and 2, of which the outer, top and bottom layers of fabric can be produced in, but not limited to, the following absorbent fabrics: cotton, cottonispandex, bamboo, bamboo/cotton, bamboo/spandex.
4. A breastfeeding garment according to claims 1, 2 and 3 in which the front panel of fabric has a split opening, from the top centre to approximately half way down, to form two fold-down flaps.
5. A breastfeeding garment according to claims 1, 2 3 and 4, in which the opening of the garment can be fastened with a variety of devices which could include, but are not limited to Velcro TM, press-studs and zippers.