The virtual birthing unit project/Comfort chair



This comfortable chair may be used for breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has numerous health benefits for the mother and baby (in the short and long term) and therefore should be encouraged and supported. Breast milk provides superior nutrition for optimal growth of the baby as well as offering protection against infection and allergies. Adults who were breastfed as babies have lower rates of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Breastfeeding also benefits the mother, facilitating a return to pre pregnancy weight, and reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding is also kind to the environment.

The WHO and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for a period of six months. The establishment of breastfeeding can be facilitated by ensuring that;
 * the mother and baby are able to enjoy skin to skin contact immediately after birth
 * breastfeeding is initiated within the first hour of life
 * the baby receives only breast milk without any additional food or drink (even water)
 * the baby is able to breastfeed on demand (as often as the baby wants, day and night)
 * bottles, teats and pacifiers are not used

Dyson L, McCormick FM, Renfrew MJ. Interventions for promoting the initiation of breastfeeding. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD001688. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001688.pub2.

Moore ER, Anderson GC, Bergman N. Early skin-to-skin contact for mothers and their healthy newborn infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD003519. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003519.pub2.

World Health Organisation. Exclusive breastfeeding. http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/exclusive_breastfeeding/en/index.html