THERE’S nothing easy about breastfeeding so any innovation to make the experience more relaxing for both mother and baby is always welcomed.
Victoria Bellamy, a mother-of-one, has invented the latest gadget hailed as the savour of all breastfeeding mothers’ problems - and that’s a demanding position to be in.
The Leicestershire teacher has created a breastfeeding pillow to enable mothers to feed their little bundles of joy while horizontal - living the dream, right?
Talking about her inspiration for the Bennu Babies pillow, she said: “I was absolutely exhausted when I came home after giving birth and a midwife suggested I breastfeed lying down.
“I had to put something under my breast to lift it so the nipple could reach my baby’s mouth. I tried folding blankets, toilet rolls, teddies but it was uncomfortable and time consuming so I thought I'd design a pillow especially for the breast.”
But this isn’t just your bog-standard cushion cut from cheap foam, as she explained.
“The pillow is made of cot safe foam so free of CFCs and comes with a removable, washable cover in a variety of fabrics such as organic cotton and bamboo silk.
“It’s is placed under the breast to lift the nipple for baby to latch onto, and then removed after every feed.”
Vicky, 36, is a proud mother to gorgeous daughter Andromeda and cites the young girl as her inspiration for starting the up-and-coming business.
“I was determined to breastfeed. I must have cried to every health professional that would listen to me as I found it so painful but I knew the health benefits were worth it for my baby so I persevered.
“I'm driven to make my business succeed because I hope the pillows will help other women to breastfeed comfortably.”
She added: “I'm driven to succeed to make my daughter and family proud of me. She was four weeks old when I decided to invent the pillow and start Bennu Babies.
“I hope she learns that, if she is prepared to put in some effort, she can make things happen.”
Vicky’s position as founder of Bennu Babies is vastly different to her usual day job, teaching sixth formers media studies at one of Leicestershire’s most prestigious colleges - with alumni including both Richard and David Attenborough.
Teaching and starting her own business aside, the 36-year-old has admitted trying to control her “roller coaster hormones” was one of the biggest challenges of the last year.
She said: “Nothing could prepare me for the emotional roller coaster my hormones sent me on or the sleep deprivation.
“I used to go to work after all-night partying so thought I could cope without sleep, but there's no comparison. It's just constant and you can't nap like babies do.”
But it’s all worth it in former party-girl Vicky’s eyes, especially with the exciting news Bennu Babies has been shortlisted for a Breastfeeding Accessory Award.
When asked where she sees herself in five years time, the superstar mum said: “I hope to have the pillows and other products in high street shops as well as selling abroad and hopefully a smaller waist!”
UK Express
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