Sure Start Speke

Following on from our creative endeavours during 'Family Involvement Week', Jackie Fryer started 'Knit Wits' knitting groups. Jackie suggested knitting premature baby clothes to raise funds to support the Newborn Appeal. However, after discussions with midwives in the centre they told us of a problem facing the Women's Hospital when introducing breast feeding to new mums. Demonstration breasts which the hospital uses to help teach mums the correct techniques in breast feeding and expressing breast milk, are in very short supply and at a cost of £50 each are very expensive to replace.

Sure Start Knit Wits group took up the challenge have been busy knitting and stuffing woolly boobs which they presented to midwife Jennifer Long. In the space of a week, they also managed to knit a bagful of tiny baby clothes which they have also donated to the hospital for the Premature Baby Unit to use. They also plan to set up a stall in the ante-natal clinic area in the centre selling their knitwear to raise additional funds.

If you can knit, and would like to get involved, the Lactation Unit at the Women's Hospital have provided us with the knitting pattern to enable you to produce your very own knitted breasts. If you can't knit, or haven't got the time but would still like to be involved, we would welcome donations of wool to help us contine in our quest. Knitted breasts or donations of wool can be dropped off at reception in the Sure Start Family Centre.

If you would like further information email Jackie Fryer or phone 0151 425 4028.