Abstract:
A nursing garment for wearing when breastfeeding an infant, the garment comprising a first garment layer having a front surface that leaves breasts uncovered when worn, a second garment layer connected to the first garment layer, the second garment layer overlying at least a portion of the first garment layer and covering breasts when worn, and at least one support member moveable between a non-breastfeeding position and a breastfeeding position.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of co-pending United Kingdom Intellectual Property Patent Office Patent Application No. GB 1506242.5, filed on Apr. 13, 2015, entitled “NURSING GARMENT”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a nursing garment, and more particularly to a nursing garment for breastfeeding an infant in public. 
       BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Breastfeeding is a natural way for a mother to feed her child during the first months of its life. Some mothers choose to bottle-feed their babies, either using breast milk collected via a breast pump (which can be impersonal and uncomfortable) or using so-called ‘formula’ milk. However, whilst it is socially acceptable to bottle-feed a baby in public, it is often considered much less socially acceptable to breastfeed in public. Babies need to be fed often, and if a mother is away from home with her baby, it can therefore be difficult and stressful to find a place to breastfeed discreetly, without drawing unwanted attention. 
         [0004]    Currently, several options are available to mothers who wish to breastfeed when not at home, but all have drawbacks. Washrooms (or baby changing areas, if available) offer a secluded space to breastfeed, but these are typically unhygienic. Alternatively, breastfeeding in a car may be private, but anti-social if the mother and baby must return frequently, interrupting a day trip, for example. 
         [0005]    Nursing tops and breastfeeding aprons are available, along with cloths (e.g. muslin), shawls and slings, all of which offer varying compromises between the discreetness and ease of breastfeeding. However, these still leave the mother&#39;s breast(s) or midriff publicly exposed, even if temporarily, which may be embarrassing and draw unwanted attention, and some of these options can be restrictive to the baby, causing distress. Furthermore, the mother must remember to take one of the above before leaving the house, and must be carrying it when the baby needs to be fed. 
         [0006]    It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    According to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a nursing garment for wearing when breastfeeding an infant, the garment comprising a first garment layer having a front surface that leaves breasts uncovered when worn, a second garment layer connected to the first garment layer, the second garment layer overlying at least a portion of the first garment layer and covering breasts when worn, and at least one support member moveable between a non-breastfeeding position, in which the second garment layer lies in close proximity to the front surface of the first garment layer, and a breastfeeding position, in which the at least one support member holds the second garment layer apart from the front surface of the first garment layer, providing an internal chamber between the garment layers. 
         [0008]    Advantageously, the garment allows for discreet breastfeeding whilst allowing the mother to retain her modesty, keeping her breasts and midriff concealed. The garment functions as a conventional top, so no additional devices or materials are required, nor can be forgotten, if needing to breastfeed outside the home. The ease of use of the extendable and retractable second garment layer allows for breastfeeding without needing to find an isolated area, such as a washroom. It therefore greatly reduces the stress, embarrassment and/or inconvenience associated with breastfeeding in a public place. 
         [0009]    The front surface of the first garment layer may include at least one aperture at breast level for breasts to pass through when worn, providing unrestricted access for a baby to suckle. 
         [0010]    The support member may be disposed at an upper end of the second garment layer. 
         [0011]    Preferably, a closed pocket is stitched into the upper end, in which the support member may be disposed. The upper end of the second garment layer lies at or above the breast level in use, to conceal the breasts exposed by the first garment layer. Placing the support member at the upper end ensures that, when moved or expanded into the breastfeeding position, the volume of the internal chamber is maximised, raising the second garment layer away from the breasts to provide access for breastfeeding. Having the support member within a closed pocket is advantageous because the pocket allows the support member to slide within it, maintaining its position at the upper end of the second garment layer. 
         [0012]    The second garment layer may include one or more stays to support the at least one support member in the breastfeeding position. Preferably, there are two stays provided as a halter, i.e. passing behind the user&#39;s neck in use. The stays may connect to two or more points on the upper end of the second garment layer. In the breastfeeding configuration, the stays prevent the support member from slipping below the level of the breasts and exposing them. 
         [0013]    The support member may include two outer support sections and a central support section. The central support section may be outwardly flanked and overlain on either side by the outer support sections. Each outer support section may be curved. The central support section may be curved. Preferably, each outer support section is flexible and resilient. More preferably, the central support section is flexible and resilient. 
         [0014]    An arrangement of support sections in this manner provides a mechanism for switching the support member between a breastfeeding position, or a non-breastfeeding position. In the non-breastfeeding position, the garment has the appearance of a conventional top. Having curved, flexible and/or resilient members allows the garment to sustain repeated use, and enables the mechanism to function i.e. create the internal chamber on demand, with the central section bearing against the outer sections (and vice versa). The outer support sections can slide within the stitched pocket towards or away from each other, in front of the central support section, providing a collapsible support structure. 
         [0015]    Drawstrings may be provided, one drawstring attached to each outer support section. The drawstrings may be provided at ends of the outer support sections which overlie the central support section. The drawstrings allow the mother to control whether the garment is worn in a breastfeeding configuration, or a non-breastfeeding configuration. In other words, from having the support member in the breastfeeding position, the drawstrings may be pulled outwardly to collapse the support member, and then tied together to secure the support member in the non-breastfeeding position. Equally, from having the support sections in the non-breast-feeding position, the drawstrings may be untied and the second garment layer pulled outwardly to cause the support member to enter the breastfeeding position. 
         [0016]    One or more openings may be provided between the first and second garment layers for access to the internal chamber. Preferably, there are side openings on the left- and right-hand sides of the garment, between the first and second garment layers. Alternatively or additionally, there may be a base opening between the garment layers. This allows the mother to pass the baby into the internal chamber, holding the baby using either arm. This in turn enables the mother to suckle the baby at either breast depending on her preference. 
         [0017]    The second garment layer may be connected to the first garment layer by one or more fasteners. The fasteners may include one or more central fasteners to connect the upper end of the second garment layer to the first garment layer. This prevents the second garment layer from sagging relative to the first garment layer, which might otherwise allow the wearer&#39;s breasts to be exposed when the support member is in the non-breastfeeding position. 
         [0018]    The fasteners may include one or more side fasteners to connect the sides of the second garment layer to the first garment layer. The side fastener(s) prevent a gust of wind, for example, from blowing the second garment layer aside and exposing the wearer&#39;s breasts. The side fasteners may be toggles or Velcro (®), for example. Alternatively, the layers may be stitched together along a portion of the sides where they meet. 
         [0019]    The body-facing side of the second garment layer may be formed of or covered in a soft and/or low-friction material. This reduces irritation and chafing on the exposed breasts below it, which may be tender before and/or after breastfeeding. Preferably, the body-facing side of the second garment layer is an auxiliary water-absorbent layer of the second garment layer, to conceal wetness arising from uncontrolled lactation, for example. 
         [0020]    The internal chamber may be substantially at least 10 centimetres in depth. This is the minimum depth needed to provide space for the baby to suckle (i.e. breastfeed) comfortably when held within the internal chamber by the mother. Preferably, the internal chamber is substantially 20 centimetres in depth, providing more room to accommodate a larger baby, for example, without being particularly conspicuous. 
         [0021]    The internal chamber may include a canopy at its upper end. Preferably, the canopy is a translucent mesh or gauze to allow the mother and baby to have eye contact, which is important for bonding with and soothing the baby. Alternatively, the canopy may be transparent. Preferably the materials used to make the canopy, and first and second garment layers, are hypoallergenic. 
         [0022]    The first garment layer may include at least one pocket to carry tissues or breast pads. The pocket may be under the second garment layer. Preferably, the pocket is located towards the bottom of the front surface of the first layer for easy access. The pocket(s) may be accessed via the side openings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of a first embodiment of a nursing garment according to the invention in a non-breastfeeding configuration; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a first layer of the nursing garment of  FIG. 1  in isolation; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3A  shows a perspective view of the nursing garment of  FIG. 1  in a breastfeeding configuration; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3B  shows hidden features of the nursing garment of  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4A  shows a plan view from above of a support member of the nursing garment of  FIG. 1  in isolation, configured in a non-breastfeeding position; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 4B  shows a plan view from above of the support member of  FIG. 4A  configured in a breastfeeding position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]    Referring firstly to  FIGS. 1 to 3B , a nursing garment is indicated generally at  10 . 
         [0031]    The garment  10  is shown in a non-breastfeeding configuration in  FIG. 1 . The garment  10  may be adapted into a breastfeeding configuration indicated in  FIG. 3A . The garment  10  includes a first fabric underlayer  12  and a second fabric overlayer  14 . Together, the underlayer  12  and overlayer  14  have the aesthetic appearance of a normal top in the non-breastfeeding configuration. The overlayer  14  covers a portion of the front and sides of the underlayer  12 . 
         [0032]    The underlayer  12  includes a front surface  12   a.  An aperture  16  is provided through the front surface  12   a,  sized and shaped to permit the breasts of a mother wearing the top to be exposed through the underlayer  12 . The front surface  12   a  also includes a pocket  18  at its lower end, which lies near waist height when worn, providing quick and easy access to its contents. 
         [0033]    The overlayer  14  has an upper end  14   a  which lies above the aperture  16  when worn, lying above the breasts of the mother to conceal them. The upper end  14   a  is enclosed and contains a support member indicated generally at  18  (in  FIG. 4A ) for moving the garment  10  between non-breastfeeding and breastfeeding configurations. Specifically, the upper end  14   a  is a closed channel (i.e. a stitched pocket) in which the support member  18  is located. 
         [0034]    The support member  18  includes a central support section  18   a  and two outer support sections  18   b.  Together, these support sections  18   a,    18   b  can be moved between non-breastfeeding and breastfeeding positions corresponding to the respective configurations of the garment  10 . The central section  18   a  is mounted in a fixed position within the closed channel, so that it remains central with respect to the outer sections  18   b,  and does not become displaced towards either. 
         [0035]    The upper end  14   a  of the overlayer  14  is connected to two stays  20   a,    20   b.  The stays  20   a,    20   b  form a halter, passing around the neck of the mother when worn (shown as passing around the collar in  FIGS. 1 and 3A ). The stays  20   a,    20   b  are load-bearing in the breastfeeding configuration, holding the expanded support member  18  in place to prevent it from falling downwards under gravity. 
         [0036]    Drawstrings  22  are included on each of the outer support sections  18   b.  Each drawstring  22  is connected to an end of its respective support section  18   b,  the ends being adjacent and each overlying the central support section  18   a.  The drawstrings  22  are strung through eyelets (not shown) provided in the upper end  14   a,  draping downwards over the overlayer  14 . The drawstrings  22  can be tied together (as seen in 
         [0037]      FIG. 1 , for example) to arrange the garment  10  in a non-breastfeeding configuration, or untied (as seen in  FIG. 3 ) to arrange the garment  10  in a breastfeeding configuration. 
         [0038]    The second garment layer  14  has a central tab  24  which can be used to pull the support member  18  outwards into its breastfeeding position. The different components of the garment  10  are connected by fasteners. Stitching may also be used to connect the layers  12 ,  14  together in some places. The tab  24  includes a press stud  24   a  (commonly known as a popper) to connect with a corresponding portion on the underlayer  12 . Second and third press studs  26   a,    26   b  are also provided on the respective stays  20   a,    20   b  for connection with corresponding portions on the underlayer  12 . 
         [0039]    Fasteners in the form of first and second toggles  28   a,    28   b  (in  FIG. 1 ) are further provided at the lower left- and lower right-hand sides of the overlayer  14 , connecting the overlayer  14  to the underlayer  12  at certain points. This provides side openings (not shown) between the layers  12 ,  14 . 
         [0040]    In the breastfeeding configuration, the overlayer  14  is held apart from the underlayer  12  by the support member  18 . In so doing, this creates an internal chamber in between the front surface  12   a  of the underlayer  12  and the inside of the overlayer  14 . The internal chamber is open at its base. The internal chamber is covered at its top by a canopy  30 . The canopy  30  is a translucent mesh which is stretched substantially taut in the breastfeeding configuration. 
         [0041]    Referring also to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the support member  18  for switching between non-breastfeeding and breastfeeding positions is shown in greater detail. The central support section  18   a  is a plastic strip. Each of the outer support sections  18   b  is a plastic strip, each one being a mirror image of the other in shape. The central section  18   a  is flexible and resilient. The outer support sections  18   b  are similarly flexible and resilient. The outer sections  18   b  are cantilevered with respect to the layers  12 ,  14  such that the drawstring ends are free within the upper end  14   a  and the other ends are fixed within the upper end  14   a,  by stitching, for example. The support sections  18   a,    18   b  are held in curved arrangements within the stitched pocket of the upper end  14   a.    
         [0042]    In the non-breastfeeding position, the central support section  18   a  is flattened against the torso of the wearer when the drawstrings  22  have been tied, as in  FIG. 4A . When the drawstrings  22  are untied, pulling the tab  24  outwardly in the direction of arrow A causes the central section  18   a  to bear against the outer support sections  18   b.    
         [0043]    The drawstring ends of the outer sections  18   b  are then displaced away from each other due to their cantilevered arrangement, and the support member  18  enters its breastfeeding position ( FIG. 4B ). The central section  18   a  remains central as it is fixed in place within the upper end  14   a.    
         [0044]    In the breastfeeding position, pulling outwardly on the drawstrings  22  will bring the outer sections  18   b  towards each other, with the drawstrings  22  bearing against the eyelets. During this process, the outer sections  18   b  bear against the central section  18   a,  collapsing it towards the torso of the wearer. When the second garment layer is sufficiently close to the torso, the wearer can then tie the drawstrings  22  together to maintain the relative positions of the support sections  18   a,    18   b,  with the support member  18  back in its non-breastfeeding position. 
         [0045]    In use, a mother will put on the garment  10  as a top, tying the drawstrings  22  and fastening the fasteners to provide the appearance of a conventional top, i.e. the non-breastfeeding configuration, with the stays  20   a,    20   b  to either side of (and linked behind) her neck as a halter. When needing to breastfeed her baby in public, the mother can untie the drawstrings  22 , release the poppers  24   a,    26   a,    26   b  and pull the tab  24  outwards with just one hand, moving the overlayer  14  away from the underlayer  12  into the breastfeeding configuration. 
         [0046]    The mother can then carefully pass her baby through one of the side openings and into the internal chamber, where the baby can latch onto and suckle one of her breasts. If needed, she can switch arms via the side openings, and also switch the baby onto the other breast. The side openings also provide easy access to the pocket  18 , to use tissues or breast pads as needed. Once the baby is satiated, the mother can remove the baby from the chamber. Then, pulling outwardly on the drawstrings, the outer support sections  18   b  are brought together in front of the central section  18   a,  bearing against the central section  18   a  in the process to collapse it with them. After re-fastening the poppers  24   a,    26   a,    26   b,  the garment  10  is back in its non-breastfeeding state. 
         [0047]    It will be appreciated that, within the scope of the claims, other embodiments of nursing garment are envisaged. For example, an alternate embodiment may have a support member with four or five (or more) support sections. The shape and structure of the support member may, in such a case, provide for a support member which folds flatter when the garment is not being worn, and instead is hung on a clothes rail.