Vol. 2, Issue 6, Part P (2016)

Abstract
Despite the extraordinary benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child, the modern day woman faces various psychosocial barriers to breastfeeding, in addition to these emotional and physical challenges. There is great potential for the development and improvement of apparel for breastfeeding mothers. The aim of this study was to design and develop functional clothing for a lactating woman. A questionnaire was developed for personal interview to assess clothing requirements of lactating mothers. The identified clothing requirements were incorporated in garment designs. After designing the garment was constructed and given to the lactating women for wear trial. Designed and constructed garment (kurti 2) were found to be highly suitable with the score (20/21- 95.23%) for comfort features and for constructional features (14/15- 93.33%). The scores of kurti 1 were (19/21- 90.47%) for comfort features and for constructional features (16/21- 76.19%). The acceptability score of kurti 1 and 2 were found to be (53/80-66.25%) and (55/80-68.75%) It can be concluded from the data that subject was satisfied with the functional designs. This type of Designing and construction of functional clothing can boost up the confidence of lactating mothers to breastfeed in the public places and thus ultimately breaking psychosocial barriers to breastfeeding and also enhance psychological comfort by lifting their self esteem.