Prague-based design studio 52hours has created a breastfeeding bench for use in public spaces, to offer comfort and privacy to mothers when tending to their babies.
The bench, called Heer, is designed to offer mothers and babies a "small oasis of peace" in public spaces where they can come to rest, feed their child or simply isolate themselves from the hectic urban surroundings.
Ivana Preiss and Filip Vasic from 52hours wanted to provide a middle ground between comfort and discretion for mothers wanting to breastfeeding in public. The product would serve the needs of mothers and babies as well as challenging "often antagonistic cultural norms".

"Although breastfeeding in public is becoming increasingly accepted, for various cultural, psychological or other reasons many mothers still feel uneasy about it," said the pair to Dezeen. "On the other hand, the designated places for breastfeeding are rare, poorly designed, isolated and uncomfortable. Above all, they practically reinforce exclusion of mothers," they added.

The duo therefore created a long pink bench with a large seat, with curved sections that wrap around the user to shield the bust area without shutting them off from their surroundings.
The shield is designed to offer privacy to mothers, should they desire it, and to rid babies of any distractions whilst feeding.

An adjacent bench provides seating for those who wish to accompany the mother, whether another child, partne...