Mothers' Union members have been commissioned to knit woollen breasts to help teach new mums breastfeed their babies.

The NHS asked the Somerset branch of the Mothers' Union to produce 150 woollen breasts, in several colours, as a better alternative to balloons. "At first I thought they needed 150 woolly vests," said Shirley Dibbs of the Mothers' Union. "But our members are always ready to help good causes."

The fake breasts have been issued to health visitors and community nurses who help support new mothers. They are helping to teach breastfeeding mothers how to express their milk and deal with problems like blocked ducts and mastitis.

"In the past, trainers had to use balloons to demonstrate feeding skills," said infant feeding specialist Louise Stickland. "To my delight, the Mothers' Union enrolled their best knitters for us - and they have done an outstanding job."

This will be something for my Mum's WI knit and natter group to talk about!

Of course Ethel always had to go that little bit further...

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