Crafters knit breasts for feeding demonstrations

The knitted breasts are used in conjunction with dolls to show good positioning

Crafters have been creating knitted breasts for volunteers and health visitors to use in breastfeeding demonstrations.

The breasts are used to demonstrate feeding in a "fun and engaging way" – and allow for a hands-off approach if mothers prefer not to be touched.

Cornwall Council said it had called on crafters to restock the items for use on home visits and at local family hubs.

Ruth Fromow, a council health visitor specialising in feeding, said: "We use the boobs alongside dolls to demonstrate good positioning and attachment and then a mum can copy what you're doing – this way she's much more likely to feel confident when we're not there."

The council said 100 breasts were needed at any one time.

Esmé Maylam, an infant feeding peer support coordinator at the council, said: "Wear and tear and lost boobs meant our stocks were starting to run worryingly low so we're absolutely delighted by the response.

"It's been overwhelming to see the community come together in such a creative and meaningful way."

Ms Fromow added: "We always have a laugh with them, they break the ice a bit and also I think mums feel sometimes that they just don't want to be touched any more.

"The knitted boobs truly are an integral part of our toolkit for helping to support breastfeeding."