Knitted breasts

Knitted breasts now available on NHS When a baby is on its way, mothers-to-be can often expect a plethora of knitted presents such as clothes and blankets.Now one group of women is shaking up the tradition � commissioned by the NHS to knit 150 woollen breasts.

The models, made by the Somerset Mothers� Union, are being used to teach techniques for breast feeding � and how to deal with problems such as blocked ducts and mastitis.

�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 will be issued to health visitors and community nurses who help support new mothers.

�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.�

Knitted breasts have been popular in the US for some time, where groups such as Knitting for Knockers make prosthetics for women hit by breast cancer.

Patterns are available online.