Breastfeeding Mothers Pose for Provocative Calendar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/5903488/Breastfeeding-mothers-pose-for-provocative-calendar.html

The women struck a variety of provocative poses to prove that new mothers could still be "young, trendy and sexy" and that breast feeding was healthy and nothing to be ashamed of.

One photograph shows a half-naked couple embracing with their newborn baby at the breast.

Another features a pregnant woman breastfeeding her four-year-old daughter after a bath.

And one shows a pretty brunette in a revealing bra putting on make-up while breastfeeding her son.

Rosie Evans, 28, organised the calendar in aid of the Warwickshire-based support group Rugby Breastfeeding Cafe, which offers advice and support for new mothers.

The social worker and counsellor said she wanted to break the taboo surrounding breastfeeding, and show new mums that they could still feel attractive.

She said: "We wanted to challenge views people might have about breastfeeding.

"It can get a very bad press and some women feel like they shouldn't breastfeed in public.

"But breast milk is liquid gold and there is nothing wrong with doing so. I hope this calendar shows how empowering it can be and tell people about it.

"It shows that you can be young, trendy and sexy and still be a breastfeeding mum.

"It also shows that mums can enjoy breastfeeding, that mums can breastfeed for as long as they and their children like.

"That's why the women in some of the pictures feel sexy about it."

Rosie – Miss August in the calendar – is pictured breastfeeding her two-year-old daughter Amelie while sitting at her kitchen table with husband Richard, 35.

Another black-and-white shot shows mum-of-three Emma Neat, 29, breastfeeding her 15-month-old son Josiah as she applies make-up before a night out.

Rosie said: "Emma opted for a more glam picture which depicts her getting ready for an evening out, whilst breastfeeding Josiah.

"She chose to look more sexy if you like and that was up to her. Breastfeeding is a sensual experience and this comes out in the pictures."

One of the more controversial pictures shows mother-of-three Leanne Thandy, 38, breastfeeding her four-year-old daughter Grace while she is pregnant with her fourth child.

But Leanne, from Coventry, West Mids., said: "I wanted to show how Grace and I enjoy our after the bath breastfeed.

"Each day, this is our special quiet time together."

Another shot shows mum-of-one Sally Holden, 35, breastfeeding her three-year-old daughter Hettie in a posh café in Rugby, Warks.

She said: "I felt I wanted to be pictured in public feeding Hettie, because this is something which is a regular and normal part of my day."

Another shows Tracy, 32, and Shaun, 34, cuddling each other while one-year-old daughter Teylar breastfeeds.

Tracy, from Coventry, West Mids., said: "The calendar is a great idea to advertise breastfeeding.

"I wanted my picture to be very natural and show how the presence of my partner can enhance and support the breastfeeding relationship."

The Rugby Breastfeeding Cafe – who promotes breastmilk smoothies on their website – hope the calendar will be displayed in GPs surgeries, shops, restaurants and schools.

Rosie said: "The more normalised breastfeeding becomes the better it will be for mothers.

"It is a perfectly natural and beautiful part of motherhood and should be celebrated."

The calendar goes on sale in September and will cost between £8 and £10