SWINDON mothers have graduated from a course in breastfeeding.

Certificates were awarded to 10 mums after successfully completing the Breast Mate Support Worker training.

The six-week course, which included learning facts, figures and practical skills, qualifies women to coach and advise fellow breastfeeders.

Jessie Morrison, health visitor and former midwife, has been supporting the Breast Mates project for the past year.

She said: "Breastfeeding is a learned skill and it really helps if you have someone like a mum who has been through it to offer you support and guidance.

"There is no doubt that people tend to turn to friends, family and others in the community for support rather than going straight to healthcare professionals."

The Breast Mates Group meets on Tuesdays at Reuben George Social Hall, in Cavendish Square, Park South, from 9.30am until 11.30am.

Last month Swindon MP Julia Drown slammed censors after a nipple was edited out of a breastfeeding advertisement.

Ms Drown, whose children are four-year-old Harvey Dexter, and Ottilie, one next month, said: "It is a strange tale. It forgets the fact that millions of bosoms are thrust in people's faces every single day in the tabloid papers."

For more information about Breast Mates call 01793 613235.