A CAMPAIGN to help normalise breastfeeding and challenge the stigma around it has been launched by a Ryedale mother.

Charlotte Southren, a photographer from Kirkbymoorside, decided to launch a project to photograph mum's breastfeeding after a number of bad experiences with her own children.

The 30-year-old said she remembered being asked to stop breastfeeding her first child in a York cafe or to leave.

"It really put me off going out. I got very low and it was such a dark time," she said.

"The attitudes didn't help even with friends' support. Why should we have to put up with this? We are women, we are the ones who give birth and it's our human right to feed our hungry babies."

The mum-of-three Charlotte, along with fellow photographer Abigail Coulton, decided to photograph mums breastfeeding their children in relaxed environments, including at home or in cafes. The idea is to then make posters to put in cafes, restaurants, hospitals and shops across Yorkshire to indicate they are breastfeeding friendly.

"Lots of women say they have been shamed in public," Charlotte said. "New mums shouldn't have to worry about going out because they can't feed their children in public.

"People will go in the toilets to feed their kids, it's not on. This makes it easier for women as everyone is already aware it is breastfeeding friendly and know they shouldn't go in there if they're not happy with it."

Charlotte said she had been overwhelmed by the success of the campaign, with 60 mums volunteering to have their pictures taken and more than 40 photographers from all over the country offering to take part nationally.

"I've had almost 300 inboxes from women, parenting groups, cafes willing to help, midwives and breastfeeding support workers from hospitals. It's absolutely overwhelming.

"I have had a lot of positive feedback from anyone I have spoken to about it, male and female alike. The response has been amazing."

Katherine Odom, chairman of Treasure Chest Breast Feeding Group, said she welcomed the campaign.

"I think it's enormously positive because anything that helps mums feel more comfortable is a really good idea," she said.

"Mums may not be feeling very confident and they may feel raw after birth and they may be worried their chosen way of feeding their babies may be challenged.

"I do think this campaign is needed because mums can often feel very uncertain. Anything reassuring is a very good idea."

For more information visit Breastfeeding Campaign UK on Facebook or email lottiesphotography@btinternet.com