TWO mums have overcome their inhibitions to appear in a controversial television programme about "embarrassing" bodily functions.

Dovercourt mums Melanie Shepherd and Amy Hyde agreed to appear in Channel 4's Embarrassing Bodies: We're Coming to Get You series.

It runs from Monday to Thursday next week.

On Tuesday a programme in the series focuses on all aspects of the breast.

Mrs Hyde and Mrs Shepherd were asked to talk about breast-feeding, as they both work as breast-feeding support workers for a Harwich mother and baby group.

But they hope the hour-long programme, which starts at 9pm, dispels some of the embarrassment associated with feeding.

Mum-of-two Melanie said: "I think some people find it difficult to talk about, so it has fallen under the banner of embarrassing."

She allowed a film crew into her home to talk to her and other mums about their experiences and problems before and after birth.

"We did the programme because we wanted to help other mums and make them realise what breast-feeding is like, and having a baby," she said.

Mrs Hyde, 23, said: "It might be a bit of a negative title but the programme is trying to show that breast-feeding is not embarrassing."

Among the case studies in the programme is a woman who suffers from debilitating back pain because of her large breasts, and a cancer patient who is hoping for nipple and breast reconstruction.

Other programmes in the series focus on the skin, vagina and men.

The women's group, Breast Feeding Peer Supporters, will be promoting its role at Dovercourt library on May 13 and May 15, between 9.30am and 11.30am.

They are part of a team which offers weekly drop-in sessions at St Nicholas Church hall, in Stour Road, Harwich, on Wednesdays from 10am to noon. A helpline is also available on 07984 865661 or 07894 865704.