Mothers breastfeeding children as old as five pictured for photographer's project

Women express the intimacy and connection they feel with their children through breastfeeding

'I never in 1 million years imagine my son would be 3 1/2 years old and still asking for "milks" daily' (Natalie McCain/The Honest Body Project))

Women who breastfeed their children for longer than an a year - including one as old as five -have been posing for a series of photgraphs.

Taken for photographer Natalie McCain's Honest Body Project, the black and white images entitled 'We are not "still" nursing, we are just nursing' show the women breastfeeding their children alongside exerts from their stories.

'It just feels like another stage of nursing' (The Honest Body Project by Natalie McCain) (Natalie McCain/The Honest Body Project)

The children vary from toddlers to school-age, with at least one being nursed at the age of five.

In their comments, the women express the intimacy and connection they feel with their children through breastfeeding.

'I know he must have been telling his brother to come and nurse' (The Honest Body Project by Natalie McCain) (Natalie McCain/The Honest Body Project)

Many say it is a "natural" experience or a "journey", led by their children, and that it will come to an end when the child weans themselves.

So-called 'extended nursing' - nursing beyond 12 months - is often considered controversial, although most doctors say it has no negative effects on child health.

'I hope that I have done enough ... for my sons to be the best breastfeeding supportive dads, or friend they can be.' (The Honest Body Project by Natalie McCain) (Natalie McCain/The Honest Body Project)

The Honest Body Project was set up "to help women learn to love their bodies and be more comfortable and confident in their skin", McCain, from Rockledge in Florida, says on her website.

'We are not "still" nursing, we are just nursing' can be viewed online here.