One in 4 top British restaurants say they BAN women from public breastfeeding. Unbelievable! In Scotland it has been an offence to ban public breastfeeding since 2005. Should the same law apply in England and Wales too?
If you think so, please leave your message on this thread. Prima Baby and Babyexpert will be taking your comments, in the form of a petition, to Downing Street to help convince ministers to support legislation favouring breastfeeding in public.

Yeah Unbelievable!

Makes me so glad I am a Scottish breastfeeing Mummy.

The same law should apply here as well. I think it is disgusting that you can be prevented from feeding your baby in a public place. I can imagine the response (quite rightly) if the same restaurants banned mothers from bottle feeding on the premises.
xx

My goodness - how antiquated and ridiculous! Feeding is feeding be it from a breast or a bottle. I would be utterly incensed if someone told me to stop feeding lo when I was out and about!!!!!

The law MUST be changed!

I am also glad I'm a scottish mummy! I think its disgusting that women cant do something as natural as feed their baby in public in a so called modern, fair britian.

im sure the same people that complain would complain even more if they had to listen to a screaming baby because you couldnt feed them. Its disgusting that this has not already been legalised,nothing can be seen once baby is feeding anyway.Something must be done,hanna n baby grace.

I thought they had brought this legislation in already - you can bf in public (and not be asked to leave) up to 6 months of age so far....

I'd have liked to see anyone try and stop me bf, in my area we name and shame the ignorant prudes who arent bf friendly - and they lose a lot of business!

Maybe Gordon Ramsay can do a Restaurants from hell on these places.....
Or maybe Mr Brown (who still isnt our elected leader because he's too cowardly to call an election) should pull his head out of his "lets stop everyone getting a payrise this year, except of course our 40k one" ****, and do something for the people of this country for once and for all!!!!!

Yea I think its stupid that the government has put a limit of 6 mths on your right to breastfeed in public its tantamount to saying they do not support breastfeeding after 6 mths and that people have a right to be offended by the sight of a baby being fed. a baby has the right to receive nurishment regardless of its age, I have fed both my sons until 1 yr and intend on doing the same for this baby when it arives and have never refraind from feeding when out n about but this law which is intended to protect us has actualy made me a bit fearfull to feed my baby once it passes that magic 6 mth mark does this mean that narrow minded prudes can stop me from feeding my baby because it is over 6 mths? please Mr Brown get real follow Scotlands example and stop being so closed minded.

Women have done it since the dawn of time - what could possibly be so offensive about feeding a baby in public? The human race wouldn't be around if it weren't for breastfeeding.

There is something wrong in the heads of people who are against bfing in public - they are the ones that want to sort psychological treatment! If it upsets them, they don't need to look do they?

It's the best food for my baby so everyone else can sod off if they are against it and the government should back us up on this if they want to cut the amount they spend on the NHS! (By this I mean that breast fed babies are on the whole healthier than bottle fed babies and are much much less likely to get sick from infections and disease)

[Modified by: ~yummy_mummy~ on June 23, 2008 10:20 PM]

i think it is disgusting that it is not a womens legal right in this country to breast feed, what could be more natural

we should have the same rights as any other parent wanting to feed there baby, wether that be breast or bottle. what harm are we doing. if people have a problem with it then maybe they shouldnt be looking and watching anyway. its natural so why try and stop us from giving our babies the best start in life. we shouldnt have to hide away as though we are doing something wrong.
caz x x

Although the same law doesn't apply here, it is illegal to refuse to serve or give substandard service to a woman because she is breastfeeding. There is also no law they could use to stop you from breastfeeding. So in all they would have a difficult time stopping anyone from feeding.

I do agree that the law should be similar to the Scottish one though.

Im a bottlefeeding mother but you have my total support. I'd never let my baby go hungry because of someone elses hang ups xxx

its the most natural thing in the world how can it be banned HAS TO HAVE BEEN A MAN WHO PUT THAT LAW IN PLACE

I strongly support a womans right to breastfeed her baby in public - it's outrageous that mothers in England do not have the same rights as those in Scotland. The NHS are pushing breastfeeding so much, this seems to contradict with the current law which discourages breastfeeding in public x

Breast feeding mums should have the same level of freedom and protection to feed their babies in public as formula feeding mums have.
Im pretty certain that no self-respecting restaraunt would EVER dream of asking a FF mum to stop, or to leave (imagine the headlines!!!)

We dont whip our babs out and wave them around in peoples faces! BF mums are discreet and show far less flesh than you can see on display on any given Friday/Saturday night out, or in any town/ on a beach on a hot sunny day!

It seems that the slogan 'Breast is Best' ought to be changed to 'Breast is Best, but only if you become a recluse and hide away at home for the duration, or abandon your friends mid- day out and slink off to feed in some poky smelly changing room/toilet cubicle. Or live in civilised, forward thinking Scotland' !!!!!

The rest of Britain has got a lot of catching up to do!

We should have the same law as they do in Scotland.

The new legislation being proposed (The Equalities Bill) is intended to protect mothers BF babies up to the age of 6 months, but nothing is in place for a BF mother, older baby or child. And so a BF mother could technically be approached and charged with indecency for exposing her breasts etc.
And that is just not good enough for me or any other BF mother in england.
And also because there is an age limit on this new legislation in tale assumes that breastfeeding is only appropriate in public up to 6 months of age, which again is awful.
There is pressure on the maternity services from the goverment to get mothers to BF as the goverment say ''breast is best'' ''we have stats that bf should be done upto 2 yrs of age'' ect and yet we have an almighty crap law.
The goverment also bang on about how we have the lowest BF rates well can I ask do you know why that is? Because the answer is in front of you.

You can't sit there complaining & wondering where you are going wrong while running the country when the people are telling you over and over again how to solve the problem, how to fix it and even better how to help people and yes I mean women the BF mothers who need that little bit more support.

TBH what a sad sorry affair it is for the people having to petition for their right to feed their children in public and on demand.

breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world. how would all these political biggots feel if we stopped them eating in public?? its the same thing. im sure some of their mothers breast fed. maybe they should think about that one, eh??

I was asked to feed my son in a toilet when he was a couple of months old as the family on the next table in the cafe objected.When I refused I was asked to leave! This was my 1st child (hes nearly 10) and due baby no 4 anytime in next 2 weeks.If same thing happened again I have much more confidence to stand my ground.I also agree with naming and shaming.What is more natural?!

hiya theres nothing wrong with breastfeeding AT ALL...its ALOT better than formula milk anytime....i think this rule sucks and it really wrong...
reply to julieslot....
hiya hun when ur next baby is due and ur ever in a place BF'ing ur baby and sum1 ses to u to go feed ur baby in the toilet...say...would u eat ur dinner in the toilet would ya....
its the most natural thing ever...
STUPID RULE THAT THEY SHUD DEFF CHANGR GRRR!!!!

I just can't understand why some people see breast feeding as an offense. It's utterly ridiculous and it's about time the law was changed.

thats just ridiculous what do they expect us to do starve the baby is it best to hear a baby screaming like mad or just let the mother feed the child we should ask these ignorant fools this. my baby only take breast milk and i refuse to starve him to please any one becaus eim sure when they are hungry the eat. besides we see leaflet all around from the NHS advising that BF is beast so why isnt thers a law to protect these babies of thier right to eat

That's insane! I'm a working mom and I work and travel with my little one as since I'm bf-ing, I can't leave him behind. I have breast fed everywhere!! And I will not be stopping anytime soon!

I love breastfeeding, it is fab! Not only for my daughter, but for me too (any excuse to have extra cake and coffee and a sit down!). I find that no-one notices you anyway, I have had people coming up to me and asking all about my baby, obviously totally oblivious to the fact I am feeding her. I am Scottish, but live in Northumberland, and must admit that I thought that the same law applied here, so have just been feeding my wee girl everywhere, and never had a complaint. Is anyone really going to ask you to leave if you have discretely started? Totally up for the law being the same in England and Wales.

I think they should definately make it law here that you can breastfeed where ever you want! Like others have said you wouldnt ask a woman feeding a bottle fed baby to leave so why ask a mother who is breastfeeding her child to leave! Its disgusting that some people get treated like that, everyone is promoting breastfeeding saying how good it is yet there are still small minded people out there who dont agree with mums doing it in public, its them who should be asked to leave the restaurant or whereever they are, not the breastfeeding mums!

Any woman who wants to breastfeed should be allowed to wherever they are.
I have breastfed both my young sons and they are both healthier and better for it. The benefits of breastfeeding your baby are enormous from a helath point of view to the baby and to the mum and the bonding that occurs is an unbelievable experience. So for anyone to be ask to stop feeding their baby is an outrage and has most people have commented on no one is ever asked to stop bottle feeding.

I was very conscious of people staring at me with my first son born November 2005 when I was feeding in public and I was very discreet as most mums are. As a first time mum my confidence with a new baby wasn't has strong has it has been with my second son, I was very wary of peoples reaction. Now I will feed my second son absolutely anywhere - if he's hungry he gets fed and thats one of the beautys of breastfeeding you can do just that - you don't have to prepare anything or warm it up.

I fed my first son until he was 16 months old and am still feeding my 10 month old now and plan to do so for a while longer. Even this gets comments from some friends who say are you still feeding or are you going to feed the youngest for as long as the eldest - its all ridiculous. Breastfeeding is probably one of the most important things you can do for your baby.

So if anyone tries to tell me to stop feeding they will get more than they bargained for as I would refuse to stop.

Even though breast feeding is the most natural thing in the world i found it is one of the hardist things to do. why do people have to make it even harder for us? We are only trying to give the littles the best possible start in life!

i agree, its definately about time we had the same protection as scotland to be able to feed our babies in public,beyond the age of 6m too. xx

Disgusting that you could be made to leave just because you are feeding you baby. If I was asked to leave I would really kick off. I feed my baby when I am out but you can not tell I do not sit there with my boobs hanging out, and if my baby is hungry she is hungry and can not wait.
Why can we not be treated the same as Scotland? Not just with this but lots of over things we are supposed to be Great Britain!!!

Anita Potter

I just cant believe that its 2008 and this is still an issue. people that are against b/f in public should be the ones that are banned from these places. I realy cant see any reason why anyone would have a problem with breastfeeding in public places. it can be done discreetly and noone is forced to look. babies are tiny people who need to be fed and are often breast-fed on demand so its hard to work around feeding times. mums cant be made to stay in doors until their babies are on solids. why is it a form of feeding if it cant be done anywhere any time....isnt it the most natural thing in this world?

This issue is one that really upsets me, simply because of the absurdity of it!
Yes, I think it should be made illegal for anyone to ban breastfeeding.

1 in 4 top restaurants ban mothers breast feeding. Why? Is it bad for business? Surely whats worse for business is turning customers away just because they intend to feed their baby.

As for violating any indecency laws - surely the intent should be taken into account? When feeding a baby, yes, the mother will "expose" her breast, but she does not do it to offend, or to attract any attention. She simply wants to feed her baby. In fact, when I breastfeed my baby in a public place, I try to do it as discreetly as possible, covering the baby's head with my scarf or a muslin cloth.
And as it has been said so often on this site - you can see more flesh on the usual Friday night "slappers" in town!

yes i support breastfeeding in public if baby is hungry baby gets fed. reqardless if it is bottle or breast at the end of the day the would be quick enough to take you up for starving the child so instead of letting this happen why not breastfeed in public. it is not as if you are showing yourself off the baby covers everything so people should not be affended. They should be more embassased that they are deniing your child its dinner!!

absolutely this law should be introduced throughout the UK!!
We should be encouraged to do this very natural process.
Only recently a woman in a shopping arcade near to where i live was asked to leave by a security guard. Pity for him she was a breastfeeding counsellor and went straight round to the local press, who then went to the guards employer, who promptly sacked the guard!
We should never be forced to feel uncomfortable and congratulations to Scotland for being so forward thinking!

I think its disgusting in this day and age that attitudes are so outdated, we should be allowed to breastfeed whenever, wherever and for as long as we want without fear of reprisal.
To say that breast is best and then impose rules relating to it, is outrageous!

I always intended to breastfeed my son but it was a big decision as i faced dissaproval from certain quarters, but i stood my ground.
The thought of having to worry about feeding in public places and face dissaproval from complete stangers was another hurdle to face and it took some weeks befor i had the confidence to do it.

My little boy is now 4 months old and i feed him when he is hungry, no matter where we are and i intend to carry on breast feeding for a long time to come - no matter what.

are you joking??? I thought it was already illegal to stop us breastfeeding! That is ridiculous. God help the person who tries to tell me to stop feeding my baby! Count me in!

T x

It is totally mad that in this day and age a mum can be asked to stop feeding her baby in public, the government keep banging on about breast being best and i completely agree that it is so why dont they do something to make it easier for us bf mums?

I live in a fairly small town and when my children were younger I would feed them in a cafe if they needed it, why shouldnt I, bottlefeeding mums were feeding their babies and there are no decent feeding rooms in our town which you do get in some of the bigger towns and cities. Only once did an old lady comment on how I should be doing that in the toilet so I just told her that when she ate her dinner off a toilet seat I would happily do the same with my baby.

it's absoloutely rediculous for breastfeeding to be illegal in public, especially as the government and midwives are trying to get more people to breast feed as long as possible. i can understand it if mothers had their boobs completely on show or something, but as most of us learn quite quickly how to feed descretely it shouldn't be anyones buisness. and being banned from restaurants is stupid as well, i've done it several times and only had problems with one place and turned round to them and told them if we can have our meals there why couldn't my son, and i made sure i made such a point of it the they walked away with their tail between their legs, and completely embaraced lol. but its true, and where else would we feed our babies if we're having lunch? in the toilets? not very healthy or comfy. i think the government should take a hard look at the practicalities of the ban and trying to get women to breast feed, especially if they really want more people to di it, i think the last report said only 5-10% of women do it, mainly because it's easier to bottlefeed, usually because of the ban and embarasment of feeding when out, but if the ban wasn't there and more people breastfed then i don't think it wuld be such an issue and more people would be inclined to do it

I'm all for the law being changed like the scottish one. This is my first baby and although she is only 3 months I often feel uncomfortable feeding her when I am out as I dont know if i will be challenged which would upset me it also isnt clear at the moment that you CAN feed your baby up to 6 months. More definately needs to be done to promote breastfeeding.

I was also very surprised that considering how much the midwives talk about breastfeeding while you are pregnant, I noticed more than half the women on the labour ward were bottle feeding there babies. I do understand that some women find it difficult or cant b/f but it is sad to see.

It is absolutely disgusting that it isn't already an offence in England and Wales to ban a woman breastfeeding in public. Why are our politicians so far behind the Scottish? They are letting every woman and child in England and Wales down, and the law must be changed immediately. If nothing else surely it is a basic human right for a child to be fed whenever and wherever they need to be?

It does make you wonder why they bother telling us that breast is best in these circumstances. The government wants us to do the right thing by our children, then make it difficult to do so!1 Sort it out once and for all!!

this is a signature from me
women should be able to b/feed whenever and wherever they want

Government spending money on advertising to encourage breast feeding but then won't change the law! Luckily never had any problems feeding in public.

I live in England i've had no problems and i'm still breastfeeding my son and he's nearly 9 months but this is an outrage to hear what do they think breasts are there for they weren't given to us for mens pleasure, but to feed our babies, it isnt fair this is why not everyone breastfeeds because of these pompus stuck up people. How did people feed there babies before formula was invented?! THE BREAST

sorry for the rank ladies but im a firm believer in breast feeding, and so is my husband who is from africa and ladies breast feed there babies anywhere they like so even he cant understand why people would be like this

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world. I don't understand how it can be offensive?
I breast fed my son til he was one year old and was proud to do it in public places (on the train, in restaurants, in cafes, etc). I made sure that I was sufficiently covered up so that I didn't make anyone feel uncomfortable but I was very proud to do it and I will do it again with any subsiquent children.
The law should be changed

According to a major study on childhood the UK is the worst place in the developed world to grow up.

With archaic legislation and attitudes such as this are we really surprised?

I am ashamed to come from a country where naturally feeding your child is considered a public indecency.

If my child is hungry I will feed my child no matter where I happen to be, as his needs come before all others.

My first post here, but i am so annoyed i had to reply.
When my oldest was a baby (11 years ago) I was breast feeding her in public, discreetly in a corner of a cafe i might add, when i was made to feel very uncomfortable, unfortunately it had a knock on effect and i ended up stopping breastfeeding far earlier than i wanted to. Not just that one incident i might add, but peoples perceptions of it, ashamed to say some women responded the worst, especially if they had children with them.
Then with my son (6 years ago) I gave it another shot, but this time tried to arrange my life so i was home, or at a friends/relatives house around feeding time, managed to do it for longer this time, and I noticed that the general feeling about breast feeding was slightly better. But arranging your life so you are never far from "home" is very difficult.. I am dismayed to find the situation hasn't changed that much yet.
I'm currently expecting my third and determind that this time I'm not stopping. I have yet to work out how i intend to do it as life is far busier now, but I expect a few people are going to get some comments from me if they dare poke thier nose in.
The government is typically just doing half measures because they think it makes them look good. Most mothers who breastfeed try to be discreet, they don't want to be ogled anymore than other people want to see your "baps".
We need support, not condemnation.. though if mothers breast feed for longer then the chances of them being in full time work (to boost the governments employment figures, another annoyance of mine) is much slimmer.. :evil::evil::evil:

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/breastfedright/ is another online petition that needs signing

With my first baby on the way I intend to try breastfeeding and hope to do so for any other children I have. I'd be descreet and wouldn't start flapping my baps about publicly in peoples faces , so if someone asked me to stop, I think I'd ask what there problem was and cause such a commotion that they'd be embarressed they ever asked me in the first place . It's what nature intended and what helped keep the human race going, so stop fighting against it !!!

Some people are just annoying.....!!! ARGH!!

:D

[Modified by: absburton on July 01, 2008 02:32 PM]

[Modified by: absburton on July 01, 2008 02:33 PM]

Its rediculous breastfeeding is one f the most natural things in the world.
Bet most of them comlaining are middle aged plus and would all have been breastfeed themselves.

Makes me glad I'm a Scottish mum

I have been breastfeeding my baby for 13 weeks now and have fed her in all sorts of places, so far I have been lucky and no one has approached me to stop or go elsewhere, but I do worry that I will be asked everytime I breastfeed. I always try to be as discreet as possible and wear those nursing bras that only uncover the nipple so I'm showing as little flesh as possible.

I fully support the change to legislation, I know it would make me feel more empowered to refuse if I where asked to leave a restaurant, etc.

I had a real problem with the thought of breastfeeding in public until I had my baby... and realised that they can't hold off to our clocks. LO is now 8 weeks old and I've had to just jump in and do it.
Now I have fed in Costa coffee, and on Clapham Common on a Sunday afternoon (and showing less flesh than half the women there!!!)

The rest of Britain needs to follow Scotland into the 21st century and support women who choose to give their babies the best, most natural start in life. God knows, it's hard enough to do without this sort of hassle!!!

anyone who stops people breastfeeding have issues themselves! how the hell is feeding your baby in the way nature intended offensive. they obviously have personal issues that need addressing not takin out on a poor hungry baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I fail to understand how the government can on one hand claim to want to increase the pitifully low Breast feeding rates in the UK (and encourage mums to stick with it to 6 months) and yet not support us from continuing.
I continue to feed where ever and when ever my 4 month old daughter needs it - I will not be ushered into toilets to feed my baby!
I applaud the Scottish government for taking steps to protect the rights of breastfeeding Mothers and the Babies that are getting the best.
I urge the English government to take the same steps.

I live 15 mins from the Lake District and if i'm out walking with my new baby in September and she needs fed then i will be breast feeding her. I cant think of anything more calming than sitting in the fresh air on a grassy bank, fantastic views and breast-feeding my baby. God help anyone who tells me they are offended by what i'm doing.

The law should be changed. What kind of world do we live in.

I think it should be an offence to ban public breastfeeding in the whole of the UK, not just Scotland.

How can government bodies like the NHS support breastfeeding when their own backer, the government, has not provided the relevant legislation to support their recommendations?

i just can't believe this - what right have people got to stop another human being form eating - as that is what we are doing feeding our babies not showing ourseleves for the sake of it and even then it is done very descreetly.
i had to feed my baby in a public toilet today - who else would eat in a toilet area!!!!!!!

It is totallly mad.

You are advised that breast is best but only when it suits the government:evil::o.

We am still trying for our first baby at the moment but I have every intention of breast feeding and will do so where and when the baby needs me to. The thought that someone could by law tell me to go and feed my child in the toliets is too awful to think about. I will, as others have said, of being discrete and I think that it is the people complaining that should be made to eat their food in the toilet and see how much they like it.
I think they should change the law and join us in the real world!

I can't believe anyone would throw a breast feeding Mum out of a resturant. I however, don't feel comfortable in public breatfeeding, what I find shamefull is, that considering the goverment are pushing breast feeding, why do they not provide bf stations, I do not want to feed my baby in public toilets but there is no where to go in my home town.

Thankfully I didn't have any problems - Costa was my usual haunt!!

I would have kicked up a huge fuss if I had been asked to stop though, if my baby needs feeding that's what I am going to do!

Looking at some of the so-called feeding rooms I certainly wouldn't use them, there was one in my local supermarket that was basically being used as a store room for spare shelving which had a note on not to remove it - thanks a bunch.

How can the government try and promote breastfeeding in hospitals etc and then prevent mums from actually doing it?

Hello,

Haven't logged on in ages... But I feel very strongly about having rights to breastfeed in public... It is disgusting that people want to ban this.
I breastfed my son in public up until I stopped breastfeeding at 6 months which was my choice. It is a natural thing to do between mother and baby and the best thing to do..
Babies have a right to eat wherever they are whether breast or bottle fed....It upsets me for people to think other wise.
Please sign me up for the petition pro breast feeding...
Thanks
SW33

Totally agree with every single comment left!!! Absolutely ridiculous that anyone should find it offensive!! If your baby is hungry and needs feeding you should have every right to do so, no matter where you are! If you didn't feed them then that would be classed as neglect - starving your baby!

I think it's terrible that people aren't allowed to breast feed in public i bottle fed jayden but my sister in law breast fed and she felt like se had to cover up andthe end of the day are bodies develope the milk to feed are babies and it is neglect if weare not allowed to do it when thebaby's hungry just becouse ignarant people don't like they should be the ones to leave not the mum feeding her baby, and this is coming fom someone who bottle fed.

I think that it is disgusting that a mother cannot have the right to feed her child in the way that nature intended. If people weren't so rude and didn't stand gawping anyway there wouldn't be a problem in the first place.

Yes this law should be introduced! As a 24 year old new mum I know a lot of mums my age who are not breastfeeding because of the difficulties feeding in public. However I felt I wanted to breastfeed because of the information the GOVERNMENT published about the benefits of breastfeeding exclusively for six months. Do they want us to be hermits for the next six months!!!!!!!!

I cannot believe the ignorance of this country with some people!!! the news tells us that not alot of women breast feed their babies and they need to increase the percentage then they BAN women from doing it!! makes no sense to me!!! Its a natural part of motherhood and shouldnt be banned anywhere!! if people dont like it they can leave!!!!

Law should definately change

This is absolutely disgusting. Women should have the right to feed their babies however, wherever and whenever they need to.
How can people possibly find it offensive, its the most natural thing in the world?!!

Doesn't this breach the human rights act? I believe a mother should be able to do what she is entitled to do for her child. It is in the childs best interest and not the publics.

I can't believe that this can happen. Im more than happy to feed my son in public and i dont care who asks me to stop. Would people rather him screaming his head off because he hasn't been fed. How come people can buy all these magazines with women on the front with their breasts out and there isn't anything wrong with that but to stop women feeding their children in public is totally crazy.:x

totally agree with the comments made so far. Its totally natural to feed your baby and I think attitudes need to change and a making it illegal to stop you feeding is a good start. All of these people have no problems with breast being sexual as promoted by page three and the likes of Jodie Marsh Jordan etc when breast feeding is doing what they are design for.

Wow - I didn't realise - how awful - add me in, we should be able to breastfeed anywhere!!!! I will be continuing - let them just try and ban us!!

It is quite obviously just ridiculous that breastfeeding mothers could be arrested for doing the most natural thing in responding to their hungry child, nourishing them and giving them all the goodness and protection that breastfeeding provides. As a nation, we should be encouraging breastfeeding, not restricting it. Change the law immediately - personally I would always feed my baby in public if she needed it and would hang the consequences!

I'm very pleased to be a Scottish bf mum!!! I breastfed both my daughters and was very happy and proud to do it when out and about, and would have been horrified if asked not to! When you and your baby are established, it is very easy to be discreet. As with the other mums, this is a natural process and it seems barbaric that we should be forbidden BY LAW to do this only-beneficial (i.e. no downsides) thing for our children.

I didn't realise that this could happen. Is it actually against the law to feed my baby in a public place? What about my baby's human rights? And why does society view my breasts as indecent objects. They evolved for one purpose, feeding my baby, it's only due to male controlled media that the sexual image can't be seperated from the natural image of nursing mother.

I think it is outrageous. I caught a bit of a discussion on the Radio a couple of weeks ago about this and one woman had apparently emailed in to say she was eating lunch out somewhere when a woman eating at a table nearby started to breastfeed her baby and she thought it rude, it put her off her food and she left. I felt like screaming at her and phoning the radio station (but I was driving!!) - rude of her to be looking, and why should babies not eat out in public too???

I cant believe that BF in public is so frowned upon in this country! I was lucky, I live in Scotland and although I have never been asked to stop, some of the looks are quite comical!! I follow my local football team and took my youngest to the opening match last season, so you can imagine the looks some of the gentlemen in the row in front of us were shooting in my direction when he woke up for his feed!! Having said that none of them asked me to stop, they just did a bit of a double take then got back to watching the footie! In my experience its mainly other women who seem to have a problem. Its the most natural thing in the world but how can you encourage women to do it if others constantly throw comments or looks your way?!

Breastfeeding is totally natural and it should be made a criminal offence to ask a woman to stop or leave.

Well, I'd have thought the bigger the baby, the less flesh could be seen :lol:
Anyway, I certainly wouldn't leave my baby to cry with hunger because of a few narrow minded idiots, but a little legal protection would be nice...
Besides, more flesh is on show in the media than ever goes on show when I feed my son - I don't see them banning page 3 anytime soon:roll:...

The law should definaltey allow women to breastfeed in public. It is hard enough for some women without the added stress of public opinion.

I despair! At a time when health authourities are trying to encourage more mums to breastfeed! Obviuously they don't realise how long it can take mums with young babies to get ready for an outing; dressing the baby, preparing bottles, etc. Encourage mums by changing the law.

I didnt know it was an offence to breastfeed in public until a couple of weeks ago. I have been feeding my little girl in public for the last 10 months. I always find a quiet corner and usually have a top on to hid as much as possible - but thats for my sake not for anybody elses. I found it really tricky at first trying to cover up, get the baby latched on and not end up with a big puddle on the other side when my pad had slipped. It isnt like we are desparate to strip off in public but it is best for baby. Good on any mums who breastfeed in public cause it would be so much easier to give the baby a bottle but why should we when we are out when so much time and effort goes into breastfeeding your baby at all.

I fed my baby wherever and whenever required and lo behold anyone that said anything! I'm glad to report though that nobody said a thing. Of course that law should apply here and glad that Scottish law is leading the way.

I would like to see some restarant asking me to leave if I feeding my baby. It is total discrimanation. Can they ask someone to leave due to their colour, sex, religion etc etc... laws are in place to stop discrimination so why not put a law in to protect a woman from feeding her baby???? WHY?? I think because the govt gets back handers from the formula companies so they WANT us to FF our babies. Thats just my theory.....prove me wrong those in power and give us the rights to feed our baby OF ANY AGE in public. I show less tit when feeding my baby than some of the young girls I see in my high street when I home for summer or Xmas....

Come on ..... get this sorted before some clever lady has you in court for discrimination
d xx

How ridiculous that people be offended by a baby doing what they're supposed to do and feed.

I wouldn't like to be on the receiving end of my tongue to whoever tries to tell me to either starve my baby of food or to leave the premises!

We need to remember that before the government pushed bottle and formula feeding onto women in the 50s EVERYONE breastfed their babies.

Wake up central government - you've told us all now that you want us to breastfeed again, so support us in that and back up what you are preaching.

WAKE UP EVERYONE - IT'S A NATURAL FOOD SOURCE!!!!!

I cant believe people want to ban breastfeeding in public i mean its supposed to be the best way to feed your child yet people are trying to make it more difficult to do ,it doesnt make sense.

This country has no idea how out of date it is!! Most of Europe encourages breastfeeding and in Australia it is expected that is what you will do - women have being doing it since time began and our bodies were made to. How can that be banned???????

I dont see the problem in B/F in public. Im a mother of 3 and have B/F them all. Get them out if they need it! They need feeding just as much as the next fat man!!

breast feeding is a baby's BIRTH RIGHT! i have nothing against a mother who CHOOSES to bottle feed but if you want to give your baby your boob then you should be able to anywhere, anytime.

amanda and fiinn xxx

Most definitely signed! Take it to the PM!

I thought Britain was a bit further out of the dark ages than this!!
I'd like to see the Prime Ministers face if he was told he couldn't eat his lunch when and where he wanted to!
If it wasn't cruel to leave your child cry for their food, I am sure that some of these ignoramouses(sp) would soon change their minds when a child is screaming because they are hungry.
I think it's utterly disgusting and I will be breastfeeding my child whenever he/she needs it and I won't be asked to move on!
Leanne Clark

It is incredible that the government is spending money encouraging breast feeding through advertising campaigns and breast feeding clinics yet does not support legislation favouring breastfeeding in public.

I have breastfed 5 children from 1984 to 1996, i did it any where and every where, on the bus, in the restaurant, in church etc and noone ever said anything to me, i did manage to be discreet. i was feeding one of them when a male friend came into the room and came up to me and looked at the baby it took him a few minutes to realise i was feeding her because he couldnt see anything of my boobs.

I breast fed my son any where that he wanted it for 10 months..no one would have stopped me and no one will stop me breastfeeding my second baby thats due in march 09

I remember with my eldest 12 years ago feeding in a Mcdonalds toilet! This time I haven't found any resistance whenever I have fed Sam.
I think most people out there would support this bill anyway and so the government should just make it that you can feed anywhere and at any age.
After all it is the most natural thing in the world.

I breastfed my son George for a year and am expecting again in Jan 09, I will try and breastfeed as long as possible in doors and out and about.
If people don't like it, they don't have to look.
Marie from Watford::x

I cannot believe they are allowed to ban women from doing the one thing that their body is made to do for their child once they are born.
The NHS, a Goverment run Health Service promotes breast feeding and yet we they can't find time to pass one simple law to make it easier for women to give their baby the nourishment they deserve.
Some of us struggle to breastfeed and it's only through perserverance and hard work that we master this skill and then to be told we're not ''allowed'' to do it really makes my blood boil!!!

I have been bf for 17 months and intend to continue to 24 months minimum. I think it's ludicrous that a baby/toddler is prevented from their food source in public. The science speaks for itself on the benefits of bf til 2 yrs so they should encourage more mums to give it a go by giving sensible laws!

I think it's absolutely disgusting that we're made to feel like criminals for doing something as natural as feeding our babies. It's time for a change in the law.

my baby my boobs my buisness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i feed him where when and how he likes, ive had filthy looks and comments but i couldnt give a fig! it used to upset me but i guess ive grown accustommed to it . if iwas asked to leave somewhere for bf id kick up such a stink infact id probably perform the sprinkler trick at the complaining person!. stick to ur guns ladies this is what breasts are for.

mrs laura hatcher proud to have breast fed her three children xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Of course! Breast feeding is the normal way to raise a new born.

The problem is that people have got used to living in a manmade environment and have lost touch with nature. Most people are not happy with food if it does not contain some preservatives; not happy with themselves, so they try to preserve themselves in one way or another (botox, anti- aging, penis enlarging, gender change) just to name a few; governments not happy with nature so they try to change the food, so it won't be effected by the nature. All these scientific and unnatural ways that are taking over our very lives are leaving people out of touch with them natural selves.

As for anti-breast-feedingism - "disfunctional". That is all I have to say. Anyone, who thinks, or feels that breast feeding is offensive -disfunctional; they have serious problems perhaps springing from their own child hood. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing lovers holding hands and happy, there is nothing more beautiful than seeing a mother lovingly nurturing her child in the place and position that makes him or she at peace even in this alien and artificial world that it came into. It will, for most little ones be the only time in life that the could live exactly as nature intended them too.

Boohoo...to all who would want to deprive an innocent, unsuspecting, growing baby who depends on us to make the best choices for it, of this right to be nourished and nurtured into the best health and well being.

PS What is more, the government have a drive for better health and well being for all. I am not sure but babies are not on the agenda. They should be, it is the starting point for best health and well being, emotionally, metally, spiritually - and that is that.

Totally agree

Absolutely astounded and appalled that it ISN'T the same here as in Scotland. I've been bf my lo for 14 months, and after spending a miserable time or two in smelly toilets decided that enough was enough. I now feed her whenever and WHEREVER she needs it. I was 'told off' by a woman this morning who said that my lo was too old for that and I should be ashamed of it! Ashamed!!!! My lo has croup and is off her food, so if she wants to bf for food or just form comfort I'm bloody well going to let her.

I'm not sure of the rationale for anyone being averse to breast feeding in public. Surely if anyone needs feeding on demand it's a baby.
I believe there is much hypocrisy involved when people will put up lewd images on display on billboards, supermarket shelves and in the media while complaining about innocent breastfeeding in public when necessary.

im breastfeeding my daughter freya(12 weeks), we should be promoting breastfeeding Gordon Brown should be helping to promote breastfeeding

although i didnt breast feed my lo and it does make me feel a bit (dont know were to lookish) when i see it I would never dreaming of banning it! its disgracfull! a woman should be allowed and have the right to feed her child anywere she feels fit! On one hand the government promote bf to the hilt and on the other hand they are trying to ban it, how contradictive!
xxx

thats shocking, i had no idea they could ban you!
i was unable to breastfeed my little boy & i used to get filthy looks & comments because he was bottlefed (you cant win!) i am going to try again with the breastfeeding when my baby finnaly arrives, but its sad that i'll have to be cautious where i do it!
its crazy people are more than happy to see womens boobs splashed everywhere in mags etc, as long as we dont use them for what they're made for !!

i have a little boy who is 3 andam currently 24 weeks pregnant with my second child. i did not breasfeed my first baby and i do not plan on breastfeeding this one, but i think it is disgusting that women are getting banned from breastfeeding its the most natural thing in the world and even though i havent breastfed i think it should be an offence to ban breastfeeding women its just rediclious

I saw a woman breastfeeding her baby in a small café up the road I felt proud for her and she had a blanket over her and women breast feeding their babies are showing a lot less than some women I have seen on a Fri Sat night and in The Newspapers.

Why is it illegal for women to get their boobs out to feed their babies as nature intended but not illegal for newspapers to show boobs (everyday) and why is it not illegal for women with it all hanging out on a Fri night?

Sorry but this subject gets my goat.

I was told to go to the bathroom by a guy in a café to feed my daughter when she was tiny, I commented back no, why don't YOU eat your pastry in the bathroom so you don't have to watch us???

They don't have to watch us feeding our babies, I mean how hard is it to turn your chair and look the other way???

Women should definitely be able to breastfeed in public! We are encouraged to breastfeed nowadays rather than bottlefeed so if the government wants all women to breastfeed it should be made easier and more acceptable to do so!

i think it is disgusting that it is legal for these places to deny a child the right to a nutritious feed from its mother. Breasts are given to us for that sole reason and it is a disgrace that we are not allowed to use them for the very reason they exist. Not only in restaurents but everywhere. If a man walked down the street topless many people wouldnt bat an eyelid, but a women is made to feel bad for DISCREETLY feeding a child. I think our country should be discraced at the very fact we need to petition for this cause, when surely it should be our human right to feed a child. the world is so PC about all the wrong things these days its madness.

I feel really strongly that women should be allowed to breastfeed in public whenever and wherever they need to. It is said again and again that breast is best so it should be encouraged by the people of England not frowned upon! It disgraces me that people are "told off" for feeding their baby's in the way that nature intended them to. It also disappoints me to hear that babies are being fed in dirty toilets because mothers either do not feel comfortable of they are not allowed to breastfeed in public. I feel that the system should be changed to fall in line with the other countries who are already leading by example on this issue!

It is ridiculous to think that people would want to ban breastfeeding in public, bearing in mind that it is the best way to feed your baby. However, I must say that it doesn't really bother me because I just whip them out anywhere anyway!!!

It is ridiculous! They go on and on about it being healthier for babies to be breast fed and then you are not allowed to do it in public! What do they expect you become a recluse whilst breast feeding???? It will just put more expecting mothers off the idea! I am 100% behind this petition!!

It is ridiculous that anyone could be offended by the natural way to feed a baby, women have done this since the dawn of time, it is what our boobs are there for!!!!. People with an issue over public breastfeeding should be made to eat their dinner in a loo (also used, in many cases, as a feeding room), at least thats what I said to anyone who commented when I was feeding my boys.

[Modified by: haybow31 on July 26, 2008 08:37 PM]

was in my local pub and a woman had an extemely low cut top on and all the men loved it, till she got a breast out (disceetly) to feed her newborn then there was uproar! i breast fed my first and im gonna breast feed this one, its not just the law that needs changing but peoples perceptions too

carly

This law needs to change!!! Every woman has the right to breastfeed her baby! Please listen.

Breastfeeding should be a choice for the mum not the restaurant owner!! The owners should not be allowed to BAN breastfeeding its a disgrace!!

Why are we banned when its legal in scotland- inbelievable.

Definitely agree that breastfeeding is something that should be supported as something admirable and good to do in public or at home. I've never seen anyone exposing themselves indecently when breastfeeding, we all try our best to keep ourselves covered and decent. I get fed up with the lack of support for breastfeeding - it's in all the broshures but when it comes down to it if you are pro it you can be made to feel like you are being a "breast feeding nazi" if you say that yes it is the best if you are able to do it. Whatever your thoughts on that it must be wrong to actually prevent people doing it in public and making it a "only behind your own closed doors" thing.

There used to be signs up in toilets saying not to eat or drink there, why should I feed my child in a toilet?
Breastfeeding is natural and 'government recommended' it does not harm anyone elses health. We should be able to do it wherever and whenever our child needs us to.
My husband's Granddad used to say he was embarrassed because of where shop assistants placed their name badges, he wanted to be polite and use their names but didn't want to look at their breasts. You can't please all the people!

its stupid!!! i breast feed avril and will breast feed the next its best for our angels:roll:

With number 1, I was lucky, only positive response from feeding in public (although always under a shawl).
I want the same freedom, and more for number two.
We still have a long way to go in breaking prejudice about breast feeding and I hope this petition goes someway to helping and making things easier for the next batch of healthier, greener, happier babies!

Yes I fuly support new legislation to stop any kind of ban on breastfeeding in public. Please add me to the online petition.

I feel really about breastfeeding...It's such a natural thing to do...

My baby was a bit fussy ( still is a bit at 8 weeks) so it was';t easy for me to breastfeed discretely in public, but if it was more widely accepted i wouldn't be feeding my baby bottles in public...which I really hate doing.

I've gained a bit of confidence now ( and a give a damn attitude) but still feel odd doing it when I know I shouldn't.

Breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world and women should be allowed to feed their babies wherever they want. The government needs to support breastfeeding and not ban it!

I breastfeed my 7 week old baby, and feel awkward feeding him in public, not because i am ashamed, far from it, but because i am concerned we will gain unwelcome attention and comments. If i was starving my baby it would be child cruelty and i would be reported, probably by the same person who demands i starve my baby or leave their premesis. It is disgusting that a natural, eco friendly, recyclable and cost efficient way of fulfilling the needs of my baby is seen as an 'improper' or 'indecent' act. Make it illegal for people to discriminate against breastfeeding mums. How many of those who object were breastfed themselves? And what harm will it do them to look the other way to allow me some privacy?

i really can't understand the law these days it discuses me badly. they say breast is best but you can't breastfeed your little one in places. when i was breastfeeding my little boy i'd say bout 15mnth ago in mcdonalds in barrow in furness. i was feeding him then asked to leave the premises. i asked well im just feeding him could i go upstairs out of the way to finish feeding him their reply was NO YOUR UPSETTING THE CUSTOMERS NOW LEAVE. i have never in my life been so upset discusted. most of all very very upset for my son as i had to stop his feed...:cry::evil::cry:

That is terrible, babies have to be fed and if the mother is breastfeeding then the baby should be able to be fed anywhere that the mother is. I breastfed til my little one was 6 months and I fed him anywhere, I never got told to go elsewhere but got a few funny looks though. If the baby was bottlefeeding they wouldnt care but just because its the breast its causing them a problem, if you ask me they are the ones with the problems, breastfeeding is a wonderful thing and the most natural thing and if people have a problem then they should look away or go elsewhere, breastfeeding mothers should not feel like they shouldnt be feeding in public, baby has to eat just like us, I think it is disgusting that people are making this an issue. And if I knew what restaurants said they were against breastfeeding mums breastfeeding in them I would not eat in them to prove a point.

Hi im still b/feeding my 2yr old dd and if im out in public if she wants booby she gets it! How can people complain about something as natural as b/feeding, afterall women are physically designed to do just that- b/feed. In most cases women tend to cover up when b/f anyway so you see very little anyway.

That is unbelievable! Being a Scottish breastfeeding mummy I had no idea it was still not Law in England!

Stand up and be proud to Breastfeed!

i have exclusively bf my Son who is now 6 months. i have fed him in various places including on a train, in the middle of a high street and even Alton towers. i have been really lucky that i have only had a positive response one woman came up to me and said it was great to see someone bfing. however now my son is 6 months i dont know where i stand is it now illegal for me to bf in public. the government stress exclusive bfing til 6 months but we are only protected up until that point so what happens with weaning. i think that the change in the discrimination act which comes into force this year is great but doesnt go far enough. Mums should be proud to bf and it would be nice for society to support this

as a mum of 2 i breastfed both of my children in public (discretly) ans only ever had a few comments. as a breastfeeding peer supporter i now try to help women continue to feed their babies for as long as they want to. however it is becomming increasingly hard to encourage women to breastfeed especially after 6 months because they are terrified that they will be humiliated in public for feeding their child. the law has to change. a government can not try to encourage people whilst forcing them to do opposite. until this government fully supports all women in their choices for how they feed their children then the breastfeeding rates will continue to decrees, and thus nhs spending will increase. i fully support women who formula feed but we mothers need our countries support if breastfeeding is ever to be seen as the "normal" way to feed a baby.

Chrystal.

Breastfeeding should be allowed in all places, if babies can be fed by bottle why not breast? In my local town there is only one place that allows me to breast feed in public view, all other so called breastfeeding friendly places make you go into the toilets. no wonder there are less women breastfeeding now.

add me please i bf my daughter till she was almost 11 mths and plan to do it all again with all the children i have its the most natural thing to do how can anybody have a problem with it every1 used to do it years ago it was the only way to feed babys and still is in 3rd world countrys

They say by the end of the year it will be illegal to stop a woman breastfeeding till her child is 6 months old. How can you prove your childs age?
Its incredible that we've gone this long without this law. Its disgraceful that women should be made to feel ashamed to breast feed, because when your pregnant all you hear from everyone is 'breast is best'.
If it's that good then they need to help out the mothers, to feed their children whilst out, because when i give birth and breastfeed, there is no way in hell im going to the toilet to feed my child.:roll:

Also another thing sorry: men can walk around in a public place with their tops off, and most of them have bigger boobs than me (and thats saying something), do they get a warning for indecent exposure? I think not. :lol:
Sorry just a point i thought up.

This is ridiculous! Breast feeding is so much better for babies than anything else, we should really be doing everything we can to encourage mothers to breastfeed, not to make them feel ashamed or disgusted. It's not disgusting, it's just what babies need. No way should it be banned in public.

Hi, Only and always breastweeding. I was breastfeeding until my son was 6 months old, then my milk wasn't enough for him, however if the goverment cares about baby development as they always preach, there should be no question about it
Good Luck
Nadia

Please add my name to the petition. I actually cannot believe that something as natural as breastfeeding is illegal!!!! I am angry at a thought that to obey with the law breastfeeding mothers should either stay at home or feed out of the bottle... I breastfed my son for 7months and did it wherever it needed to be done and completely ignored the stupid law.:x

i know before having children if I saw some one taking a breast out to feed it does catch you eye, but it is a natural thing! "They" encourage breastfeeding for good reason but then we can't leave the bloody house for fear of offending some one. If they wish not to see then stop looking!

I was in a coffee house the other day when my lo wanted a feed and I noticed a group of religious jews at the table opposite me and under those circumstances I was a lot more careful to ensure the muslin was over my shoulder, but to be honest they didn't bat an eyelid and one of the ladies started chatting to me about where my lo was born and my experience as she was 20 weeks pregnant!

Samuel Ryan

Matthew James

Too many stuffy old men in parliament stuck with old fashioned ideas. Just another way for them to try and keep women indoors if you ask me!
I still bf my 22 month old. The law should be changed to encourage more mums to bf. I'm sure the stigma attached to it is why many choose not to!
Attitudes need to be changed before progress can really be made!

This is terrible..why is it offensive to breast feed but not to go out in next to no clothes and in the middle of winter!! Am I the only person that thinks our government should have bigger worries right now than women doing what is only natural??!!!!!! It's outragous to be perfectly honest!!!

Breastfeeding is natural and essential. Sort the law out ASAP

you wld think that which such a government drive to get more mums breastfeeding that restaurants and public venues being allowed to penalise a breastfeeding woman is complete hypocracy. i see no reason why restaurants etc can object to a mum feeding her child, whether by breast or bottle. granted they may get the odd customer who does find it off putting or offensive but surely to give these narrow minded people more rights than a hungry baby is absolutely ludicrous and goes against the whole breast is best thing that government are trying to push onto everyone.

realisitically u cannot expect to try to encourage and push breastfeeding and then allow restrictions as to where or when. gotta be one or the other. make ur minds up.

I gues dis is totally ridiculous, I breastfed my 1st daughter for 14mons and am looking to do d same with my 3mon old. Although no one dared to confront me in those 14mons, i'ld love to see who,ll tell me not to breastfeed my 3mon old even wen she's above the 6 mons mark. My 14mon old has never been ill and hasn't cost the nhs a dime, dat should be a thought n make the government encourage breastfeeding up until the age of two

How utterly ridiculous. The government are the ones telling us breast is best, and encouraging everybody to breastfeed, so surely there should be laws to protect us when we decide to do so? Is there any way we can find out which restaurants stop women from feeding our babies? I'd like to know which ones so that i can never eat in them again!!

These restaurants should be named and shamed!! I''d go and breast feed in one just to prove a point. If everyone else can feed there face in a restaurant then why cant a baby?! I've never heard of anything so stupid in all my life, breast feeding is the most natural thing in the world!!!
I'm so annoyed.

Please sign me up.
This makes it seem like breastfeeding is wrong. Bet the restaurant owners are men! Would it not be classed as neglect if our babies were hungry but we decided not to feed them as we were in public!!!!!!!

I support this - women should be allowed to breastfeed in public - you wouldn't take a bottle from a baby or a biscuit from a toddler so why deny a baby the right to feed if its mother has chosen to breastfeed.

x

Breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world

What did cave people do!

people should be banned who think its sick and look !!!!

I'm ttc and if i can i want to breast feed, if my baby is hungry i will feed my baby where ever and when ever i deem fit and i would like someone to come and tell me not to. the law needs changing, i don't tell people where they can and cant eat so why should they have the right to tell me where i can feed my baby.

The law should be changed!
I was quite suprised at the amount of people who have had bad experances of breast feeding in public, I am still feeding my baby when and where ever he needs feeding, as having a screaming baby would annoy me personally more than having baby eating in public!
I have been told that i was brave for feeding my son in public and not many people have the confidence to do it at my age! lol. This was from the other mum who was sat next to me told me this!

But I agree Breatfeeding in puplic SHOULD be allowed!

I think that BF is the most natural thing, and these bigots who deem it unacceptable to do so in public obviously do not have children.
BF IN PUBLIC SHOULD BE ALLOWED!

Breast Feeding is the most natural thing in this world. I think it is outrageous that I would be asked to stop Breast feeding in public....but I tell you what..I wouldnt! If my baby was hungry, nothing in this world would stop me!

CHANGE THE LAW

Such discrimination is wholly unacceptable. There should be NO restrictions at all, regardless on age of child etc. I will certainly not slink off to feed my baby in a toilet . I do not intend to sit in cafes etc with my boobs hanging out everywhere, but I expect the right to discreetly feed my baby anywhere. Accidents happen - muslins slips, baby moves his head etc and TBH, people shouldn't be staring that intently anyway! Both myself and my OH will defend our right to BF our baby wherever and whenever the baby needs it.
Change the law - but make the change count - no age limits and no 'owners discretion'. It is wrong for mothers to have to traipse round with tired, hungry babies desperately looking for somewhere with a breast feeding friendly sign, although I do commend the places that display these. It's just very sad that it is necessary to do so.

Breast is best and totally natural and parents should be supported, not villified, ostracised or bullied.

breast feeding should be legal its natreal, then again u do get the weird men dont wanna say to much but im sure ur understand what i mean,
or they could have breast feeding rooms like the baby chaging rooms in shopping malls ect,where all mums can go and av a specal key to get in like the disabled toliets in town that way mums can get in and dont av to worry about unwanted visitors

sprry to blabber on

Caz n baby bump

due in may

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

The recent attitude of society is shocking for many women rising a future of Britain.Interesting that I have just discussed this unfair and non-logical topic with my breastfeeding friend.I have been breastfeeding for 2 years and then I understood that it was a good age to stop.I am 30 years old nurse and a teaching assistant by professions .My tutor-professor was telling us"Please dear students,don`t give up from breastfeeding even if it`s sore,as human body is extremely adoptable to natural circumstances/periods of life.It is a BEST ORGANIC NUTRITION you can offer to the young life.And don`t be fool,don`t make the milk companies rich,when you can give yourself the best.Of course such profit focused companies will not try to mention even on the packaging a good kind reminder- "breastmilk is still the best for your baby".Don`t be fool.

I just found out I am pregnant and I look forward to those precious moments of breastfeeding looking at own baby growing healthy.Realizing this is the best ,especially for the first 6-12 month,I am disgusted by sick attitude of some perverts ,who have some dirty thoughts in their minds about an innocent mother with a baby in the coffeeshop,who does it so discreetly with her new breastfeeding top(which can hide everything!- fact from own experince).
Madonna with a baby was an object of artists for centuries.Shame on people who think opposite about the best way of natural organic supply of new lifes.
I strongly recommend to continue breastfeeding own child and stay confident in what you do as a mother.Don`t let yourself be provoked and confused by stupid people,who know absolutely nothing about the healthy nutrition and baby development.Don`t become a brainless marionett of sick society.Without even descibing all the nutritional value and natural protecting substances in mothers milk,it is surely a gift from own body,a gift from God.Mothers who are blessed by a baby and then, following some stupid comments of sick people,they give up instead of being a strong confident loving mother,providing the saint love given to us from God.You either use it or loose it.
All the best dear mothers and I am signing this petition for better justifiable health rights &lifestyle for Britain`s new and future generations and their mums.

Mother of 2,5 daughter (Chigwell)

i think thats disgraceful!! yes the law should be applied here too....thats like Tesco saying fruit and veg is good for you so we wont supply it (with reference to the old 'breast is best' saying) how ridiculous....its the most natural thing in the world....

Of course it should. Scotlands law's seem much more sensible than ours in a lot of cases.

Quote:

I completely agree that the law needs to be changed. I breastfed my boy for only 4 months but the amount of times I was asked to do it in the toilets - would they have eaten their dinner in the loo ??? I dont think so !!

my daughter is nearly seven months and i'm still breastfeeding. i have been asked to leave 3 restaurant since november 2008 because i was breastfeeding.
i feel you should beable to breastfeed anywhere.:\?

This is crazy! I'm 12 weeks pregnant and fully intend to bf when lo is born. It's been a very tough decision for me, as I wasn't breastfed, and I felt very odd about the whole prospect, but couldn't really explain why. Since falling pregnant all I want to do is what's best for my baby, and i really want to give it my best shot. I recently talked with my mum on this subject too - she fed my brother but not my sister or me, and I never knew why... it was because her own mother insisted it was "not the done thing". My poor mum didn't stand up to this, and now wishes she had. She's really proud of me for wanting to try, and I'm kind of proud of myself! No wonder she didn't put up much of a fight if breastfeeding in public can be so frowned upon!

What really gets me angry is that restaurants fall over themselves to help mothers who bottle feed. They warm them up for you, get you glasses of water, anything. I know this from being out and about with a friend who has a small baby. Why do they hate bf so much?

I'll sign up to this. xx

Is there any news on this petition - has it ever been presented?

I sign the petition. It is disgusting that some restaurants to not let you feed your children. And some make you go to the toilets to do it!! How would they like to eat their dinners in the toilet!!

I'll most definitely sign up to any breast-feeding petition out there. How ridiculous and i guarantee there's men at the bottom of this!!

What would they prefer - a screaming baby? Would they ban you from feeding a 3 year from a plate? Of course not, so why ban a baby from its food, just because it doesn't come from a plate? Antiquated nonsense.

Hello people??????????? That's what breasts are for. That's what they do. That is their purpose. They were NOT designed solely for the pleasure of you men - sorry to shatter the illusion!

Which is why, of course, it's banned. Because men cannot bear to witness the breast being used for anything other than male pleasure, it makes them feel uncomfortable and, heavens, we can't have that can we?

Can i move to Scotland please?!

i breastfed my son for 16 months and luckily had no problems but if we go to a resturant to eat why shouldn't our babies be able to eat there too even if it breast milk babies need to be fed whether its breast or bottle. it should be illegal to refuse a woman her right to feed her baby this way !

I must say I feel really strongly about this and why is it such a taboo subject anyway? Gay couples can get married, sex is almost shown on t.v. along with foul language but we want to feed our hungry child in a public place and its considered dirty and people are outraged at it?!!!! explain that? Its just wrong and as someone else mentioned its obviously a man that set this rule up. I also cant understand why its ok to get out an un-natural bottle and feed your baby with this but its not ok to allow them to feed with the most natural source in the world! There is no wonder this counrty needs help !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wholeheartedly support this campaign and this it should most definitely be law! I still BF my son now 10mths and would feed him regardless of comments, I'd like to see them physically remove all 17stone of me with my boobs out!

I agree!

I am going to be breastfeeding my baby discreetly wherever I go. Just let anyone try and stop me!

Should definately be the same in England! I felt so self conscious when i was on holiday there in the summer and breastfeeding my son

We should certainly have this law in England as well. Breast feeding your baby is the most natural thing in the world. How can people justify banning Mothers from doing it, just because they don't want to see it being done? How about, just don't watch?