Should a nursing mother’s rights be paramount?

Persecution of breastfeeding is common in this country, which is why it was necessary to enact legislation which attempts to protect babies and their mothers. institutions such as golf clubs are likely to be asked by their members to continue persecution of breastfeeding by openly criticising it on club premises. if a club tolerates such behaviour, it may be in breach of its contract with the mother, either as a member or as a visitor. if a club member or fellow guest claims a right to criticise her, this would not be enforceable in the same way as claiming to have the right to criticise someone for their sexual orientation or race wouldn’t be.

SUSAN STOCKWELL, Poole, Dorset. YET another mum has complained that her desire to breastfeed her child in public has been met with resistance — this time by three lady members in the restaurant of a golf club. If I joined that golf club, booked a table in the same restaurant and during lunch whipped out a boob, I suspect the police would be swiftly called. But attach a baby and everything is fine. The breastfeeding mafia are out to enforce their own views without any consideration of the age, sex or feelings of others. What happened to discretion and decency? The club house management was wrong to penalise the lady members who objected and the breastfeeding mum should have been asked to cover up when she was feeding.

Mrs A.M. SMITH, Croydon, Surrey. What a shame Dr Max Pemberton disapproves of breastfeeding in public places (Mail). a nursing mother feeding her child at the breast is the most natural act in humanity. it isn’t about who may be offended, it must be about the welfare of the child, first and foremost. society needs to examine itself, where drunkenness and lewd behaviour, foul-mouthed speech and disregard for courtesy is often brushed aside as the norm, whereas a nursing mother is looked on with disdain.

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