BREASTFEEDING in public can be a controversial subject. Experts say it is the most natural way to feed a child, but the subject can divide opinion. Following calls made that female MPs should be allowed to breastfeed in the House of Commons chamber, we asked people what they thought.

Kim Savill, 54, of Ashlyns, Pitsea said: “I think breastfeeding in public is right. A mother has to feed their baby so it’s got to be done. I did not because I couldn’t. My grandchildren’s mum did breast feed for a while. I think that people should cover themselves up so there is no exposure. People should be discrete. I don’t know why people feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding in public. It could be that it makes some people feel uncomfortable and they don’t like to see it when they are out and about.”

Sally Hannafin-York, 45, from Whitmore Way, Basildon said: “I did breast feed my children but not in public. I didn’t feel comfortable breast feeding in public, I didn’t think people thought it was appropriate at the time. I don’t have a problem with seeing people breastfeeding in public as long as they covered up. Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things to do. I think if people are discrete about it there shouldn’t be an issue.”

Rose Nicholls, 50, of Kings Road, Basildon said: “I think that breast feeding is good if people are discrete about it and cover up. I was in a restaurant once and saw a woman breastfeeding and she didn’t cover anything up, I don’t think that’s right. I am not against breastfeeding but I think people should cover themselves up if they are in public.”

Alison Edwards, 53, Clayhill Road, Basildon said: “I did breast feed my children but I used to cover it up with a blanket if I was out and about in public. It is one of the most natural things to do. I have seen women breastfeed in public and not cover themselves up, and it isn’t nice. I don’t know why some people feel uncomfortable about women breast feeding in public. I have seen women covering up while breast feeding and it doesn’t bother me at all.”

Nikki Haylett, 39, of Queens Road, Southend said: “I have one daughter and I did breastfeed her in public. I didn’t do it for long and other people made me feel uncomfortable. I had people tutting and making comments. I don’t think there should be a problem as long as the mums cover themselves up. I think some people just like to have something to complain about. I did get upset by people’s comments but in the end I just thought you know what its their problem not mine. I only breastfeed for a short while.”

Laura Mudie, 31, of Bonchurch Avenue, Leigh said: “I have one daughter and I did breastfeed her in public. I think it’s the most natural thing to do and am all for breastfeeding. I did have people staring at me but I wasn’t going to let it stop me. I always covered up and don’t see the problem really. I don’t think that mums should be made to feel uncomfortable.”

Fred Sargent, 79, of Village Hall Close, Canvey, said: “I don’t really think women should breast feed their children in public. If they must it should be done in private and very discretely and away from direct public view. I wouldn’t like to see a women breast feeding her baby in a restaurant or something like that. I think older people in particularly ladies would feel a bit upset by it. I am not against feeding babies I just don’t think it should be done in direct pubic view. They could always arrange to be home when the baby needs to be fed.”

Alison McCleave, 48, of Vanderwalt Avenue, Canvey said: “I don’t have a problem with women breast feeding in public. I think it’s one of the most natural things to do and we should be encouraging more mothers to breast feed in public. I think if some people feel uncomfortable then it is their problem not the mothers. I have seen a lot of women use a kind of bib type cover with the baby comfortably underneath. I have friends and family who have breast feed their babies in public, I don’t have any objections at all.”