Breastfeeding mums 'face comments and stares'

Self-conscious new mums are scared to breastfeed their babies in public because of the reactions of strangers, according to new research.

Kamillosan Chamomile Ointment's poll of 3,500 UK mums found the pressure of public disapproval sent many mums hiding in public toilets (38 per cent) or letting their children go hungry until they could feed in private (about 20 per cent).

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The company suggested this could affect the natural bonding experience between mother and baby.

And "a staggering" 54 per cent of breastfeeding mums had been subjected to "unwanted attention", it noted.

This included 12 per cent who were asked to stop breastfeeding their babies in public and 14 per cent who have been verbally attacked and argued with by someone who objected to it.

Lucy Symons, spokeswoman for Kamillosan said: "It is absolutely ludicrous that in this modern day and age a mother cannot do one of the most natural acts and feed her child without comments and stares from strangers."

UK Breastfeeding Awareness Week takes place this year in May and aims to encourage mums to get support though a "breast buddy".