Madam, - As someone who has enjoyed the intense pleasure and fulfilment of breastfeeding four children, I must take issue with the opening paragraphs of Miriam Donohoe's column of March 6th. I have breastfed over the years in a myriad of public places countrywide - art galleries, cinemas, countless restaurants and hotels, public libraries and cathedrals.
Within the "sanctuary of my own four walls" (Ms Donohoe's phrase), which over the past 12 years have been in various locations in Dublin and in Cork city and county, I have breastfed in front of judges, bishops, TDs and - most importantly for the future - countless children of both genders and of all ages.
My youngest son is just six months old and is therefore still an ardent and exclusive breastfeeder. Only last week he was breastfed on board an Aer Lingus plane travelling from Cork to London, in Trinity College, on the Cork-Dublin train and in Bewley's Café in Grafton Street. I can honestly say with delight that no one in any of these locations batted even an eyelid.
Towards the end of her column Ms Donohoe states: "Without exception, all my friends who became mothers in recent years have given breastfeeding short shrift." Again, I am thrilled to say, this could not be further removed from my experience.
My last child was born in St Finbarr's Hospital in Cork. The level of support for breastfeeding there was exemplary. This support has been maintained by the health board's personnel.
I can honestly say I am entirely at ease with breast feeding in public. My advice is: Do not even entertain the possibility of being subjected to disgusted glances or being made to feel awkward while breastfeeding. No one would contemplate impeding a baby being bottle-fed. Why even deign to countenance that it might be otherwise if the baby is fortunate enough to be breastfed - Yours, etc.,
CLAIRE JACKSON,
The Deanery,
Dean Street,
Cork.