IT makes my blood boil to hear of a new mother told to move out of sight to breastfeed her baby.

What could be more natural than to feed your baby when they are hungry?

The law is on the woman's side. The Equality Act states that it is against the law to treat a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding.

This means that cafés, libraries, buses, trains, cinemas and any other service open to the public must not ask a woman to stop breastfeeding or refuse to serve her if she does. It is also against the law for service providers to harass or victimise a woman because she is breastfeeding.

The law applies to multi-national businesses, small businesses, and Government services. It doesn't matter whether it is a security guard, a waiter or a manager who asks the woman to move on or stop breastfeeding – the organisation providing the service is still breaking the law.

There are good reasons why these laws are in place.

There are important health benefits for mothers and babies from breastfeeding.

Breastfed babies have reduced rates of gastroenteritis, chest infections, urinary tract infections, diabetes and obesity. Mothers who breastfeed have lower risks of some cancers, diabetes and heart disease in later life.

The Department of Health recommends that babies are exclusively breastfed for the first six months, then breastfed in conjunction with other food.

Women who are breastfeeding deserve our support and not our censure.

Women should not be banished to private rooms or, even worse, to the toilets to breastfeed their babies.

Some people may feel uncomfortable seeing a woman breastfeeding, but it is time that they got used to it.

For information and advice on your right to breastfeed on your maternity rights at work and in the benefits system, see the Maternity Action website www.maternityaction.org.uk