Should child-feeding facilities be required by law?
Though more local mothers opt to breastfeed their babies, the sight of them performing this task is uncommon in Hong Kong.
The problems faced by breastfeeding mothers should not be taken lightly. I strongly support the campaign for a law to provide proper facilities for nursing and feeding in public places ('Mothers call for feeding law,' November 16).
One reason is to prevent the embarrassment of breastfeeding in public, not caused by the mothers, but by the general public. As you reported, one mother felt embarrassed because of unpleasant comments made to her by someone as she was breastfeeding.
The public should have a more open mind towards breastfeeding. However, we have to be aware that the vast majority of the population is Chinese - nudity is taboo and breastfeeding may well be associated with western culture.
Breastfeeding is not new, therefore it should be accepted by the public and it is not acceptable for men to ogle breastfeeding mothers. The nation is supposed to be progressing, so people in our society must develop an open mind towards the act of nursing infants.