Staring, tutting and sometimes, even rudeness.
Breastfeeding mums experience it all - and can feel like they lack the support to continue feeding their baby in public.
But a pioneering new venue to support mothers is now set to open in Middlesbrough .
The town’s Baby Café is being launched in the Live Well Centre, in Dundas House at the Dundas Arcade shopping centre , and is the first of its kind in the North-east.
The café is a focal point for free support, with weekly drop-in sessions aimed at local breastfeeding mothers and those who are looking for more help and information.
An official launch event and opening day tea party took place last week.
Weekly sessions from 10am to noon begin this Friday, April 27.
NCT Baby Café co-ordinator Trina Warman said: “The first few weeks can be tough for new mums and one of the things they may need support with is breastfeeding.
“It’s really important that there is somewhere supportive and friendly for women in this area to go to discuss issues with feeding.
“Women can find out about breastfeeding at Baby Cafés and decide if it’s for them and also get information on mixed feeding and expressing.”
Research shows that 80% of women who stop breastfeeding in the first few weeks would have liked to continue and many stop through a lack of support.
Councillor Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for adult social care and public health, said: “Breastfeeding plays a hugely important role in a child’s early development, so it’s essential that we do everything we can to increase its uptake and continuance.
“The Baby Café is a great addition to our local public health provision and I know mums will welcome the ability to access support and share experiences in a relaxed environment.”
An NCT breastfeeding counsellor and volunteers will be on hand to give information and encouragement and the sessions also provide an opportunity for local mothers to socialise.
Baby Café is a network of over 50 breastfeeding drop-in support groups across the UK.
They usually take place at weekly sessions in easy-access venues such as community centres and church halls.
