Don’t ban the breast in public – this is the verdict of Kent Online visitors appalled by the treatment of a young mother at a court hearing.

Natalie-Ann Leadbetter was told last week that she cannot breastfeed her 11-week-old baby at Chatham Family Court.

The mum-of-three, who is attempting to resolve an unrelated contact dispute though the courts, said she would be forced to miss crucial appearances as her child needs breastfeeding nearly constantly.

The 25-year-old from Northfleet, near Gravesend said: "My GP has written to the court, but they’re not taking it into account."

The law currently protects mothers wishing to breastfeed in public places that provide goods and services, such as restaurants and cafes, but court rooms and other public areas are still free to ban the breast.

The news outraged many Kent Online visitors, and disappointed East Kent midwife Karen Withers, who felt it was indicative of the nation’s attitude towards breastfeeding.

Mrs Withers said: “I think this is wrong – breastfeeding can be done discreetly, it does not have to be out in the open, and a child has to be fed.

~ Court ban on breastfeeding mother>>>

She added: “A big problem is that breast feeding is no longer the norm in Britain as it used to be. In places like Sweden, women feed wherever and whenever they need to.

“But here, you very rarely see breastfeeding in public or on television soaps and dramas, for example. You see the bottle instead, so people think this is the normal way.”

The story struck a cord with Kent Online visitor and currently breastfeeding mother Lara Delaney, 23, from Walderslade: “This story has really disgusted me. She should be praised for wanting to breastfeed, not be given grief.

“People don’t even notice when I am feeding, its so suitable. I think people who have a problem should grow up and think how they would like to be starved because other people might frown upon your choice of meal!"

Terence Hooper, from France, was equally outraged: “So, courts can give out medical advice now! “Of course women should be able to breastfeed their babies wherever they want or need to…please, someone tell the court that storks aren't really bringing the babies.”

Carol Dwyer, from Medway, added: “There are some very sad and deluded people out there. Is the court ordering breast fed babies to be starved - if so, what judgment would they pass on a child that is being starved by its guardians?”

Some of the reported health benefits of breastfeeding are: ~ Reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity in the child

~ Stronger dental and jaw bone formation in the baby~ Reduce risk of breast and ovarian cancer in the mother.