IT was interesting to read your article Breastfeeding to be Promoted in the Gazette & Herald (May 12) stating that mothers across Wiltshire will be offered help and advice in giving their babies the best start in life by breastfeeding.

The help and advice, particularly about breastfeeding, I received during my stay in Devizes Maternity Unit was exemplary and the follow up care by my health visitor is brilliant.

Unfortunately the town of Devizes is less then helpful towards those of us who need to breastfeed, with some of my friends having given up breastfeeding as a result.

Since I had my son 12 weeks ago I have been amazed at how little support there is in Devizes when it comes to breastfeeding your baby.

The larger retailers do not provide mother and baby rooms and the many cafs in town do not have anywhere secluded to sit and feed.

If you do ask if you can feed your baby many are quite shocked at the thought of it.

The one supermarket that has a mother and baby room is, in fact, the main female toilet that has baby changing facilities included.

Why should our babies have to sit and eat in the loo?

I am aware that the health clinic and maternity unit are available to go to, but when you are out with friends wanting to enjoy a hard-earned lunch break, using these facilities is not always possible or even convenient.

In order for the government and health authorities to encourage mum's to breastfeed, more support and awareness is needed, especially by the larger retailers, in providing the opportunity and appropriate amenities.

The social stigma that is still attached to breastfeeding also needs to be changed as this attitude discourages new mums from continuing breastfeeding.

D TIBBERT

Devizes