Letter: Mothers hit back

Sarah Oliver
Tuesday 29 September 1998 23:02 BST
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Sir: What is Howard Jacobson's problem ("Get it off your chest", Magazine 26 September). I feel personally attacked as a library-using mother with three children. He talks of being a son - but is he a father? I doubt it.

I was pleased to read that the children's lending section of which he writes is so well used. These mothers should be applauded, not patronised, for observing library etiquette.

As for mothers who breastfeed in a public place - how dare Howard Jacobson act in such a threatening manner. I'm sure he would be furious at being so rudely disturbed during his lunch. Admittedly he would be unlikely to be eating it in a library, but this is one of the beauties of breastfeeding. Any place, anywhere - or it should be.

To all mothers who are breastfeeding or considering breastfeeding, please do not be put off by these unfeeling, inconsiderate bullies. You are right, they are not.

SARAH OLIVER

Faringdon,

Oxfordshire

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