If the media breaks a story about parents not giving their child lunch, a large portion of the population is up in arms in horror.

And yet, the topic of breastfeeding in public is a contentious issue.

When you go to the beach, it's common to see both men and women walking around half-clothed and in beachside towns it's common to see men walking around in just their board shorts.

If we can tolerate topless men in public and women in short shorts and low cut tops for the sake of comfort and fashion, why can't we tolerate a woman feeding her child for health, wellbeing and nutritional value?

Not only that, but for decades it has been considered acceptable to smoke in public.

While that is still someone's legal prerogative in most situations, smoking leaves lasting health implications for all in the vicinity, whereas breastfeeding has no health consequences beyond the mother and child. Therefore, why does breastfeeding continue to be a topic of contention?

Breastfeeding is not only natural, it's necessary for the sustenance of the baby and for those who are currently unsure, there's a difference between a topless woman and a woman breastfeeding.

While there are other, perfectly acceptable methods of providing a baby with sustenance, breastfeeding is the method that has primarily been used for thousands of years.

The choice to breastfeed or use formula should rest entirely with the child's parents, not members of the public with misplaced ideas of modesty.

If you want a drink, a snack or even to enjoy a full meal, you are entitled to have it in private or in public, surely a baby should have that same right.

Fortunately, it seems that those who oppose breastfeeding in public are a small group, albeit a vocal one.

According to our poll on August 12, almost 89 per cent of responses said women should have the unquestioned right to breastfeed in public.

Let's hope the other 11 per cent come around soon.