Mothers invited to a Scottish Government-backed breastfeeding conference were left angry and bemused after being told that they would not be allowed to breastfeed their babies.

Organisers for the event, titled “Shifting the Curve - Sharing the Challenge Breastfeeding Summit”, said it was "open to everyone who works with children and families" and aimed to “remove some of the barriers” about breastfeeding.

Yet when mothers asked if they could breastfeed their babies at next month’s conference at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium, they were told by officials that this would not be "appropriate”.

Elise Stirling, who runs parenting consultancy Bond, Baby!, said she was “dumbfounded” when she was told by officials that the event was for “professionals" rather than breastfeeding mothers.

“Obviously it had not occurred to them that you can be both,” said Ms Stirling, 31, from Falkirk.

Ms Stirling had explained under the “dietary requirements” section of the booking form that she was dairy-free as she was breastfeeding.

“It never even occurred to me that I would have to ask permission to breastfeed,” she said.

“After talking to people I started getting a wee bit angry as I knew it was illegal to ban mothers from breastfeeding.”

When she complained this was discriminatory, Ms Stirling was told that extra “facilities” would be provided for breastfeeding mothers.

Labour MSP Elaine Smith said it was “astonishing” that mothers were told their children were not welcome.

She added: “The irony of it being a breastfeeding conference is unbelievable. Clearly it made sense to backtrack.

“However I think [the conference organisers] saying that they will provide special facilities for breastfeeding mothers begs a bigger problem.

“Women should be able to breastfeed wherever they are, they should be able to sit in the auditorium.

“If breastfeeding is seen as something that has to be hidden away in a different room, instead of celebrated, I don’t think we will break down the barriers.”

The Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The event was initially organised for health professionals and service providers.

"But we are sorry that mums were initially told they wouldn’t be able to attend this event with their babies, and following a number of enquiries from mothers we have now arranged baby changing facilities so they will be welcome to breast feed in the sessions or, if preferred, in the quiet areas provided.”

Last month Lou Burns, 35, criticised London's five-star hotel Claridge’s for their "Victorian" policies, after staff told her to cover herself with a "ridiculous shroud" while breastfeeding her 12-week-old daughter.

Telegraph.co.uk