Sometimes just one, sometimes both. In cities, parks, cafés, shops, the car. Anywhere, really.

But if I'm honest, it's only for the benefit of one man.

One small man. My four-month-old son.

This column started back in December, really, with a story from the UK about a woman asked to cover up while breastfeeding during tea at posh London hotel Claridge's.

Actually, it started before that, when I was heavily pregnant and had a heated discussion with an acquaintance who said while they did not have a problem with breastfeeding per se, they didn't think it was appropriate at a five-star restaurant.

I suggested politely through gritted teeth that it was preferable to having one's meal ruined by a screaming baby.

Then even more politely suggested we discontinue the conversation, for fear I might erupt, Vesuvius-style.

Old news, you might say, if this all happened before Christmas.

But if we have to keep having this same argument every so often about breastfeeding in public - much like racism in sport, or workplace discrimination - then clearly it's a live issue.

We periodically run stories about how it's OK to feed in public, or stories alleging a cafe, for example, has asked a breastfeeding mother to do it in the toilet/more discreetly/elsewhere.

Newsflash! Mums don't generally breastfeed in public for fun.

We do it because a small person will make our lives (and the lives of those around us) a misery if we don't.

Oh, and because we want them to grow.

And so, without drawing attention to ourselves, we try to extract a breast (not even a whole breast) from a specially designed bra, then from our top, then into the not so patiently waiting mouth of a wailing infant, who has screamed loudly enough they might as well have announced with a bullhorn that you're about to WHIP ONE OUT!

It's not always like that, but sometimes it is.

The last thing you need is anyone telling you (or telling the staff of the establishment to tell you) to cover it up.

Or even to ask you to be discreet, because really, unless you're dancing on a table at the same time as getting "the girls" out, you're probably being as discreet as possible.

As one of the English commentators on the Claridge's incident pointed out, everyone likes boobs as long as they are dressed up (or down) for entertainment purposes; it's only when they are being useful, God forbid, that people seem to get upset about them.

I'll be honest, I've never had any similar requests to cover up while feeding.

Quite the opposite; while holidaying on the East Coast this summer, the maitre'd of a lovely restaurant was most concerned when I left my table to go and feed on a comfy couch in the lounge area.

"Please feel free to feed at the table," he said. "If anyone has a problem with it, then they're the ones who should leave."

I almost hoped someone would complain, just to see this guy evict them.

Turned out he was a father of two, with one on the way, and was obviously well versed in the benefits of breastfeeding, regardless of where it occurs.

I almost felt bad I'd left the table.

To be honest, it was just easier on the couches, and I could supervise Junior Senior in the soft play area.

I'm way past being embarrassed breastfeeding in public, but of course some situations and audiences I'm less comfortable with than others.

I know I don't have to, but I choose my seat carefully when I need to feed.

And don't worry, by next summer I probably won't be getting my boobs out in public any more.

Not without some decent underwire, anyway.