The groups of committed breastfeeders gathered in the Bridge Street Café in Wick and Caffe Cardosi in Thurso on Monday to support this week's awareness initiative.

The establishments are among 12 in Caithness showing support for breastfeeding by signing up to the NHS Highland "Baby Welcome" sticker scheme.

The Weigh Inn Hotel, the Upper Deck, Holborn Hotel, Tempest Surf, Station Hotel and Tesco in Thurso and Houston's café, Morag's café, Bridge Street Café, the Lunch Box and JD Wetherspoon in Wick are all taking part in the scheme, and displaying the sticker means staff know that it is against the law to stop a mother breastfeeding a baby under the age of two in a public place.

A breastfed baby has a lower risk of infections, diabetes and allergies. Mothers who breastfeed lower their own risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer, and even reduce their risk of hip fractures when they are older.

Mums Susan Robertson, Liz Hewitson, Kerry Boyers and Sarah Rootes, who gathered in the Bridge Street Café in Wick, and Susan McNeill, Siobhan Fairweather, Debra Bullivant and Victoria Reid, who met in Caffe Cardosi, are hoping that their little bit of PR will help to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding and demonstrate how unobtrusive breastfeeding in public is.

Customers in Caffe Cardosi appear oblivious as local mum Susan McNeill feeds baby Kirstin. Robert MacDonald 01955 602741

Susan Robertson said: "We all believe that breastfeeding is the natural thing to do and we feel that it's important to create a positive attitude towards it in the community so mums feel welcome to feed their babies."

Community midwife Pam MacBeath said: "We've had a terrific response from mums and cafés in Caithness agreeing to support Breastfeeding Awareness Week.

"We hope it helps to convince more women that breastfeeding is discreet and can be done in any public place."

On Saturday, NHS Highland midwives will man a stall in Thurso's precinct to get the "breast is best" message to even more people. They will be able to give advice and will also be handing out special cotton bags carrying the message "Breastfeed towards a healthier Highland". The bags are reusable and contain information and advice on breastfeeding.

NHS Highland infant feeding adviser Karen Mackay said: "All the evidence shows that breast is best for mums and babies so we're working hard to increase the number of babies getting the best start. Breastfeeding can be done discreetly anywhere and NHS Highland's midwives and advisers can offer support to mums who need it."

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