Is breastfeeding in public still taboo, or has it become more acceptable to feed our babies breast milk in restaurants, cafes and pubs? Lindsay Jennings took two mums and their hungry six-month-old babies around Darlington to find out.

AT only six months old, they are surely The Northern Echo's two youngest investigative reporters. But both Jack and Holly are raring to go as their mums Michelle Palmer, 26, and Debbie Lawrence, 31, prepare to gauge the reactions of staff and customers as they breastfeed the youngsters in five different town centre spots in Darlington.

Both mums are keen advocates of breastfeeding - it is, after all, quick and nutritious - but they expect to receive some negative comments as they visit various places, including a fast food restaurant and a busy pub.

"Sometimes I've noticed the odd look from people, but nobody has ever actually confronted me," says Michelle. "I don't mind breastfeeding in public but if I come into town, I do tend to do it Mothercare where there are facilities and it's quiet.

"If I'm on my own, I'll go somewhere where I know I'll feel comfortable and I don't tend to try other places," adds Debbie.

So, with our two tiny reporters, we set off.

McDonald's, Northgate, Darlington

THERE are kids everywhere, sucking on straws and tucking into burgers and chicken nuggets - but there don't appear to be many mums with babies. Debbie decides its Holly's turn for a feed - breast milk is the best fast food after all! She discreetly begins to feed Holly while we surreptitiously look around us for any adverse reactions. Although there are no warm smiles heading Debbie's way, from either the staff or public, we have, at least, had no scowls or whisperings behind hands.

"I'm surprised. We've been pretty much left to get on with it really," says Debbie.

"McDonald's is also quite good for getting pushchairs in and out and the baby-changing facilities aren't bad," adds Michelle.

Baby friendly rating: A pleasant surprise

Il Cappuccino, Market Place, Darlington

WE order a couple of coffees and a delicious piece of cherry cake while Jack nuzzles up to mum Michelle. The ladies behind the counter appear to have noticed but do not say anything negative and when an assistant brings over the cake there is no comment other than a pleasant "there are you are ladies". But there is a rather an atmosphere, as much created by a couple of the customers, who, to be fair, have nothing to do with the caf's viewpoint on breastfeeding. One woman sitting with what appears to be her elderly mother looks at Michelle with a stony face and continues to glance over until she has finished breastfeeding. Another lady sitting next to us appears equally unimpressed with the feeding arrangements.

"It's not that anyone's said anything but some people, especially new mums, could feel a bit uneasy breastfeeding here," says Debbie.

Baby friendly rating: Could be more welcoming

The Pennyweight, Market Place, Darlington

THE pub is not somewhere mums would usually take their babies but we are all surprised by the reactions in The Pennyweight, which is packed full of people.

Both Jack and Holly are willing volunteers for another feed and this time there's a gentleman serving behind the bar and two older men sitting having a quiet pint in front of us.

The men continue chatting and it is hard to tell whether they have seen us or not.

Meanwhile, the barman comes over and smiles before saying we can close the curtains if the sun is getting in Holly's eyes.

"It's quite good because it's not somewhere you would normally think of coming but it seems really friendly and relaxed," says Debbie.

"Everyone is so busy in what they're doing they don't seem to have noticed," adds Michelle.

Baby friendly rating: A welcoming environment

Binns caf upstairs, High Row, Darlington

THE caf is half-full with adults, both young and old, but no-one appears to notice as both Michelle and Debbie start feeding.

The pillars and the sectioned-off areas may also make new mums feel more comfortable for the first few times they breastfeed, we decide.

A waitress appears to take away the tray and shoots a grin at the two mums before stooping to pick up Holly's rucksack which has fallen on the floor.

"It feels quite nice here, like you're in adult environment without being surrounded by loads of kids," says Michelle. "No-one is paying any attention at all."

Baby friendly rating: Good for a quiet drink

It is not long before our two little volunteers are full and contented and have fallen fast asleep. Both the mums have been surprised by the experience.

Says Michelle: "I don't think anyone was really bothered by us and it's made me consider going into other places to breastfeed."

Debbie adds: "I thought we would have had some negative comments but we didn't. I'll be less inclined to stick to the same places in the future."