Mothers across Canada nursed their babies in parks, libraries, health centers in major cities on Saturday, hoping to create a more tolerant society toward breastfeeding in the public.

The annual event, named "Quintessence breastfeeding challenge" and organized by "Quintessence Foundation," was meant to send the message that mothers should be able to breastfeed wherever necessary rather than feeling forced to look for the nearest washroom stall, said organizer Frances Jones at one of the largest meetings in Winnipeg, capital city of central Manitoba Province.

"I've never been in a bathroom where I'd want to eat lunch, particularly," said Jones, pointing out the fact that women feel pressure to nurse in washrooms because they are sometimes met with negative glances and rude comments.

Many people oppose public breastfeeding, but have no problem with scantily-clad women in beer ads, "We're very confused about form versus function when it comes to the human breast," Jones said ironically.

Newly-elected Manitoba lawmaker Erin Selby joined other mothers with her triplets, saying she wanted to show support for others.

"I know how difficult it can be doing it and continuing with it," she said.

The annual event began seven years ago in British Columbia. Last year, 4,724 mothers joined together at 155 sites across Canada and a handful in the United States for the event.

The movement, nicknamed "Latch on," has even given birth to a new term -- "lactivists," which refer to advocates for a woman's right to nurse wherever she needs to.

On Saturday, similar gatherings took place in Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver, Montreal and some cities in the United States.

Hundreds of mothers and babies met at Toronto's North York Civic Center to compete for a record of most babies breastfeeding at one time.

In Vancouver, 167 mothers gathered at a mall, a community hall and two hospitals for the challenge.

On the Atlantic coast, mothers met at a park outside the Halifax Public Library.

Meanwhile, experts are calling for government help for mothers and babies having difficulties in breastfeeding.

"Women are not getting the support they need to breastfeed. They are quitting when they don't have to," said Jack Newman, who runs a breast clinic in Toronto.

(Xinhua News Agency September 30, 2007)