GMTV sparks breastfeeding row

GMTV has reportedly sparked complaints to media regulator Ofcom after a programme expert claimed that breast milk can be "as bad as cola".

Midwife Clare Byam-Cook made the remark yesterday while being interviewed on air by Lorraine Kelly, The Mirror reports.

She is quoted as saying: "Breast milk beyond the age of 2 isn't necessarily good because it's very, very sweet. The fact that it's breast milk doesn't make it any different to a glass of Coca-Cola."

Byam-Cook's comment was then challenged by the rest of the panel debating the subject.

However, it is thought that hundreds of mothers have now complained about the show's content, branding Byam-Cook's views "outrageous" in emails to GMTV and Ofcom.

GMTV's ability to be impartial on the subject of breastfeeding has been called into question in the past as its weather slot is sponsored by baby-milk maker Nestlé.

A spokesperson for the morning programme insisted: "This item was fair and balanced."