There is heated debate online about whether Arj Barker did the right thing by asking a breastfeeding mother to leave his show over the weekend.

Barker has since said he had nothing against breastfeeding, rather that it was about the baby making noise.

The mother, Trish Faranda, said the baby was just "gurgling" during the show, and that she felt "humiliated" when asked to leave.

Breastfeeding advocates have responded, making the point that breastfed babies often need to be with their mother.

"If a baby has been exclusively breastfed at the breast, other options such as expressing may not be either a suitable option or a mother's choice," says Emily Carrolan, manager of Breastfeeding Friendly Australia, an Australian Breastfeeding Association initiative.

We spoke to mothers to hear about their experiences of taking their breastfed babies to live gigs such as the theatre and concerts, including one who welcomes babies at shows of her own.

'It makes me feel good to see babies at my shows'

Melody Moko, 34, Gold Coast

I have been the breastfeeding mother at a gig, and [when performing as a musician] I've definitely had people in the audience breastfeed.

I have breastfed backstage. I have seen other musicians breastfeed on stage.

I've actually found the response from the public to Arj Barker's show quite shocking. That a mother, who needs to have her breastfeeding baby with her, is entitled.

I don't understand why people think she should be limiting herself because she's a mother.

It's important she finds some time and space that makes her feel like herself again.

It makes me feel good to see women with their babies at my shows. That's why this has been so shocking to me.

I find children, in general, less disruptive than a drunk patron, for example.