SPECIAL FEATURES:
Email
Military moms spark outrage by breastfeeding in uniform
Why is it OK for moms to die in uniform, but not to support life?
Thu, May 31 2012 at 2:00 PM
Photo: Brynja Sigurdardottir Photography, via Mom2Mom Breastfeeding Campaign
What is your gut reaction when you see the picture posted above? Are you smiling at the sweet shot of moms and their babies or shocked at depiction of military moms in a state of undress?
This picture has sparked a lot of controversy over the last 24 hours, with many folks — even those who typically support breastfeeding — squirming at the sight of moms in military uniform breastfeeding their babies.
Why?
This is what breastfeeding looks like.
It is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. It does not make a women less of a mom or less of a soldier to breastfeed her baby. It does not make her weak and vulnerable. It should not be hidden away and I can't think of a single reason why a breastfeeding mom in the military should be given any less of an opportunity to feed her baby in public than any other working mom.
Would it be OK if these women were bottle feeding their babies or feeding them jars of strained peas? Of course it would. So why do we continue to feel squeamish about breastfeeding?
Why is it OK for a woman to kill and die while in uniform, but not for her to support life?
This is what breastfeeding looks like.
It is a normal, natural and healthy way to feed a baby. And I salute these moms for giving their best to their babies and to their country.
The opinions expressed by MNN Bloggers and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of MNN.com. While we have reviewed their content to make sure it complies with our Terms and Conditions, MNN is not responsible for the accuracy of any of their information.
You might also like:
Sign in with one of these accounts to add your comment.
EDITORS' PICKS
Advertisement
TODAY'S MOST POPULAR ON
- Student science experiment finds plants won't grow near Wi-Fi router
- 15 famous people who mysteriously disappeared
- How to attract spiders to your garden
- 10 false facts most people think are true
- 9 habits that may do more harm than good
- 13 natural remedies for the ant invasion
- World's oldest beehive discovered in ancient church
- Man looks for missing cat, finds 'UFO' instead
- The 9 nastiest things in your supermarket
- The amazing health benefits of turmeric
NEWSLETTER
ABOUT Jenn Savedge
Green parenting author on raising eco-friendly kids.
Advertisement
any mother who loves their child would not do this in public, 2 many freaks who look for this .with that said breast feeding is a beautiful an natural relation between mother an child,
The only reason that this is an issue is because of the prudish morals of a large portion of America, who probably view this picture as indecent. This is NOT indecent, it is a natural, beautiful occurrence that should be celebrated and applauded. Its time for America to grow up.
As a Marine and a man I applaud these women, mothers! People care far too much about what everyone else is doing. If it's not harming someone then why do you care?
It is insane that this image could be such an issue, but alas in America where we defend our guns more fiercely than our bodies this is truth. How breastfeeding could lessen one's abilities as a soldier, is a comment made by someone who has never battled an infant with sore cracked nipples, to provide nutrition, regardless of the searing pain throbbing through their entire core. That is dedication only a mom can know. Ridiculous! When will the US embrace where we all come from-MOTHERS!