Opinion: We Need to Stop Shaming Moms for Breastfeeding in Public

Many celebrities and activists have worked to dismantle the stigma around breastfeeding, but there is still a lot of work to be done.

Nursing women are often given the side-eye when they are seen breastfeeding in public. They are usually asked to leave public and private areas because people around them feel uncomfortable.

Breastfeeding helps women reduce the risks of ovarian and breast cancers.

Breastfeeding is a beautiful, natural part of motherhood.

Breastfeeding in public is legal in all 50 states.

It should not be scolded.

Here a few celebrities who support breastfeeding and encourage new mothers not to hide while feeding their child. They recognize that new mothers are vulnerable to being harassed and are pressured into feeling guilty. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Many women today are shamed for breastfeeding in public, or even kicked out of public places for feeding their children. I have been made to feel the need to cover up and somewhat shy to feed my baby in public places but strangely feel nothing for the topless editorials I’ve done in the name of art..? The world has been desensitized to the sexualization of the breast and to violence on tv…why should it be different when it comes to breastfeeding? -Breastfeeding is not sexual it’s natural- Those who feel it is wrong to feed your child in public need to get educated on the benefits breastfeeding has on mother and child and intern on society as a whole. ??? ?? #mothernature

A post shared by Candice Swanepoel (@angelcandices) on Dec 18, 2016 at 4:02pm PST

Victoria’s Secret Angel Candice Swanepoel has gotten candid about the issue, sharing an up-close photo when her son Anacã was born. She said, “Breastfeeding is not sexual. It’s natural.”

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Gisele Bündchen (@gisele) on Dec 10, 2013 at 8:00am PST

Another Victoria’s Secret alumna, Gisele Bündchen, has also posted openly about breastfeeding. Here, she posted a glam photo getting her makeup and hair done for an event while breastfeeding.

 

 

 

 

 

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My drinking buddy. #neverunderestimatethepowerofawoman

A post shared by Olivia Wilde (@oliviawilde) on Oct 24, 2016 at 3:12pm PDT

Actress Olivia Wilde has also been an advocate for breastfeeding. Back in 2014, she posted a photo to her Instagram showing her bonding with her daughter Daisy Josephine. The caption said “drinking buddy” with an empowering hashtag — #neverunderestimatethepowerofawoman.

A mother bonding with her baby skin-to-skin has many benefits. Skin-to-skin can help with regulating the baby’s heartbeat and keep the baby at the right temperature. Holding and touching your baby is important because cuddling and rocking soothes the baby. It also helps get oxytocin flowing.

https://twitter.com/KristenBell/status/342425736549904385

Kristen Bell told CafeMom that if breastfeeding makes you uncomfortable, it’s your responsibility to move away, not her responsibility to cover up. She said, “I don’t care where I’m breastfeeding. It never crossed my mind. What crossed my mind is ‘was my child hungry?'”

Mothers should be able to breastfeed their babies without being judged, scolded and made to feel guilty.