Despite the fact that breastfeeding is an incredibly normal and necessary part of life, there’s somehow still stigma around doing it in public. In fact, many women are shamed for doing it. But the good news is a lot of women and mothers are challenging those who criticize public breastfeeding by sharing their own experiences. You know, like Victoria’s Secret model Candice Swanepoel, who recently became a mom for the first time.
Basically, Swanepoel posted a powerful breastfeeding pH๏τo on Instagram, admitting that she’s been made to feel uncomfortable when breastfeeding her son.
“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,” she asked.
And right here, Swanepoel asks this crucial question:
“The world has been desensitized to the Sєxualization of the breast and to violence on tv…why should it be different when it comes to breastfeeding?”
Why should it be different, indeed!? Yet this confusing criticism happens all the time. Remember when Mila Kunis was shamed for breastfeeding in public, or when a mom was asked to leave a toddler gym class for breastfeeding? There are numerous examples with no adequate reasoning behind them! And that’s why Swanepoel’s point about breastfeeding education is absolutely key.
She continued on to write, “Breastfeeding is not Sєxual [in] 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.”
Soooooo much YES. Here’s the whole post:
Thank you for opening up about this sensitive topic, girl. We’re hoping that people will soon realize that breastfeeding is nothing out of the ordinary AT ALL.
Thanks for keeping it real, Candice.