What do you think?
This photo of a woman breastfeeding was emailed to me so I have no idea where it came from first, and I can’t credit the photographer (sorry!)
It bothers me a bit but I can’t quite pin down why. Logically you wouldn’t keep your hair down like that ‘cos the baby would grab it and it would hurt, you would probably wear a nursing bra because it is more comfortable and I don’t know many women who would be comfortable in a see through lace shirt.
Is it just too sexy?
I’d really like to know what you think, because I don’t know if this is a good thing for promoting breastfeeding as something to aspire to, something that beautiful young women with nice hair do, or if it’s a bit sinister.
“Any old Cow” Short Sleeved T 6-12 months 
“Any old Cow” Short Sleeved T 3-6 months 
Any Old Cow – Shopping Bag 
Mummy Milk Rocks – Shopping Bag 
Care Instructions – Shopping Bag 
This picture bothers me. Like you…not sure why. In one way io like that she is a sexy mama and still bf’ing…but then bothers me that the bare/laced breast is so on show. I do think its beautiful…but it does confuse me…
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It is from the Italian Elle magazine; I think it is great that they would put a bf pic in their mag! Here is some more info http://girliegirlarmy.com/exclusive/20110514/italian-elle-features-vegans/
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I see your point about feeling slightly uncomfortable about the photo but my first though on seeing the photo wasn’t what the mum looks like but how lovely to see a photo (not attached to a “freak” article) of an older than newborn baby being breastfed.
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I don’t think it’s totally negative but I don’t think it’s promoting the right image either, I wear my hair down too sometimes but its not practical as it gets everywhere, the clothes she’s wearing and the way it’s posed has made it ‘sexy’ and breastfeeding isn’t meant to be sexy.. That’s when people start assuming mums are doing it for weird reasons.. That’s just my opinion.
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I think the pic is mostly fine. At the end of the day it’s up too the Mum what she wears and how she has her hair when bfing but she doesn’t look comfortable holding that baby and she’s never going to be able to hold the baby that size like that for a whole feed. Just another point of view fo you. It is great to see bfing pics that are a bit different though.
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I think it’s fine. It’s clearly a dressed up shot, I’m sure in ‘real life’ she is a nursing-bra-and-opaque-top-wearing normal mum. Models rarely wear practical things on shoots and I don’t think the average reader would expect to see them walking down the street like that. It’s just for show.
I wear my hair down when breastfeeding; never been a problem for me.
I don’t see how you can have the opinion that breasts are not sexual on one hand, and on the other hand that this sexualises breasts. Surely it’s people’s perceptions that sexualise breasts? So she’s wearing lace and you can see her other breast. I thought breasts weren’t sexual anyway? Do you see what I’m saying?
I don’t think we should be looking for little reasons to criticise someone who is breastfeeding an older baby and putting that image out into the public domain. Let’s all stick together, shall we, and accept we’re all a bit different? I think it’s a beautiful picture, personally.
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I’m not comfortable with this, and yes, it’s just too sexy. I recall checking youtube for breastfeeding videos as my daughter and I were having issues getting her to latch on. The comments associated with those videos were virtually all from viewers who’d gone to view the video with intentions different from mine. So, this bothers me because I believe it actually takes away from the seriousness and frankly the true beauty of breastfeeding. Having the child there appears gratuitous – it’s not a natural pose, but it does give you a better peak at the model’s breasts. I don’t believe it does a whole lot for the effort to make breastfeeding a normal activity, but rather depicts it more as a chance for peeping toms to have their cake.
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I think what bothers me about this is the implied link between sexuality and breastfeeding- before I even start on my suspicion that that baby isn’t actually feeding in the shot. The mum’s pout, her half-closed eyes, her ‘mother earth goddess’ hairstyle and the choice of rather revealing/risque clothing all suggest to me a rather tacky perfume advert rather than a totally natural and normal biological function. Does that make me seem a prude?? I’m not!
Ps, if it was me, the other side of that pretty lace top would be soaked very shortly- or is that just me? lol.
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This photo goes beyond showing the bond between a mother and child in a dignified way…. I believe it could encourage mens lust and other unhelpful emotions to be associated with this natural act, unfortunately there is a baby involved in this sexualised image. Also, in my experience working Lait d’amour (promoting breastfeeding) I have come across some perverted comments which I have reported. Further research (and a man on ebay and some on facebook) led me to find out there is dark (underground parts of the internet) where there are perves sharing breastfeeding images and I found out its actually a sexual fetish, as is shoes, tights etc, its shocking to learn this and I have read some very sick posts from men on porn forums, even comments about the baby in the photos! If you take a closer look at this image (enlarge it) you will see very clearly the ladies other breast in detail, it is posed to get as much sexualality out of it as possible. Furthermore, she is standing up and has her mouth slightly open, which is typical to incite lust.
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I’ve never worn my hair up, breastfeeding or otherwise and my hair is much longer than hers (although not as well brushed). There were occasions where I probably looked similarly underdressed while feeding a newborn. I see no reason to take issue with a breastfeeding mum dressing overtly sexually – if that top was done up and she was bottle feeding a baby, would it be so bad?
I mean, who says a breastfeeding mum can’t be sexy too? I completely disagree with the idea that breasts aren’t sexual. My breasts ARE sexual. They are dual-purpose (like most of my body) and I believe their sexuality is all about context and audience. This lady’s body language, with boobs turned towards the camera makes it seem exhibitionist, but in a different context she could look proud, or just self-assured.
Regardless of whether I like the look, breastfeeding isn’t a lifestyle choice, about being demure or even tasteful… Can you tell I really feel I should be OK with this??
I’m uncomfortable with it against my best logic. Pedantically, unless you have a very strong core, there is no way you could breastfeed a baby of that size in that position for any length of time so it just looks wrong. She presents herself in a very sexually aggressive way and because the pose is unnatural too, it feels as if the baby is just being used as a rather inappropriate prop.
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