A Powerful Image of Nursing Soldiers Highlights the Strength of Women

An awe-inspiring photograph by a former military mom-turned-photographer is making waves on social media. Originally intended for the new nursing room at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, this image features 10 active-duty military moms nursing their little ones while proudly wearing their Army uniforms. The photo beautifully illustrates that women can truly excel in every aspect of life, including serving in the military while being devoted mothers.

Photographer Lisa Harper’s Journey

Photographer Lisa Harper, who once served as a military mom nursing her children in the late 90s and early 2000s, shared her journey with the Huffington Post. During her time in the armed forces, support for nursing mothers was almost nonexistent. Lisa wanted to showcase that military moms can be both amazing soldiers and nurturing mothers.

To her surprise, Lisa received an overwhelming response to her call for nursing military mothers to participate in the photo shoot, resulting in a stunning portrait. She expressed on Facebook, “I can’t put into words how I felt during the session and while editing. I remember nursing my oldest in secret, hiding in bathrooms and wherever I could while in uniform. Back then, breastfeeding was not seen as acceptable.” Lisa is grateful to the mothers who participated, believing that it will inspire young women contemplating the military as a viable path for them and their families.

Breaking Barriers

As Lisa mentioned to CNN, “It’s wonderful that the Army is recognizing the needs of active-duty moms. Often, women face the tough choice between being a soldier and a mother, and a photo like this shows that they don’t have to choose.” This powerful image illustrates that these moms are not alone in balancing motherhood with their military duties.

The contrast in the portrait of these women in uniform while nursing is striking. Any mom who has juggled work and breastfeeding knows how challenging it can be. The thought of maintaining that bond while serving in the military may feel overwhelming, but this photo serves as a reminder that it is possible and that support exists.

Progress and Support

Moreover, this portrait has sparked discussions and the Army’s endorsement of Lisa’s impressive work. Organizations like Breastfeeding in Combat Boots are now available to support active-duty military personnel who are pregnant or breastfeeding, demonstrating significant progress in how the military supports nursing moms since Lisa’s own struggles.

Beyond showcasing the Army’s support for nursing mothers, this image sends a resounding message: mothers can do it all, even while serving our country. As Lisa puts it, this photo helps “normalize” breastfeeding, but more importantly, it shows that mothers are no longer placing limits on themselves. Whether in uniform or returning to a desk job, moms can continue their lives as usual while raising children. That’s a truly empowering message!

Additional Resources

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Conclusion

In summary, this viral photo captures the essence of what it means to be a mother in the military today. It challenges the notion that women must choose between their careers and motherhood, proving that with support, they can thrive in both roles.