In a world where public breastfeeding often faces scrutiny, one project shines a light on its beauty and normalcy. In 2013, photographer Mia Larson reached out to breastfeeding mothers with a mission: to document their experiences nursing in public spaces. “I always felt anxious about breastfeeding in public due to potential backlash,” she shared with Home Insemination Kit. She asked moms where they felt most at ease feeding their little ones, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. By 2014, the project expanded, inviting additional photographers to help, leading to the birth of The Public Breastfeeding Awareness Project. With 70 photographers from various countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and Brazil, the initiative has become a global movement.
“Our mantra is simple: the more exposure something gets, the more accepted it becomes,” says Larson. “Given the ongoing debates around breastfeeding, it’s clear this project is essential. Conversations with hundreds of breastfeeding moms worldwide reveal a significant issue.”
The narratives shared through this project are powerful. “The reality is that mothers often face harsh judgment for breastfeeding publicly. There are opinions on how it should be done—whether covered or not—and where it should occur,” Larson explains. “It’s disheartening to see mothers labeled as self-centered for choosing to feed openly.”
Time and again, discussions around breastfeeding in public attract a wave of criticism, with some insisting mothers should cover up or opt for bottles. Even fellow mothers weigh in, claiming they never nursed in public. But the truth is, every mother has her comfort level, and that shouldn’t dictate another’s choices. A baby’s need to eat far outweighs anyone’s discomfort with the act.
“If we could shift our perspective and stop viewing a woman’s body solely through a sexual lens, perhaps we’d be more accepting of a mother nourishing her child in a grocery store aisle,” Larson adds. “Let’s reserve our judgments for issues that truly matter.”
This initiative not only promotes breastfeeding but also encourages a broader acceptance of women meeting their children’s needs.
For those interested in learning more about pregnancy and home insemination, check out American Pregnancy, an excellent resource, and for practical tips, visit Make A Mom, an authority on at-home insemination kits.
In summary, The Public Breastfeeding Awareness Project celebrates the beauty and normalcy of breastfeeding in public, challenging societal norms and advocating for acceptance. It reminds us that a mother’s love and her child’s needs come first.