Stunning Photos Of Moms Breastfeeding Outside Show Nursing In Public Is OK
Photographer Ivette Ivens wants to make public breastfeeding the norm. The Lithuanian-born Chicago resident takes highly stylized portrait photography shots of mothers breastfeeding in public to remind everyone that it’s “a totally normal thing.” 25-year-old Ivens is a mother of two and breastfed her older son until he was three.
“I nursed them both anywhere I wanted. From church to parties, from farmers market to high-end designer stores. I believe that mothers should nurse their little ones whenever they want to,” states Ivens. She is also a proponent for extended breastfeeding. “Little kids know when it’s time for weaning off. Mothers do too. Strangers don’t know, so they shouldn’t care.”
Ivens recently held an exhibition in Chicago titled “I breastfeed my toddler”; later this year, she is releasing her photo-book, Breastfeeding Goddess. Ivens also specializes in taking beautiful pictures of families.
More info: ivetteivens.com | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon
Ivette Ivens’ book “Breastfeeding Goddess” is available for purchase here.
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Whilst very stylised and beautiful, these photographs do not show breastfeeding as it is in the real world. If I had to be fully naked just to breastfeed it would put me off as I do not wish to be naked in public!! Also there is a slightly pornographic air about these photos and those perverts in the world who focus their eyes on children will have a field day with them. In fact I have seen more innocent photos of children removed from Facebook for less exposure!! Just because we want to breast feed does not mean we have the right to make everyone around us uncomfortable while we do so - A little modestly and discretion goes a long way. respect others as well ourselves
There is nothing pornographic about these pictures. Have a word with yourself woman!
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As the intention was to provoke and stir a controversy i call it a success and the photos as art are beautiful. Which is why i consider this project a fail in the attempt to promote breast feeding in public as normal moral and un-sexual. For breastfeeding to become more widely accepted people need to get used to seeing it as a natural feeding process and this will take time, it will take women to prove that the purpose is to feed and nurture not to provoke and offend. So i fail to see how these photos will serve this purpose as they are somewhat erotic. I don't think the mothers are under-dressed for the kids benefit. If you strive for breastfeeding in public why the nature setting and the only pic set in the city features a mother dressed inappropriately for the weather (see the people behind her), then why the need for a sheer sexy dress? I don't think breastfeeding should be done in hiding or under a blanket but it shouldn't be done as a display with sexual innuendos.
There are other photos, like http://www.buzzfeed.com/southerndisposition/25-historical-images-that-normalize-breastfeeding-jlw6#.ocDG3Y4vg , that show everyday-breastfeeding. As a nursing mom, I love those, and I also see reasons for these photos to picture dolled up ladies -- the beauty of these photos communicates the way we FEEL during the best nursing sessions, a feeling people who have never experienced it wouldn't otherwise understand -- the beautiful love of actually giving of your own body to nourish someone who relies on you. In this way, it's just like beautiful pregnancy photos. Another thing it has in common with beautiful pregnancy shots is that it's important for some women who probably feel overwhelmed, exhausted, maybe not at their ideal size/shape, most days hair undone, smelly, etc, etc. to connect to the beautiful person they are, to the fact that their newfound motherhood makes them even more beautiful. I wish I had shots like this of me and my baby.
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Stunning Photos Of Moms Breastfeeding Outside Show Nursing In Public Is OK?? No. It doesn't show that its ok. These photos are stunning indeed.beautiful,but these moms are not breastfeeding in public. These are portraits for keepsakes,not what public breastfeeding looks like.and I bet these moms agree too.
No, it's not ok. Unless you've found a way to freeze time and implement photofilters. Seriously.
I think these are absolutely beautiful. Granted, one wouldn't remove their pants in a Wal-Mart while breastfeeding but I don't think the artist intended to imply that you should. The goal was to show others who are not breastfeeding how beautiful it is to the mother who is doing it. As a breastfeeding mother, I can testify that those moments are the most beautiful that I have ever experienced. I think sometimes people read too much into art rather than simply appreciating its beauty. Breastfeeding is the way nature (and God, if you believe in him) meant for us to feed and nurture our babies. The fact that breasts has become sexualized to the point where it is considered "indecent" has nothing to do with morality and everything to do with a widespread, cultural sickness. I commend artists such as this one for attempting to restore the public perspective to what it ought to be naturally.
Seems like I can't reply to other comments here, so I just have to do it like this: "Private time" can mean more than one thing, Geth. It means something private. Which could also be a private conversation. Noone said anything about sex. I think people should cover up when they're breastfeeding in public, and I don't understand why that's a problem. Neither do I understand why you have to make such a big deal about it, why some women has to be so b****y about it, or why you feel the need to attack everyone who doesn't feel the same way as you do. Wearing clothes in public are normal nowadays. Of course people feel weird about it when someone then just gets undressed whenever whereever. Look at all the women actually covering up when they breastfeed. Their babies still gets food. And they're not offending anyone. Everyone's happy.
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As long as breasts are still so sexualized by men, it would make me very uncomfortable for me to have a baby slurping away while a man was sitting nearby observing.
Sadly, not just by men. Women also shame other women for not "covering" up in public when breastfeeding. It's a societal issue... Only time and exposure will change that.
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Men think God gave us breasts for their pleasure, wrong. These photos show the real reason God gave us breasts, so humanity can survive. Grow up you male idiots.
The only reason, evolutionarily, that people find breasts sexually attractive is that their existence is a marker that a woman is sexually mature (an adult) and would therefore be able to get pregnant and then to feed her young. People have said in the comments that they are both sexual AND for feeding babies. But, no, they are just for feeding babies, and so people see them and their subconscious thinks, "I should impregnant that woman. She could nourish the baby." (Also, many people feel pleasure through their nipples. This is also in the service of getting our babies fed; if we are going to continue to nurse day in and day out, it better feel alright.)
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I have no problem with women breastfeeding in public as long as they're modest about (cover up as much as possible) but these pictures don't represent how people breastfeed in public and I hope it never gets that way either. As for the artistic value, these are wonderful, for the realistic everyday life value.......not so good.
Reasons why covering up is not so easy: http://www.motherhoodandmore.com/2013/08/whats-so-hard-about-covering-up-to-html.html
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I love the photos. I dislike running into women doing breast feeding in public. Makes me feel wrong place - wrong time.
Babies need to be fed on demand. When they are young, this means the majority of the day is spent nursing. Unless a mother locks herself in her home, people are going to see nursing. Public nursing is essential for women to get out and have a life (new moms are already beyond exhausted, and at the beginning, you can't even get groceries without nursing while you're out; they need it so often, and they need it RIGHT NOW.) And all the cultural shame about it is what makes women make the sad choice not to nurse. Nursing in public normalizes it, which will get more women to feel comfortable doing it, which will normalize it further.
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All natural. Was brought up with this my whole life and think it's just great. It's all part of real motherhood. Glad to see that it's not into the closet.
it's hilarious how we are constantly surrounded by half naked women everywhere we go and nobody ever complains but when a perfectly respectable mother does something as beautiful and as natural as breastfeeding even the slightest sight of a sideboob becomes indecent. that is very coherent of you, easily-offended-by-nature-guy-who-completely-lost-sight-of-the-whole-point-of-developing-brest-in-the-first-place. "how outrageous of you, to hang a lingerie add with no shame! don't you have any respect?!" said no one ever
Those pictures are beautiful.. but if you're going to use them for public breast feeding campaign I don't think it's going to work..
Almost all of these photos were erotic,real breastfeeding has nothing to do with.For me,public breastfeeding is not ok,cause i know lots of people of all ages that if they see it,they will ''keep looking'' and this is far more nasty than the need of mother to find a quite spot to do her work.If we were living naked in the jungle women would breastfeed in the public view too,but we arent.
These pictures are truly beautiful. As im sure some people have more to say about this than i do, i believe that these pictures show a sense of confidence and a gorgeous picture about maternity.
Let me add a bit of a twist to this. Agreed the images are incredibly beautiful. Agreed most aren't meant to depict how women actually breast feed in public. I happen to advocate that it be acceptable for mothers to be allowed to breastfeed when and where it becomes necessary for a hungry child. Now for the twist, I don't think I myself could do it. I'm from a different era and yes, I would just feel too exposed. The closest I believe I would come would be to feed the child with a light blanket or scarf to shield myself and the baby. I actually think the baby would be more comfortable and less distracted. I get the feeling from the looks on most of the babies faces they seem to not appreciation the attention .
Yeah, my partners breasts do not look like that after three kids, sorry to say!
Am I the only person who can see a correlation between the sexualization of breastfeeding women and Sharia Law? We find it so unfortunate when some women are forced to cover their faces in public yet we mindlessly embrace this notion of indecency when it comes to breasts. There are many cultures in which nursing women don't cover them at all and nobody finds it strange. It's indoctrination, pure and simple. When a part of a woman's body is sexualized to the point where she is urged to be ashamed of it, it is oppressive and unwarranted. PEOPLE decide what to be offended by. If the sight of a breastfeeding mother gives you impure thoughts I would highly recommend confronting your own demons rather than expecting a baby to suffer for your mental indecency.
This is NOT the public breastfeeding people object to. Blame our culture, blame the men. Hell, blame civilization. Women's breasts have been sexualized since forever. Just cover up a little, that's all. Amanda Macfarlane is correct. These photos have nothing to do with real world breast feeding.
"Women's breasts have been sexualized since forever." - No, they have not. Women's entire bodies have been sexualized by men. Should women all wear burkas?
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In Panama I see breast feeding in public and honestly, no one cares or pays any attention to it. It is natural and it is necessary. Folks need to get over the stupid stuff. I agree with Amanda below about doing it naked for photos. What God created is beautiful enough and it is not necessary to turn it into portn
Perhaps the headline misstated the purpose of these photos. I don't think this presentation is meant to glorify breastfeeding in public so much as it highlights the breathtaking beauty of breastfeeding. Sustaining the life of another human (i.e. breastfeeding) can be as gorgeous and majestic as it is amazing.
Isn't nature wonderful. I think there is nothing more beautiful than breastfeeding.
Also, breastfeeding doesn't make u a hero. I'm kinda sick of your holier than though attitudes.
But being a present mother does. Have some respect.
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There's absolutely nothing "porno" about these images. Gathered no one is going to remove their whole top just to breastfeed. But people get squeamish when mothers breastfeed with a blanket covering the area. I honestly don't see how someone could see it as pornographic. It's a baby suckling his/her mother's breast, the baby is feeding. Yes, the breasts can be seen as sexual because of course a man might suckle his lovers breast during sex. But dear God it's a freaking baby feeding, nothing that should get anyone's jollies off. Oh and these images are lovely!
it's hilarious how we are constantly surrounded by half naked women everywhere and nobody ever complains but if if you have to do something as beautiful and as natural as breastfeeding the slightest sight of breast becomes indicent. very very coherent. "how outrageus of you to hang a lingerie add in public!!" said no one ever.
I have no problem with women breastfeeding in public, but these pics are kinda the equivalent of "getting down and dirty" with chicken and mashed potatoes. You say you want people to not make a big deal about breastfeeding, but then these pics go overboard. The only time there are staged photos of people eating would be for advertising, so are these moms endorsing their "brand" of breast milk?
I can not understand the discussion? Already 25 years ago, when my children were born, in France or in Germany, even Bavaria, there was nothing shocking when my wife was breastfeeding in public ... you can do it a liitle bit more discretely or sometimes a little bit more provoking, but in any case it´s normal ... so what?
I think breastfeeding is the best practice of giving food to a human being because the feeder and the feeded are both enjoying the practice.
Is it weird that I have a stiffy right now? That second from the top, WOW? Move over little man and quite bogarting! The dreadlock girl is super hot to but it's like...oooooo look at me, I'm an individual and quirky with my knappy dreads and over styled swoop curl thing at the front.
These photographs exude all the radiance and confidence possible in women, their bodies, and the breastfeeding relationship. Its a celebration in art of something society takes for granted that women do daily. Its statement? Breastfeeding is essentially an art, and a beautiful, womanly one at that. Also, when breastfeeding an older baby, the relationship is so well-established that it feels natural and normal to nurse anywhere, anyhow. There is much less fuss in nursing an older baby than nursing a newborn, and these photos reveal the sense of freedom and ease that is possible after working toward that long-term relationship.
These are absolutely lovely, tasteful photographs. When nursing an older infant it can really feel as beautiful as these pictures show it... on the inside. It doesn't feel so much like that when you're figuring out how to nurse a newborn baby, but these pictures show that once you've gotten into your groove, you can feel confident and radiant and womanly while you nurse and nurture your baby. These just exude confidence and joy and make something women do, something society takes for granted, a celebrated art.
I love the way some the kids look at the cameraman..." MOM there's some guy over there watching us..."
Also, seriously? most of these photos look like what any woman in her own home would be doing. My youngest ate so frequently I honestly found it hard to stay -or even GET- dressed! I'm surprised I never accidentally answered the door with my shirt open. Also as another poster mentioned, skin to skin is vital for babies.. can't believe some of you say that you've never been in any state of undress while nursing. lol... that would be nearly impossible. my kids ate all day and all night.
My youngest ate every 40 minutes - for 20-40 minutes each time, and of course this changed up frequently as well, depending on how he felt, was teething, sick, anxious, tired, busy, etc, and as he got older and experimented with foods/tastes/textures, and then ate more and more solid food, and finally moved on to the 5 minute "snacking" on milk randomly, etc. It is IMPOSSIBLE to plan around when they are going to eat, or think you will EVER have a set schedule down, because as soon as you get used to it, it will change, as they are growing and changing every day. If I went to another room everytime a baby needed to eat, I would NEVER get anything done! It's hard enough to get anything done as it is, having children.
These are quite normal photos.. very relaxed, yet in a portrait like setting. I am fairly positive the photos were taken from another article, and the title "in public" was added by boredpanda's author. These are definitely not photos in a public setting. There are a *handful* of photos here that are not (probably) a typical mother breastfeeding, like the one in the sand, or the mother standing in the field. However, just because YOU haven't experienced it doesn't mean it's not typical, of other communities. Such as tribes. There are also other communities I've experienced where this would be normal and not even given a second look. Also, I doubt MOST of you commenting anything negative here have EVER breastfed, or breastfed for any length of time. Most children do not feel comfortable being covered, and neither would I. Also, babies eat FREQUENTLY. Their digestive system is not developed yet, so breastmilk is very easily digested, and therefore they need to eat OFTEN.
And Dan Bog...why the hell you have to get ignorant and start name calling, etc. Only shows me you don't have the intellect to have a spicy debate.
Dan Bog...where everyone got the idea that these beautiful photos were suppose to be in "public" is in the very title of the photo essay. There is nothing pornographic about these photos, however they are not realistic. If the title would have been "Beautiful moms breastfeeding beautiful babies"...I could of accepted that. What we think we look like breastfeeding...what we really look like breastfeeding...that is where these pics belong.
1 Corinthians 8:9: "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." Some interpreters believe that this is a generic statement that a Christian must not engage in any behavior that might cause another believer to falter. They might argue that nudism may tempt some persons to have unclean thoughts. 1 Corinthians 12:23: "and those (parts) of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely (parts) have more abundant comeliness; whereas our comely (parts) have no need: but God tempered the body together, giving more abundant honor to that (part) which lacked." (ASV). Paul is apparently saying that parts of the human body which are not presentable are to be treated with special modesty, while the rest of our body needs no such special treatment. He is apparently referring to social practices in his culture, which prohibited nudity in social situations.
These photos are ridiculous. There is nothing glamorous about breastfeeding, and that is why it should be normal to see a woman doing it. It can be messy and hot, and even ugly, but so are many things in life that are worth doing. As long as we have to frame it like a commercial for a fabric softner shoot, we still haven't gotten the right message out. It's what boobs were made for. Get over it, and if it bothers you, move along, nothing to see here but a mother feeding her baby with what God gave her.
Smell of thunder Ticke of wet leaves under your child feet. Let yourself fall in the grass and wait for the first rain, become the silence of love hollow in breast, drop of milk. Be the mother of snow between the animals who squint you from afar, unleash the wind in my heart just before this storm. You roof rock crouch of warm soil... Take my eyes! raise them high! BURN THEM WITH LIGHTNING! And then wash them as you know. and don't give them back to me ...nevermore.
As an Art Project these are very beautiful pictures. However, one would be hard pressed to find women breast feeding their children in similar scenarios - they are just 'too romantic'.
I never breastfeed my children.However I think these are beautiful pictures
Incorrect: http://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/ebf-benefits/#normality Your ignorant comment contributes to a culture where women do not feel comfortable breastfeeding as long as they otherwise would. None of the children in these photos even come close to a "controversial" age.
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"Breastfeeding in public is the most natural thing in the world. It is hygienic and, in the eyes of some, quite beautiful". So is urinating in public. Pass me the bucket, Mavis. And my good teeth.
Breastfeeding is (obviously) a natural thing. It's neither beautiful nor disgusting. It's just a fact of life and before the 20th century we would have died out completely if breastfeeding didn't occur. So there's nothing wrong with the idea of breastfeeding in general. But... Breasts are also a sexual organ. If you disagree then you are doing it wrong. Sorry. And baring sexual organs in public can be offensive to some/most people. If guys pulled their penises out of their pants and urinated into a sewage drain (a completely reasonable place for urine to go) in public, well, there would be very few people who would think that was OK. That's because penises, besides their function as a diuretic organ, are also a sex organs. It's that fact that makes them, um, unsightly in public. The same goes for woman's breasts. I want to be clear. I am clear on the fact that breastfeeding is completely natural and I'm all for it. But let's not pretend that this other factor isn't there.
LOVE these photos. BrEaST is best...and in the USA we need to see more moms breastfeeding. we do not have many roll models in our country, breast feeding is not a priority, many pediatricians don't know much about breastfeeding. They accept all kinds of stuff from formula manufacturers.. that sends a message to moms, that formula is ok for their baby's. Humans are the only species that thinks it is ok to give another species milk. Formula is based on cows milk. i say... human milk for human babies, cow's milk for calves! www.nursingbabies.com
IMPORTANTE: This lady Ivette Ivens blocked me from her facebook page just because I didn't agree with her point of view and informed her politely. Told her she was sexualizing too much her photos of breastfeeding, they should be more natural.There are people in this world that criticise those who don't tolerate breastfeeding in public but then ban those who do but see it in a more pure and natural way. Ivette shame on you, YOU DON'T DESERVE THE ATTENTION YOU'RE GETTING AND MAYBE YOU'RE JUST FOCUSED ON THE MONEY THIS MAY BRING YOU. Bet you're not CHARLIE because you don't tolerate freedom of speech. Speech that was respectful.
Welcome to the world of Liberal Hypocrisy. You're Welcum.
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Anyone who finds these pornographic is a pedophile. Congratulations on coming out, please proceed to your nearest police department and turn yourself in.
Yeah, my partners breasts do not look like that after three kids, oh how I wish, especially the lady with dreads!
Why are you criticizing your partner's body on the Internet? The point of all this is that nursing is a beautiful thing. Your partner was an amazing life-giving woman too. ...That said, I agree that the woman with the dreads is insanely gorgeous.
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I do want to point out one other thing though, and it is VERY disturbing about these photos: Some of these children are far too old to be breast fed. The primary benefit of breastfeeding occurs in the first few months when specific macrobiotics and passed from mother to child. If your child is over a year old then you might want to start cutting some apron strings.
What is disturbing to me is that your ignorant comment could actually lead to someone not breastfeeding as long as they otherwise would. None of the children in these photos even come close to a "controversial" age. http://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/ebf-benefits/#normality
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because there is nothing else like a big bloated veiny breast with a slobbering child attached to it to put one off there meal in a restaurant... it's like the joy a child brings when they are throwing a massive temper tantrum in the middle of a super market because the parent refused to buy them a turtle ninja toy
Nice photos but so far from reality... the photograph overdid it with a naked woman lying in the sand with a naked baby ...just how confortable can it be? Breast feedind in the snow with inadequate clothing? Silly, besides I agree with Mrs Macfarlane on the whole issue of breastfeeding
My problem is that the "infants" are too old to breastfeed. Yes I am female and yes I breastfed. I stopped before my children were out of diapers.
None of the children pictured even come close to a "controversial" age for breastfeeding. Just because you didn't choose to nurse that long, you don't need to spread misinformation and try to shame the mothers for making the awesome choice to keep nursing. http://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/ebf-benefits/#normality
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Most of these photos aren't exactly taken in public places. Also, it makes me uncomfortable to see the women nursing those big toddlers - it honestly makes me wonder if the mom has some sort of odd "need" or gets some benefit (if you know what I mean) from doing that. The youngsters certainly don't need it! I nursed all four of my children, but never felt any need to do it in public. Besides, it's much easier to relax (and thus for the milk to flow) when in a more private setting, anyway! I just respectfully disagree with those who do like the idea of making this the "norm."
None of the children pictured even come close to a "controversial" age for breastfeeding. Just because you didn't choose to nurse that long, you don't need to spread misinformation and try to shame the mothers for making the awesome choice to keep nursing. http://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/ebf-benefits/#normality
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These photos are absolutely stunning, really beautiful. However, I still take issue with militant style moms "I WILL BREASTFEED WHERE I WANT GET USED TO IT!" In reality, breasts are very much sexualized, you can't get away from that. Breastfeed in public, by all means, just be respectful of those around you just as you want them to respect you. And for the inevitable "It's natural" crowd. Yes, so is pooping and masturbating.
IMPORTANTE: This lady Ivette Ivens blocked me from her facebook page just because I didn't agree with her point of view and informed her politely. Told her she was sexualizing too much her photos of breastfeeding.They should look more natural. There are people in this world that criticise those who don't tolerate breastfeeding in public but then ban those who do, but see it in a more pure and natural way. Ivette shame on you, YOU DON'T DESERVE THE ATTENTION YOU'RE GETTING AND MAYBE YOU'RE JUST FOCUSED ON THE MONEY THIS MAY BRING YOU. Bet you're not CHARLIE because you don't tolerate freedom of opinion. Why did I bother giving mine....you don't tolerate those different from yours.
Whilst very stylised and beautiful, these photographs do not show breastfeeding as it is in the real world. If I had to be fully naked just to breastfeed it would put me off as I do not wish to be naked in public!! Also there is a slightly pornographic air about these photos and those perverts in the world who focus their eyes on children will have a field day with them. In fact I have seen more innocent photos of children removed from Facebook for less exposure!! Just because we want to breast feed does not mean we have the right to make everyone around us uncomfortable while we do so - A little modestly and discretion goes a long way. respect others as well ourselves
There is nothing pornographic about these pictures. Have a word with yourself woman!
Load More Replies... As the intention was to provoke and stir a controversy i call it a success and the photos as art are beautiful. Which is why i consider this project a fail in the attempt to promote breast feeding in public as normal moral and un-sexual. For breastfeeding to become more widely accepted people need to get used to seeing it as a natural feeding process and this will take time, it will take women to prove that the purpose is to feed and nurture not to provoke and offend. So i fail to see how these photos will serve this purpose as they are somewhat erotic. I don't think the mothers are under-dressed for the kids benefit. If you strive for breastfeeding in public why the nature setting and the only pic set in the city features a mother dressed inappropriately for the weather (see the people behind her), then why the need for a sheer sexy dress? I don't think breastfeeding should be done in hiding or under a blanket but it shouldn't be done as a display with sexual innuendos.
There are other photos, like http://www.buzzfeed.com/southerndisposition/25-historical-images-that-normalize-breastfeeding-jlw6#.ocDG3Y4vg , that show everyday-breastfeeding. As a nursing mom, I love those, and I also see reasons for these photos to picture dolled up ladies -- the beauty of these photos communicates the way we FEEL during the best nursing sessions, a feeling people who have never experienced it wouldn't otherwise understand -- the beautiful love of actually giving of your own body to nourish someone who relies on you. In this way, it's just like beautiful pregnancy photos. Another thing it has in common with beautiful pregnancy shots is that it's important for some women who probably feel overwhelmed, exhausted, maybe not at their ideal size/shape, most days hair undone, smelly, etc, etc. to connect to the beautiful person they are, to the fact that their newfound motherhood makes them even more beautiful. I wish I had shots like this of me and my baby.
Load More Replies... Stunning Photos Of Moms Breastfeeding Outside Show Nursing In Public Is OK?? No. It doesn't show that its ok. These photos are stunning indeed.beautiful,but these moms are not breastfeeding in public. These are portraits for keepsakes,not what public breastfeeding looks like.and I bet these moms agree too.
No, it's not ok. Unless you've found a way to freeze time and implement photofilters. Seriously.
I think these are absolutely beautiful. Granted, one wouldn't remove their pants in a Wal-Mart while breastfeeding but I don't think the artist intended to imply that you should. The goal was to show others who are not breastfeeding how beautiful it is to the mother who is doing it. As a breastfeeding mother, I can testify that those moments are the most beautiful that I have ever experienced. I think sometimes people read too much into art rather than simply appreciating its beauty. Breastfeeding is the way nature (and God, if you believe in him) meant for us to feed and nurture our babies. The fact that breasts has become sexualized to the point where it is considered "indecent" has nothing to do with morality and everything to do with a widespread, cultural sickness. I commend artists such as this one for attempting to restore the public perspective to what it ought to be naturally.
Seems like I can't reply to other comments here, so I just have to do it like this: "Private time" can mean more than one thing, Geth. It means something private. Which could also be a private conversation. Noone said anything about sex. I think people should cover up when they're breastfeeding in public, and I don't understand why that's a problem. Neither do I understand why you have to make such a big deal about it, why some women has to be so b****y about it, or why you feel the need to attack everyone who doesn't feel the same way as you do. Wearing clothes in public are normal nowadays. Of course people feel weird about it when someone then just gets undressed whenever whereever. Look at all the women actually covering up when they breastfeed. Their babies still gets food. And they're not offending anyone. Everyone's happy.
Load More Replies... As long as breasts are still so sexualized by men, it would make me very uncomfortable for me to have a baby slurping away while a man was sitting nearby observing.
Sadly, not just by men. Women also shame other women for not "covering" up in public when breastfeeding. It's a societal issue... Only time and exposure will change that.
Load More Replies... Men think God gave us breasts for their pleasure, wrong. These photos show the real reason God gave us breasts, so humanity can survive. Grow up you male idiots.
The only reason, evolutionarily, that people find breasts sexually attractive is that their existence is a marker that a woman is sexually mature (an adult) and would therefore be able to get pregnant and then to feed her young. People have said in the comments that they are both sexual AND for feeding babies. But, no, they are just for feeding babies, and so people see them and their subconscious thinks, "I should impregnant that woman. She could nourish the baby." (Also, many people feel pleasure through their nipples. This is also in the service of getting our babies fed; if we are going to continue to nurse day in and day out, it better feel alright.)
Load More Replies... I have no problem with women breastfeeding in public as long as they're modest about (cover up as much as possible) but these pictures don't represent how people breastfeed in public and I hope it never gets that way either. As for the artistic value, these are wonderful, for the realistic everyday life value.......not so good.
Reasons why covering up is not so easy: http://www.motherhoodandmore.com/2013/08/whats-so-hard-about-covering-up-to-html.html
Load More Replies... I love the photos. I dislike running into women doing breast feeding in public. Makes me feel wrong place - wrong time.
Babies need to be fed on demand. When they are young, this means the majority of the day is spent nursing. Unless a mother locks herself in her home, people are going to see nursing. Public nursing is essential for women to get out and have a life (new moms are already beyond exhausted, and at the beginning, you can't even get groceries without nursing while you're out; they need it so often, and they need it RIGHT NOW.) And all the cultural shame about it is what makes women make the sad choice not to nurse. Nursing in public normalizes it, which will get more women to feel comfortable doing it, which will normalize it further.
Load More Replies... All natural. Was brought up with this my whole life and think it's just great. It's all part of real motherhood. Glad to see that it's not into the closet.
it's hilarious how we are constantly surrounded by half naked women everywhere we go and nobody ever complains but when a perfectly respectable mother does something as beautiful and as natural as breastfeeding even the slightest sight of a sideboob becomes indecent. that is very coherent of you, easily-offended-by-nature-guy-who-completely-lost-sight-of-the-whole-point-of-developing-brest-in-the-first-place. "how outrageous of you, to hang a lingerie add with no shame! don't you have any respect?!" said no one ever
Those pictures are beautiful.. but if you're going to use them for public breast feeding campaign I don't think it's going to work..
Almost all of these photos were erotic,real breastfeeding has nothing to do with.For me,public breastfeeding is not ok,cause i know lots of people of all ages that if they see it,they will ''keep looking'' and this is far more nasty than the need of mother to find a quite spot to do her work.If we were living naked in the jungle women would breastfeed in the public view too,but we arent.
These pictures are truly beautiful. As im sure some people have more to say about this than i do, i believe that these pictures show a sense of confidence and a gorgeous picture about maternity.
Let me add a bit of a twist to this. Agreed the images are incredibly beautiful. Agreed most aren't meant to depict how women actually breast feed in public. I happen to advocate that it be acceptable for mothers to be allowed to breastfeed when and where it becomes necessary for a hungry child. Now for the twist, I don't think I myself could do it. I'm from a different era and yes, I would just feel too exposed. The closest I believe I would come would be to feed the child with a light blanket or scarf to shield myself and the baby. I actually think the baby would be more comfortable and less distracted. I get the feeling from the looks on most of the babies faces they seem to not appreciation the attention .
Yeah, my partners breasts do not look like that after three kids, sorry to say!
Am I the only person who can see a correlation between the sexualization of breastfeeding women and Sharia Law? We find it so unfortunate when some women are forced to cover their faces in public yet we mindlessly embrace this notion of indecency when it comes to breasts. There are many cultures in which nursing women don't cover them at all and nobody finds it strange. It's indoctrination, pure and simple. When a part of a woman's body is sexualized to the point where she is urged to be ashamed of it, it is oppressive and unwarranted. PEOPLE decide what to be offended by. If the sight of a breastfeeding mother gives you impure thoughts I would highly recommend confronting your own demons rather than expecting a baby to suffer for your mental indecency.
This is NOT the public breastfeeding people object to. Blame our culture, blame the men. Hell, blame civilization. Women's breasts have been sexualized since forever. Just cover up a little, that's all. Amanda Macfarlane is correct. These photos have nothing to do with real world breast feeding.
"Women's breasts have been sexualized since forever." - No, they have not. Women's entire bodies have been sexualized by men. Should women all wear burkas?
Load More Replies... In Panama I see breast feeding in public and honestly, no one cares or pays any attention to it. It is natural and it is necessary. Folks need to get over the stupid stuff. I agree with Amanda below about doing it naked for photos. What God created is beautiful enough and it is not necessary to turn it into portn
Perhaps the headline misstated the purpose of these photos. I don't think this presentation is meant to glorify breastfeeding in public so much as it highlights the breathtaking beauty of breastfeeding. Sustaining the life of another human (i.e. breastfeeding) can be as gorgeous and majestic as it is amazing.
Isn't nature wonderful. I think there is nothing more beautiful than breastfeeding.
Also, breastfeeding doesn't make u a hero. I'm kinda sick of your holier than though attitudes.
But being a present mother does. Have some respect.
Load More Replies... There's absolutely nothing "porno" about these images. Gathered no one is going to remove their whole top just to breastfeed. But people get squeamish when mothers breastfeed with a blanket covering the area. I honestly don't see how someone could see it as pornographic. It's a baby suckling his/her mother's breast, the baby is feeding. Yes, the breasts can be seen as sexual because of course a man might suckle his lovers breast during sex. But dear God it's a freaking baby feeding, nothing that should get anyone's jollies off. Oh and these images are lovely!
it's hilarious how we are constantly surrounded by half naked women everywhere and nobody ever complains but if if you have to do something as beautiful and as natural as breastfeeding the slightest sight of breast becomes indicent. very very coherent. "how outrageus of you to hang a lingerie add in public!!" said no one ever.
I have no problem with women breastfeeding in public, but these pics are kinda the equivalent of "getting down and dirty" with chicken and mashed potatoes. You say you want people to not make a big deal about breastfeeding, but then these pics go overboard. The only time there are staged photos of people eating would be for advertising, so are these moms endorsing their "brand" of breast milk?
I can not understand the discussion? Already 25 years ago, when my children were born, in France or in Germany, even Bavaria, there was nothing shocking when my wife was breastfeeding in public ... you can do it a liitle bit more discretely or sometimes a little bit more provoking, but in any case it´s normal ... so what?
I think breastfeeding is the best practice of giving food to a human being because the feeder and the feeded are both enjoying the practice.
Is it weird that I have a stiffy right now? That second from the top, WOW? Move over little man and quite bogarting! The dreadlock girl is super hot to but it's like...oooooo look at me, I'm an individual and quirky with my knappy dreads and over styled swoop curl thing at the front.
These photographs exude all the radiance and confidence possible in women, their bodies, and the breastfeeding relationship. Its a celebration in art of something society takes for granted that women do daily. Its statement? Breastfeeding is essentially an art, and a beautiful, womanly one at that. Also, when breastfeeding an older baby, the relationship is so well-established that it feels natural and normal to nurse anywhere, anyhow. There is much less fuss in nursing an older baby than nursing a newborn, and these photos reveal the sense of freedom and ease that is possible after working toward that long-term relationship.
These are absolutely lovely, tasteful photographs. When nursing an older infant it can really feel as beautiful as these pictures show it... on the inside. It doesn't feel so much like that when you're figuring out how to nurse a newborn baby, but these pictures show that once you've gotten into your groove, you can feel confident and radiant and womanly while you nurse and nurture your baby. These just exude confidence and joy and make something women do, something society takes for granted, a celebrated art.
I love the way some the kids look at the cameraman..." MOM there's some guy over there watching us..."
Also, seriously? most of these photos look like what any woman in her own home would be doing. My youngest ate so frequently I honestly found it hard to stay -or even GET- dressed! I'm surprised I never accidentally answered the door with my shirt open. Also as another poster mentioned, skin to skin is vital for babies.. can't believe some of you say that you've never been in any state of undress while nursing. lol... that would be nearly impossible. my kids ate all day and all night.
My youngest ate every 40 minutes - for 20-40 minutes each time, and of course this changed up frequently as well, depending on how he felt, was teething, sick, anxious, tired, busy, etc, and as he got older and experimented with foods/tastes/textures, and then ate more and more solid food, and finally moved on to the 5 minute "snacking" on milk randomly, etc. It is IMPOSSIBLE to plan around when they are going to eat, or think you will EVER have a set schedule down, because as soon as you get used to it, it will change, as they are growing and changing every day. If I went to another room everytime a baby needed to eat, I would NEVER get anything done! It's hard enough to get anything done as it is, having children.
These are quite normal photos.. very relaxed, yet in a portrait like setting. I am fairly positive the photos were taken from another article, and the title "in public" was added by boredpanda's author. These are definitely not photos in a public setting. There are a *handful* of photos here that are not (probably) a typical mother breastfeeding, like the one in the sand, or the mother standing in the field. However, just because YOU haven't experienced it doesn't mean it's not typical, of other communities. Such as tribes. There are also other communities I've experienced where this would be normal and not even given a second look. Also, I doubt MOST of you commenting anything negative here have EVER breastfed, or breastfed for any length of time. Most children do not feel comfortable being covered, and neither would I. Also, babies eat FREQUENTLY. Their digestive system is not developed yet, so breastmilk is very easily digested, and therefore they need to eat OFTEN.
And Dan Bog...why the hell you have to get ignorant and start name calling, etc. Only shows me you don't have the intellect to have a spicy debate.
Dan Bog...where everyone got the idea that these beautiful photos were suppose to be in "public" is in the very title of the photo essay. There is nothing pornographic about these photos, however they are not realistic. If the title would have been "Beautiful moms breastfeeding beautiful babies"...I could of accepted that. What we think we look like breastfeeding...what we really look like breastfeeding...that is where these pics belong.
1 Corinthians 8:9: "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." Some interpreters believe that this is a generic statement that a Christian must not engage in any behavior that might cause another believer to falter. They might argue that nudism may tempt some persons to have unclean thoughts. 1 Corinthians 12:23: "and those (parts) of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely (parts) have more abundant comeliness; whereas our comely (parts) have no need: but God tempered the body together, giving more abundant honor to that (part) which lacked." (ASV). Paul is apparently saying that parts of the human body which are not presentable are to be treated with special modesty, while the rest of our body needs no such special treatment. He is apparently referring to social practices in his culture, which prohibited nudity in social situations.
These photos are ridiculous. There is nothing glamorous about breastfeeding, and that is why it should be normal to see a woman doing it. It can be messy and hot, and even ugly, but so are many things in life that are worth doing. As long as we have to frame it like a commercial for a fabric softner shoot, we still haven't gotten the right message out. It's what boobs were made for. Get over it, and if it bothers you, move along, nothing to see here but a mother feeding her baby with what God gave her.
Smell of thunder Ticke of wet leaves under your child feet. Let yourself fall in the grass and wait for the first rain, become the silence of love hollow in breast, drop of milk. Be the mother of snow between the animals who squint you from afar, unleash the wind in my heart just before this storm. You roof rock crouch of warm soil... Take my eyes! raise them high! BURN THEM WITH LIGHTNING! And then wash them as you know. and don't give them back to me ...nevermore.
As an Art Project these are very beautiful pictures. However, one would be hard pressed to find women breast feeding their children in similar scenarios - they are just 'too romantic'.
I never breastfeed my children.However I think these are beautiful pictures
Incorrect: http://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/ebf-benefits/#normality Your ignorant comment contributes to a culture where women do not feel comfortable breastfeeding as long as they otherwise would. None of the children in these photos even come close to a "controversial" age.
Load More Replies... "Breastfeeding in public is the most natural thing in the world. It is hygienic and, in the eyes of some, quite beautiful". So is urinating in public. Pass me the bucket, Mavis. And my good teeth.
Breastfeeding is (obviously) a natural thing. It's neither beautiful nor disgusting. It's just a fact of life and before the 20th century we would have died out completely if breastfeeding didn't occur. So there's nothing wrong with the idea of breastfeeding in general. But... Breasts are also a sexual organ. If you disagree then you are doing it wrong. Sorry. And baring sexual organs in public can be offensive to some/most people. If guys pulled their penises out of their pants and urinated into a sewage drain (a completely reasonable place for urine to go) in public, well, there would be very few people who would think that was OK. That's because penises, besides their function as a diuretic organ, are also a sex organs. It's that fact that makes them, um, unsightly in public. The same goes for woman's breasts. I want to be clear. I am clear on the fact that breastfeeding is completely natural and I'm all for it. But let's not pretend that this other factor isn't there.
LOVE these photos. BrEaST is best...and in the USA we need to see more moms breastfeeding. we do not have many roll models in our country, breast feeding is not a priority, many pediatricians don't know much about breastfeeding. They accept all kinds of stuff from formula manufacturers.. that sends a message to moms, that formula is ok for their baby's. Humans are the only species that thinks it is ok to give another species milk. Formula is based on cows milk. i say... human milk for human babies, cow's milk for calves! www.nursingbabies.com
IMPORTANTE: This lady Ivette Ivens blocked me from her facebook page just because I didn't agree with her point of view and informed her politely. Told her she was sexualizing too much her photos of breastfeeding, they should be more natural.There are people in this world that criticise those who don't tolerate breastfeeding in public but then ban those who do but see it in a more pure and natural way. Ivette shame on you, YOU DON'T DESERVE THE ATTENTION YOU'RE GETTING AND MAYBE YOU'RE JUST FOCUSED ON THE MONEY THIS MAY BRING YOU. Bet you're not CHARLIE because you don't tolerate freedom of speech. Speech that was respectful.
Welcome to the world of Liberal Hypocrisy. You're Welcum.
Load More Replies... Anyone who finds these pornographic is a pedophile. Congratulations on coming out, please proceed to your nearest police department and turn yourself in.
Yeah, my partners breasts do not look like that after three kids, oh how I wish, especially the lady with dreads!
Why are you criticizing your partner's body on the Internet? The point of all this is that nursing is a beautiful thing. Your partner was an amazing life-giving woman too. ...That said, I agree that the woman with the dreads is insanely gorgeous.
Load More Replies... I do want to point out one other thing though, and it is VERY disturbing about these photos: Some of these children are far too old to be breast fed. The primary benefit of breastfeeding occurs in the first few months when specific macrobiotics and passed from mother to child. If your child is over a year old then you might want to start cutting some apron strings.
What is disturbing to me is that your ignorant comment could actually lead to someone not breastfeeding as long as they otherwise would. None of the children in these photos even come close to a "controversial" age. http://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/ebf-benefits/#normality
Load More Replies... because there is nothing else like a big bloated veiny breast with a slobbering child attached to it to put one off there meal in a restaurant... it's like the joy a child brings when they are throwing a massive temper tantrum in the middle of a super market because the parent refused to buy them a turtle ninja toy
Nice photos but so far from reality... the photograph overdid it with a naked woman lying in the sand with a naked baby ...just how confortable can it be? Breast feedind in the snow with inadequate clothing? Silly, besides I agree with Mrs Macfarlane on the whole issue of breastfeeding
My problem is that the "infants" are too old to breastfeed. Yes I am female and yes I breastfed. I stopped before my children were out of diapers.
None of the children pictured even come close to a "controversial" age for breastfeeding. Just because you didn't choose to nurse that long, you don't need to spread misinformation and try to shame the mothers for making the awesome choice to keep nursing. http://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/ebf-benefits/#normality
Load More Replies... Most of these photos aren't exactly taken in public places. Also, it makes me uncomfortable to see the women nursing those big toddlers - it honestly makes me wonder if the mom has some sort of odd "need" or gets some benefit (if you know what I mean) from doing that. The youngsters certainly don't need it! I nursed all four of my children, but never felt any need to do it in public. Besides, it's much easier to relax (and thus for the milk to flow) when in a more private setting, anyway! I just respectfully disagree with those who do like the idea of making this the "norm."
None of the children pictured even come close to a "controversial" age for breastfeeding. Just because you didn't choose to nurse that long, you don't need to spread misinformation and try to shame the mothers for making the awesome choice to keep nursing. http://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/ebf-benefits/#normality
Load More Replies... These photos are absolutely stunning, really beautiful. However, I still take issue with militant style moms "I WILL BREASTFEED WHERE I WANT GET USED TO IT!" In reality, breasts are very much sexualized, you can't get away from that. Breastfeed in public, by all means, just be respectful of those around you just as you want them to respect you. And for the inevitable "It's natural" crowd. Yes, so is pooping and masturbating.
IMPORTANTE: This lady Ivette Ivens blocked me from her facebook page just because I didn't agree with her point of view and informed her politely. Told her she was sexualizing too much her photos of breastfeeding.They should look more natural. There are people in this world that criticise those who don't tolerate breastfeeding in public but then ban those who do, but see it in a more pure and natural way. Ivette shame on you, YOU DON'T DESERVE THE ATTENTION YOU'RE GETTING AND MAYBE YOU'RE JUST FOCUSED ON THE MONEY THIS MAY BRING YOU. Bet you're not CHARLIE because you don't tolerate freedom of opinion. Why did I bother giving mine....you don't tolerate those different from yours.
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