Pictures of mothers covering their faces while they breastfeed their children has been shared over 320, 000 times and has about 200, 000 likes on this Facebook Page.
The outrage started when the organizers of the Breastfeeding Mama Talk support group came across a sign telling moms to cover themselves while nursing.
They responded by sharing a photo of the sign with two pictures of breastfeeding moms covering themselves.
Breastfeeding Mama Talk support group moms covering their faces while breastfeeding
Other breastfeeding mothers responded by posting pictures of their covered faces whilst breastfeeding with the hashtag ThisIsHowWeCoverBFMT.
Pregnancy Corner also shared this picture on their Facebook Page
Rachel Myers a supporting mom also shared her photo
Recently, in Toronto, a father shared a picture of 20 year old mom, Conner Kendall breastfeeding her son, Carter, at TGI Fridays in Terre Haute on his Facebook and Instagram page with a comment saying “I understand feeding in public, but could you at least cover your boob up?!”.
The picture of Conner Kendall shared on Facebook breastfeeding her son
The picture has been shared over 90, 000 times since it was posted. Although the identity of the man was not disclosed, Conner Kendall whose picture was taken has shared her private conservation the man who posted her picture.
Kendall has used this opportunity to address the bigger issue as it does affect her alone but all breastfeeding mothers. She stated that,
”You have given me a platform and a drive to advocate breastfeeding ferociously.’’ She added. ‘You’ve inspired me into a call of action. Rest assured, there will be action.”
Kendall has not pressed legal charges but claims that if there is a second occurrence she will be pressing charges.
The mother has been publicly supported by TGI Fridays. In a twitter reply saying ‘’We support guests being able to breastfeed in our restaurants.”
This is not the first time breastfeeding mothers have been told to cover up. December last year, Nigel Farage was condemned for backing up Claridge’s hotel decision to ask breastfeeding mother to cover up, saying mothers should ‘perhaps sit in the corner’ when they breastfeed.
The NHS website says breastfeeding moms ‘shouldn’t ever be made to feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding in public. In fact, the Equality Act 2010 has made it illegal for anyone to ask a breastfeeding woman to leave a public place, such as a cafe, shop or public transport’.
Contrary to various suggestions that moms should breastfeed their children in the toilet, the NHS also suggests that moms should, ‘Avoid the loos – Don’t feel that you should sit in a public toilet to breastfeed. You wouldn’t eat in there, so don’t feel that your baby should’.