by Lacey K.
Member since:
October 7, 2006

Pictures of Breastfeeding Online

September 21, 2007 09:56 PM EDT
views: 275 | comments: 17
Social networking website Facebook recently caused a ruckus by taking down member-posted photos of mothers breastfeeding their children, stating that the pictures violated a rule against exposed breasts.

 

Do you understand where Facebook is coming from, considering that such pictures may be offensive to some viewers or sexualized by others? Or do you think Facebook should take the position that an exposed breast is acceptable when it's part of breastfeeding? Do you have a different view as a parent than you would as a Facebook executive?
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Comments: 17

Taylor ~hopes no one forgets her!~ Blue Sep 21, 2007, 10:06pm EDT
I think that is dumb...when I was nursing my daughter a friend of my exhusbands would make me go to another room. I guess he thought it was sexual. I don't think it's fair....
Lune Wolfsong Sep 21, 2007, 10:16pm EDT
We're too hung up on breasts in this country, honestly. People freak over a baby being fed yet the same amount of skin or more is shown by some bathingsuits or low cut necklines.
Lela M. Sep 21, 2007, 10:18pm EDT
When I had my daughter, I breast fed only in private, or I would put a cloth over the area. I am a very private person and would not like my breasts or see anyone else's exposed anywhere and esp. online. Not that I think it's sexy but there are so many perverts out there that are twisted in their thinking. Just like I think it's cute to see a naked baby's butt because we have all been there but I wouldn't post them online nor would I show them to anyone but family members and good friends because they would understand that it was not a perverted photo.
Taylor ~hopes no one forgets her!~ Blue Sep 21, 2007, 10:19pm EDT
I just joined the group on Facebook...
Lune Wolfsong Sep 21, 2007, 10:20pm EDT
Sorry, to answer a question:

Do you understand where Facebook is coming from, considering that such pictures may be offensive to some viewers or sexualized by others?

IF they have a stance against lowcut outfits and skin showing in general, then it's one thing. If it's ok in their book if a scrap of swimsuit covers the area but NOT if it's a baby's mouth covering the same area, then they're out of line to pull down the pics. imo.
It's each person's choice, I think. I'm a private person so I always nursed in private or with a baby blanket over my child.
On the other hand, I'm not offended by a woman nursing - how could I be? It's natural.
Basically, if men can have topless pictures on Facebook, then women should have the same right, nursing or not.
Jennifer B. Sep 21, 2007, 10:26pm EDT
I am continually amazed that this kind of thing still gets everybody all worked up!
Breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world! If My father , brother and grandfather could get used to me nursing my children in front of them then we all can! It just kills me that this is STILL an issue!
~*Jackie Ferrari*~ Sep 21, 2007, 10:44pm EDT
I am with Lune.
It is totally natural and the intent is not sexual in any form.
People just have to gripe about something~they should re think their priorities~like watching out for child predators online or something along those lines.
Sheesh!

Hooray for nursing! :)
Ron B. Sep 21, 2007, 10:56pm EDT
I've seen lots of women modestly breast-feed babies in public and there's nothing erotic about it.
Lacey K. Sep 22, 2007, 12:00am EDT
One look at a woman using a breastpump and it's clear boobs aren't really sexual at all. ;)

If they allow pictures of a baby with bottle, they should allow them of breastfeeding. It's not sexual or gross, it's feeding a baby. I nurse in public frequently having nursed and currently nursing all four of my children. I've never had anyone say anything to negative to me.
Col. George W. Sep 22, 2007, 1:21am EDT
Do they allow men with bare chests? Equal Rights. Breast feeding a baby is beautiful thing. I don't know of any woman that was sexually assulted because she was feeding her baby. They are way out of line.

Some states have had to pass laws giving permission for women to breast feed their baby in a public place if they needed to.
Lacey K. Sep 22, 2007, 10:38am EDT
Peter, you crack me up!!
Elizabeth Madrigal Sep 22, 2007, 4:19pm EDT
Guys... the Facebook position merely illustrates what is wrong with this country. You can see a person's 'plumber's crack' (no offense meant to plumbers) in a pair of Levis, but a semi-naked breast in a baby's mouth?
Rachel D. Sep 23, 2007, 3:52pm EDT
I think Facebook is just trying to cover themselves in an overly litigious society. It's wrong - there isn't anything sexual about nursing. Sexualizing it is wrong and our society is doing a serious disservice to its children and their mothers by condoning it.
Holly J. Sep 24, 2007, 12:44pm EDT
If they're against scantlidly clad bodys in the first place,and have taken down all pictures relating to them ok. If not, then its not ok. People sexualize to much stuff anyways. It's not violating any laws and isn't considered 'adult material' unless there is nipple showing so there shouldn't be aproblem with it because isn't that what the babys mouth covers???
Pretty darned dopey.

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