Outrage over breastfeeding in military uniform.

kittyh8r · May 2012

I saw this on yahoo this morning and I thought that it was pretty ridiculous.

On the other hand though, does anyone else think that media just says there is an outrage over something JUST to create an outrage over it?

I am happy to see this picture. Good for them.

https://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/military-moms-breastfeeding-uniform-stir-controversey-214500503.html

I hope the link works, I am not very good at this.

celiabwatson · May 2012

I agree that the media probably says there's outrage when there isn't.

I love that picture, especially the twins.

I do know that there are rules about military uniforms that are more strict than most of us deal with at our jobs, but I also think that it would be silly to ask them to change to feed their children. It did say that they suggest pumping and bottle feeding when in uniform, but how is pumping in uniform allowed when breastfeeding isn't?

elektra1835 · May 2012

Wow... As someone who used to be in the military, I am shocked (and quite frankly appalled) that they would think it's okay to BF in public while wearing a military uniform. I have no problem w/ moms BFing in public, but while wearing the uniform you are held at a much higher standard. B/c you are representing your branch of service you need to be professional at all times and I'm sorry, but this just isn't professional. Like the article said, you can't even eat and drink while walking in uniform, so this just blows me away. And when you're pumping, you're not normally out in public. If they were going to do this, they should have done it somewhere not so exposed or at least have had the decency to use a cover. I wouldn't be shocked if they got into a lot of trouble for these images with their leadership... not cool.

Jen0204 · May 2012

I know next to nothing about the military, but from what I've seen on TV and in movies (reliable sources, I know!) it seems like the military is very strict about how uniforms are worn and every part of the uniform being perfect and in it's right spot, especially in public. If that's true, then these women can't really be surprised for the reaction since they're clearly not wearing their uniform properly if they're breasts are out to allow for breastfeeding. Although personally I would understand the reaction more if they were in their formal dress uniforms.

I see absolutely nothing wrong with breastfeeding in public and don't think that women should feel uncomfortable doing it. But if it goes against the military's general dress code then being photographed doing it is just dumb. On the other hand, it's good to get awareness out there more and show that all kinds of women breastfeed, from those who SAH to those who go overseas to fight for our country. And there really is no way to portray a military mom BFing without having some sort of clothing that shows that she's in the military.

bunniekrissy · May 2012

I love the picture and I don't think breastfeeding/BF in public should be seen as unprofessional. I'm normally entirely supportive of BF in all forms. However, not understanding military culture and rules I'll have to hold judgment. If they're not even allowed to eat, maybe this is a unique circumstance.

wychets · May 2012

I agree very nice picture. But when you put on that uniform you are no longer an individual who makes their own choices. You represent your branch of service and you have to follow whatever they tell you.

fyrefairie · May 2012

I understand military expectations but that doesn't mean there is never a need for policy change. Breastfeeding shouldn't be deemed unprofessional, for anyone. And while its true I wouldn't pump or nurse in public at my office, I don't think they were on duty when the photo was taken (although my former US army ranger husband would clarify that one is on duty if in uniform)...and quite frankly, since the spirit of the photo was to show support for breastfeeding moms and the freedom to NIP I would hope the military would get on board. Ideally

Jessiree · May 2012

Those pictures are gorgeous! I'm so tired of hearing that you can't do this or that or whatever in military uniform. No one would look twice at a woman in uniform bottle feeding her baby, would they?

mrsbamfcuddler · May 2012

These photos were taken for a breast feeding campaign on an Air Force installation. I haven't read this particular article but it doesn't surprise me that it wasn't mentioned. And yes they received permission from base leadership to take these photos in uniform.

As an active duty nursing mom, I think it's a beautiful sight to see. There isn't anything in the regulations (for Air Force anyways) that says you can't breastfeed in uniform. It's apparent to me that the original message which was its good to breastfeed, it's something that is possible even if you wear a uniform got lost in the screaming over people being offended about breastfeeding. If you peel away all the layers of people being angry and in an uproar, it's because they are offended it's breastfeeding. How much of the media/people would be offended if it was a couple holding hands in uniform or giving a kiss to a loved one? None, and that's specifically against regulations.

Backing off my soapbox and going back to lurking.

dino24saur · June 2012

I've had a few family members tell me they prefer it when I use a cover to BF, but I have never had a stranger so much as give me a dirty look. I say good for the ladies! The media may be trying to make it an issue, but the only people I ever see saying negative things about BFIP are very conservative and they liken it to porn...so yeh, they are delusional.

Lena122 · June 2012

I would find these photos less "outrageous" if they were candid shots. The fact that they posed for these pictures in their uniforms does seem a bit outrageous to me. Not to say that women in uniform can't/shouldn't breastfeed. I think they should be able to do it in a more private setting like anyone else. However, when you're in uniform you're representing something greater than you or your baby. These women are not moms in uniform, they are soldiers and should act like it.

fyrefairie · June 2012

Lena122:
I would find these photos less "outrageous" if they were candid shots. The fact that they posed for these pictures in their uniforms does seem a bit outrageous to me. Not to say that women in uniform can't/shouldn't breastfeed. I think they should be able to do it in a more private setting like anyone else. However, when you're in uniform you're representing something greater than you or your baby. These women are not moms in uniform, they are soldiers and should act like it.

the freedom and otherbideals our military defends are so that we may be moms and dads and choose things such a bf or ff. they are moms and they are soldiers and as pp stated they posed as part of a base campaign to promote bfing.

Lena122 · June 2012

fyrefairie:
Lena122:
I would find these photos less "outrageous" if they were candid shots. The fact that they posed for these pictures in their uniforms does seem a bit outrageous to me. Not to say that women in uniform can't/shouldn't breastfeed. I think they should be able to do it in a more private setting like anyone else. However, when you're in uniform you're representing something greater than you or your baby. These women are not moms in uniform, they are soldiers and should act like it.
the freedom and otherbideals our military defends are so that we may be moms and dads and choose things such a bf or ff. they are moms and they are soldiers and as pp stated they posed as part of a base campaign to promote bfing.

I agree which is exactly why I said it wouldn't be as big of a deal if they were BFing in a more private setting and got "caught" only to have the media make it into a big deal. The women in these pictures aren't representing moms when they're in uniform they're representing soldiers.

Lena122 · June 2012

Lena122:
fyrefairie:
Lena122:
I would find these photos less "outrageous" if they were candid shots. The fact that they posed for these pictures in their uniforms does seem a bit outrageous to me. Not to say that women in uniform can't/shouldn't breastfeed. I think they should be able to do it in a more private setting like anyone else. However, when you're in uniform you're representing something greater than you or your baby. These women are not moms in uniform, they are soldiers and should act like it.
the freedom and otherbideals our military defends are so that we may be moms and dads and choose things such a bf or ff. they are moms and they are soldiers and as pp stated they posed as part of a base campaign to promote bfing.
I agree which is exactly why I said it wouldn't be as big of a deal if they were BFing in a more private setting and got "caught" only to have the media make it into a big deal. The women in these pictures aren't representing moms when they're in uniform they're representing soldiers.
ETA: I don't see anywhere is the article that the Air Force condoned these photos either. Just because a breast feeding support group exists on an Air Force base doesn't mean the military gave permission for these photos to be taken.

Lena122 · June 2012

amy052006:
the idea that breastfeeding is not "acting like a soldier" is so sadly ignorant.

I actually think its sadly ignorant for people to think that soldiers are just like anyone else. They're not (for many reasons) as they are held to different standards than civilians. They NEED to be held to different standards because of the job they chose to do. This isn't about a working mom nursing her baby. A nurse, waitress, letter carrier, etc. who nurses in uniform does not compare to a soldier nursing in uniform. I am in no way discounting BFing, NIP, or working moms. I fully support campaigns to raise awareness on the importance of BFing. However, as a police officer, I too am held to a different standard and I represent law enforcement everywhere when I'm in uniform. I would never dream of NIP while in uniform.

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