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We asked our followers what they thought about the female airmen who breastfed in uniform for a photo op that promoted breastfeeding. We got some great responses, some even from female veterans who have experience breastfeeding their infants while they were in the military. Here is what they had to say.
What do you think? Tell us in the comments below!
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25 Comments
I see nothing wrong with
breastfeeding in uniform. This incident was not that a couple of women
in uniform were breastfeeding and someone happened to take a picture of
it. It was a scheduled photo shoot specifically to endorse a cause.
Using your military uniform to endorse any cause, is not OK and these
women should be reprimanded accordingly.
Honestly, I think the whole article detracts from the women who want to be in combat and want to be treated equally in the military. You can’t have it both ways. Either you abide by the uniform code and get treated just like the men or you get “special treatment”. Make up your mind.
One feeding your child is extremely important whether in uniform or not. Make nursing covers that are uniform reg. Then allow that nursing cover(only that one) to be worn by the active duty member. You should not be penalized for giving your child the best you can offer. Babies NEED to eat on their time.
More power to them! Breastfeeding is not taboo and society shouldn’t make it that way! research has already shown that breast milk is still the healthiest for a baby, so why are people trying to deprive a child of nutrition?
Honestly!? A person is not gonna change out of uniform just to feed their baby, then change back. She needs to feed her baby, regardless of what she’s wearing. People are pathetic.
I’m sorry but the photo was a little much. I’m not against breast feeding at all and I think it’s wonderful….but they need to cover up. The issue is that the women had their shirt pulled up ABOVE the breast while in uniform. Totally out of uniform regulations and if you aren’t going to change out of the uniform, at least be courteous enough to cover up. It isn’t that hard to carry around a blanket.
Them getting in trouble had nothing to do with WHAT they were promoting just that they were promoting something. It is in the rules for the uniform. It isn’t that they breastfed it was they posed for pictures in uniform to support a cause which is not allowed.
Personally, I see no wrong in it. it shows that they’re strong women that fight
for our country yet they are still dedicated moms. It shows what they’re all about, the two thugs that mean most to them and that they don’t have
to choose between the two.
THINGS*** sorry for the typo, I’m on my phone posting this!
Its natural, it should be done anywhere and in whatever clothing mother and baby want. Being a vet and mom I breatfeed my son in uniform. Not going to go hide so my son can eat. Baby’s hungry, baby eats….I’m not going to say well hold on my newborn son because mommy is in uniform and needs to change because some people might be offended by the fact that you are eating from the very place that God intended you to eat from. Get over it people. YOU SHOULD BE PROUD THAT WE HAVE MOTHERS APART OF THE SERVICE WHO WANT TO DO WHATS BEST FOR OUR CHILDREN AND OUR COUNTRY……IGNORANT PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!
I am a combat vet and a breastfeeding mom. The ones that say these women should go home and change ignore the fact if she could go home to change she could go home and just feed. Breastfeeding is highly a demanding time for baby and they should not have to hide or feel ashamed because they are feeding their children and serving their country. These women should not be reprimanded because they are not trying to be “sexy” at all.r If you link breastfeeding with sexiness than thats your issues. Thought the military was all about family. If you she can be in that same uniform to die and serve her country than she should be able to feed her child! If you see something offense or sexy about a woman’s using her breast for something it was intend for then the issues is yours not hers. Breast are for feeding first and foremost. IF you do not want to see my breast that is your problem not mine. YOU go eat your lunch or dinner and see how you like that.
I breast feed all three of my children. This is how God made us women. If someone can’t handle it. Don’t LOOK!!!! It’s one of the best thing you can do for your baby and you.
It is a simple answer. Breasts get full, breasts hurt. Babies geet hungry babies should eat.
As a former military member who had her daughter while in service… I see nothing wrong with doing what comes naturally but being a bit more discrete about it would be nice for those who my feel uncomfortable with it ( covering up a little doesn’t hurt anyone and is respect to everyone’s rights) … I never had to breastfeed my children in public (thankfully) but had I had the need I probably would have felt the need to cover up or go to a restroom to do so, but that is just the way I feel with my body. To each their own but just remember there are alot of people out there who are uncomfortable with this (and not always for the reasons you think either)… I think I would be uncomfortable with it because you never know what creep is out there watching you…
Breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world. I believe as long as the women were not on duty at the time and they needed to feed their babies then I have no problem with it. They just weren’t exposing their breasts for all to see and turn the guys on. They were feeding their children. I do think as a male veteran who served in the 70′s that it is important to show respect while in uniform and maybe they could have a towel or something to cover themselves up with.
Urinating and going to the restroom is a natural thing that has to be done however when you are in uniform it is not appropriate. If you have a baby and are in your Cammies then you are either at work or you are on your way home from work, can’t speak for all branches but in the Corps coveralls, cammies, and PT gear are not allowed off base unless you are stopping to get gas or pick up your child either way there is no reason any child of any age can not wait 5 minutes until they are home. So who breast feeds when they are in day care? If you have a problem with being a parent and being in the Military then you might want to seek employment elsewhere. Before that oath is taken and the dotted line gets signed women are told what the deal is. If you are single and have a child you must make arrangements to give someone like your Mother or someone legal temporary custody for boot camp, field duty, and deployment. But some people say anything to get in, get a check, then act like they were not told that or it’s not fair. Being in the Military is hard on both sexes, and both the service member and spouse. And if I’m not mistaken women who become pregnant are given an option to take a medical discharge plus given the option to return if they want… Whats next allow women to leave a deployment because they miss their babies???? This Military is becoming weak… And I should know I just retired six years ago, the first Persian Gulf, and the Second, In war and peace I have seen how Liberals and Activist are taking a once tough organization and turning it into Adult Day Care…
There is a time and place to breast feed while in uniform and out in public is not the right place. I appreciate that they are moms in uniform but it is inappropriate for those in uniform to think they have the same rights. I am sure it doesnt meet the service before self mantra of the USAF.
No one has ever said if you’re a woman in the military you shouldn’t breast feed. While I understand what the photographer was trying to portray, the females in the picture should know that the photo taken was against regulations. Everyone has a specific image to uphold in the military and this photo was inappropriate. If you’re on duty and need to feed your child, you do the appropriate thing and cover up. It’s not about hiding the fact that you’re breast feeding, it’s about decency in public. There are rules and regulations that come with wearing a military uniform (no matter the branch) and you either uphold them or suffer the consequences.
honestly thats something the whole world doesn’t need to see. I’ve been in a situation where a mother did that in front of me and I was really uncomfortable. Use a blanket and cover yourself, problem solved. What next? are we going to show ourselves going potty? really???
I have no problem with it as long as out of uniform. While on duty, many other ways to feed the youngun. Just not appropriate military actions.
Nothing wrong with breast feeding. Using your uniform to promote or support a purpose is against uniform regs, period! Many women breast feed in uniform! Discretion and respect are used. When in uniform, you do not have individual rights. You signed the contract and no one made you.
The Military has rules. If rules are ignored you soon have chaos where no rules are followed..
I think it was so hard to breast feed my baby. Even with a breast pump, I never received an area within the Navy’s own regulations. The travel back and forth to my jobsite was really interfering with my work and then co-workers made comments about how much I was “out”. After a few months, I was slacking so much on pumping, I quit producing enough. Not a good feeling.
I was deployed shortly after giving birth. I had to leave my son after 3 months of breast feeding him, out of the lot he has had the most health problems. I believe a mother should feed her baby when they are hungry be it in public or at home. That being said they should also cover up out of respect for the community they are willing to defend. I did not receive special treatment and went into the field and contracted mastitis. As I walked into the Command Post my commander asked if it was raining outside and I told him no this is breast milk. I did not get to go home I was in the field. Times have changed and women have been able to spend more time with their newborn but dont take it for granted ladies. Cover up and feed your infant son/daughter in a way I was not permitted to.
I was a predeployment brand new mommy who was active duty us army. I got pulled off convalecent leave and my leave after convalescent leave was terminated. I had to fly back across country to fix other people’s problems. So breastfeeding in uniform was a total disaster. I leaked through the pads when suck at the motorpool guarding equipment, standing in formation, and when stuck in meetings. It was embarassing and dismal and I was far away from family and friends who could give advice. I have so much respect for people who could do it in uniform and maintain, however if I were ever again on active duty with a nursing child I would have to switch to formula for my sanity and peace of mind.