A photo of two military servicewomen breastfeeding their babies while in uniform has sparked outrage in the US because it is “disrespectful” to the armed forces.
The professionally shot photo shows Air Force employees Terran Echegoyen-McCabe and Christina Luna breastfeeding their children on a military base.
The image was used in a promotional campaign for Breastfeeding Awareness Month and quickly went viral, attracting a hailstorm of criticism.
Related: I breastfed my son until he was three
The image has been widely condemned as an attack on the “respectability and professionalism” of the armed forces.
“As a former Marine, Active Duty, I am appalled by the notion that any service woman would feel it is appropriate to breastfeed a child while in uniform,” reads one comment.
“I believe it is an utter disgrace to all women before us who made many sacrifices for the roles we have today. I believe those who chose to breastfeed in uniform are only making a joke of the hard work and dedication of service women in the past.
“You wanted to participate in a career that is slightly more demanding than that of say a receptionist, housewife, lawyer, doctor, writer, so you should adhere to a more professional standard and take your job more seriously.”
Another comment reads: “I feel very strongly that respect for both the uniform and for women would be compromised should women breastfeed in uniform in public. Professional women do not breastfeed in public, and female soldiers, who are professionals, should not either.”
Echegoyen McCabe has defended her decision to breastfeed in uniform. She says she feeds her 10-month-old twin daughters everywhere and doesn’t think her uniform should stop her.
“I have breastfed in our lobby, in my car, in the park,” she told US TV show Today. “I’m proud to be wearing a uniform while breastfeeding.
“I’m proud of the photo and I hope it encourages other women to know they can breastfeed whether they’re active duty, guard or civilian.
“If you don’t want to breastfeed in your uniform, you don’t have to. But you should have respect for those who do.”
Related: Mother’s tribute to baby born without eyes
There are 11 things US military personnel are not allowed to do in uniform, including eating, talking on a mobile phone while walking, chewing gum, putting their hands in the their pockets, holding hands, kissing or hugging. Breastfeeding is not on the list.
Your say: Have you ever been asked to stop breastfeeding in public? Email your story to [email protected]
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