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January 5th, 2011
04:54 PM ET
New Facebook furor over breastfeeding imagesOur friends at Parenting.com are taking note of the latest round in the social media battle over photos of breastfeeding women. Last weekend, Facebook, deleted The LeakyB@@b, a support page for nursing mothers, saying the images on the pages violated its terms of service. Facebook took removed the page on Sunday, then put it back up Tuesday, saying its deletion was a mistake. Then Facebook took it down again Tuesday night. And on Wednesday, put it back up in the early afternoon. In the meantime other groups popped up to support the Boob. Read Parenting's full account of the page's roller coaster ride. We'll echo Parenting's question: Moms, have you or any of your friends ever had any breastfeeding photos deleted by Facebook? Do you consider photos of nursing to be obscene?
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pooping is a natural act too but i dont do it in public
u don't eat in the bathroom, do u?
Hey JimmyZee, I'm guessing your about 12 years old!
Nice try, Jimmy and yeah my mom did breastfeed us and back in the day you couldn't do it in public, which was a shame but you wouldn't remember that being a 12 year-old.
I don't see how breastfeeding a baby can be considered obscene or even offensive. Feeding an obese two year old MacD's...now that's obscene and should be criminal.
Urination is perfectly natural, as well as defecation. I'm going to poop on the sidewalk.
Im gonna watch you feed that kid. Yepp...gonna sit right down next to you and stare. You want attention...you got it!
Oh, please sit next to me and watch me nurse my daughter. I promise you the attention I get will be far less embarrasing then the attention you would be getting.
I think breasts are natural and beautiful and anyone that wants to cover them up are prudes. Breasts should be allowed to be displayed in public any time a women wants. After all the women in Africa do it, South American indians, and they are displayed on beaches throughout the world. There should be no reason for rbas and blouses just let them hang the way God intended.
By the way, please visit my urination site where I display pee pictures. Peeing is perfectly natural and a fundamental function of the human body.
You should move to Africa then.
What I find disgusting is formula. Nasty, powdery, manufactured substance and water.
I am so grateful I didnt have to feed my babies that nasty stuff.
My heart goes out to the women who earnestly tried to breastfeed and couldn't and to those who must work and can't pump.
The ones who simply couldn't be bothered with the inconvenience of nursing should have thought twice before having a baby.
have you tasted your breast milk, if so then you have issues.
@ Jackie, have you tasted formula?? What about cow's milk, have you actually tasted that?
What I find disgusting is women who successfully breastfeed judging those of us who were unable to. I had to give my youngest formula after the first 3 months and she's happy and healthy! I would have preferred to continue bf but I couldn't. I think its a personal decision and if you choose bf great and if not well you don't deserve negative judgement on what you decided is best for you AND your infant.
Oh, look, another judgmental hipmoooooooo who thinks that anyone who chooses to raise their children differently is "abusive."
While I don't think it is obscene, I also don't think it is super appropriate to have photos of nursing mothers online. I support women being able to nurse in public if they so choose, but they should also be properly covered while doing so and I think the same sort of thing should apply online. Besides, I doubt any of these kids are going to want pictures of themselves nursing floating around on the internet when they're older.
I will honestly say that when I nurse in public I try to be discreet. However, I don't put a blanket over my daughter's head. It get too hot and she won't keep it there anyway so why bother trying. Not to mention if I put a blanket over her it will call way more attention to what I'm doing then just sitting and nursing my daughter.
@EBF momma – They do make nursing shawls that are lighter and also allow you to peek through and see your baby. You can also use a loosely knitted or crocheted blanket made from a light yarn that obscures the baby nursing.
@LEB-do you eat w/a blanket over your head?
Can you get an erection being a 12 year-old? I wouldn't know, but thanks for sharing.
Yea...JenLaw, the child molester now making passes at 12 year olds and still nursing from his mom at the ripe old age of 37...what a sick freak you must be. Probably fat, ugly and poor also...
No to all of the above. I'm not 37, am considered very hot and sue sickos to use your adolescent term, for a living. But, got to get to the Court now so I can't argue with you, young man, any longer so stay out of trouble and stay out of the mall, there are nursing women there!!
I think what everyone is forgetting is that The Leaky B@@b is a breastfeeding support group! That is why women are posting pictures of themselves breastfeeding, to share their experience with other parents that are going through the same thing. If there are people on Facebook who don't like breastfeeding, or are offended by it, they should probably just stay off that facebook page. It's not like this facebook page is going around forcing everyone to look at breasts. No, it's there for a very specific purpose, and if you find breastfeeding offensive, don't visit a breastfeeding support page! Duh!
Well said!
Depends on how exposing the pictures were. Some people don't know when something is totally inappropriate.
Is there a difference between an exposed breast during breast feeding and and exposed breast other wise? Is one more acceptable than the other? If you allow one, you should allow the other. When companies try to differentiate between these types of issues, they always loose in the end. FB should just say, we don't allow nudity.
Facebook is a privately-owned company. They can do pretty much whatever they want. They can set up their own decency standards. If you don't like it, don't use Facebook.
Also, no one really actually wants to see women breastfeeding, kind of like how no one wants to see me p33 or p@@p. They may be OK with it (or not), but they wouldn't buy tickets to see it. No one walks up to a woman and asks if he can watch her breastfeed her baby. And even if someone did ask, I'm sure the woman would yell "POLICE" and run away. So why post breastfeeding pictures on Facebook, where strangers can look at it anytime they want?
n i c e ! !
It is time for people to get over the idea that feeding a baby naturally is anything gross, abnormal or strange or shameful. It saddens me that we are still so puritanical that the sight of an infant suckling freaks people out so.
If they can show off there breasts and its ok why cant i post pics of breast! should they get speical treatment because they have a kid!
I agree, If i want to walk down the street showing off my hot boobs i get arrested. but these mouth breathers that still use the same methods to feed there children that the cavewoman used its OK! how is it fair you get special treatment because you decided to have a baby. Also every woman that breastfeeds should have to go threw natural birth with no modern drugs or hospitals... thats got to be better for the baby just like breastfeeding Right?
Please don't get pregnant!
Your glaring grammatical errors are almost as offensive as your statement. Please never reproduce.
@ SingleGirl- I have 4 children, all natural child birth and all breastfed, in public, with no cover. *gasp* and I'm not a cave woman. Just to let you know, breasts are meant to feed a baby!! If they weren't then they wouldn't produce the milk.
EBF momma: I'm really tired of "earth mommies" who try to tell me what my body is made for. I don't want brats, never did. MY breasts are made for my enjoyment and that of my partners. BTW, thanks for contributing to overpopulation.
Sick of hip mamas – You have superb trolling skills and have made me lol hard.
Since you won't be a mother and will be unable to pass those skills down, please be a teacher.
I've seen women show MORE breast with a very low cut dress or blouse than is shown when a woman is feeding a baby. Funny that I hear NO ONE complaining about this. And guess what it is on fb also!!!!!
What is wrong with you people? I wish someone would write a book called "Understanding the Average American" so that the rest of the world can finally understand how you all think (of course i'm generalizing to make a point). A baby has to eat, and a mother has to feed it. Its just as natural for the baby to want its mothers milk as it is for you to look in the fridge when YOU'RE hungry. What on earth do they teach you in schools and/or church to make you think this is ANYTHING but natural! Besides, i don't know how women do it in the US, but anytime i've ever seen a woman breast feed her child – whether outdoors in public or in someone else's home, it has always been done discretely with no more boob showing than what you would see in any bikini at the beach. Y'all need to relax a little.
I agree
There are pictures in existence of me nursing my children. I don't view it as something sacred; I'm just feeding my kids! But because it is something that has taken a fair amount of my time in the last 2.5 years, if anyone snapped a candid picture with me in it I might have been nursing.
And I think facebook is way hypocritical by removing nursing pics in which you can't see any more skin than the revealing pics posted by teenagers that are all over the place.
Silly uptight ninnies! Boobs are for babies! men, you all can get in line. we'll get to you just as soon as we're through sustaining life.
ten years ago, I was nursing at a food court (with the ol' "pull the blankt up from underneath to cover that corrupting exposed skin" routine, when a man came and asked me to go to the bathroom to feed my child. I invited him to grab his burger, his son and join me. lol...he declined and was nicely told to GTFAway...by my own mom.
Don't like seeing nursing breasts? Don't look. it's pretty simple.
MY boobs aren't for babies, you self-righeous cow. I'm childfree.
@sick of hip mamas- then that's your choice, but breastfeeding our babies the way we want and the way the were meant to be fed is our choice. Who cares if we feed them in public, people bottle feed their babies in public. I fed my oldest formula and now I breastfeed my second b/c she has allergies and a stomach disorder. It's the best option for her medically, so should I hide in my house all day long b/c I have to breastfeed?
Very interesting how this turned into a breastfeeding debate. I've been through this public breastfeeding fiasco before, and let me tell you...people are ignorant! I was told by a waitress at a restaurant (which will remain unnamed) that I was offending the other patrons by breastfeeding and if I could please leave. I was completely covered, blanket and all! I was shocked, and told the waitress that I would not be feeding my baby in the bathroom (her suggestion), and that if they were offended it wasn't my problem. And, if anyone here has a problem I would be more than happy to show the manager the laws regarding breastfeeding in public.
Facebook, however, says it has the right to take down pictures at it's discretion. I don't believe they should make such a fuss about breastfeeding photos. There are state laws that exclude breastfeeding women from the lewd a lascivious behavior laws, which include photos online. However, Facebook is made up of people all over the world and cannot go through and delete photos or groups who do not have this state law. There is too much gray area here, and we can debate it until we are blue in the face, or until Congress makes National Laws regarding breastfeeding, and public display of breastfeeding.
Yeah, Steph, all the other patrons should have to watch you get out your flappy milkbag and listen to your widdle darling shlurp and shlorp. Typical hip mama... it's all about you and your pweshus.
Who gives a flying fart about this post-post-post-feminist drivel?
No wonder this country is heading for an abyss.
This vapid "Mommy"-centric no-news is considered relevant and topical and worthy of heated debate. Pathetic.
If people want to breastfeed their kids, that's their business. Personally, I think it's disgusting. And I certainly don't want to see someone doing it. Yes, I am a female, and had 3 healthy kids. they were all bottle fed, and did just great.
I think formula feeding is disgusting. God knows what you were feeding your children. Breastmilk has never been recalled.
I'm so glad you make enough money to formula feed your children who I'm sure are just wonderful, but for the rest of us who have to budget for new clothes boob is free!!!
Here's the thing, if you don't put pictures up of yourself eating (namely because, well, who cares to see that?) why are you putting pictures up of your baby eating, from your boob? I just don't understand why these women even want to post pictures like this. No one cares!
If you don't care, then don't look at the pages? It's simple. They weren't created for you and noone cares if you look at them.
They must care or there would be no issue at all! If you don't care don't look at it or better yet keep your trap shut!
Because they have to have everybody validate them for being the bestest, most perfect "earth mommies" in the world.
The concept of obscenity is a form of power groups of people use to subject their unscientific worldview on others. I'm sure psychologists would agree that a child or anyone else would not be harmed in any way by seeing a picture of a breastfeeding woman. If science could prove it was harmful, then perhaps steps should be taken to ban it. In this case, though, it would not be because the pictures are 'obscene', but rather because they are generally harmful to human well-being. It is important to understand that obscenity is about power and control and not concern for other's well-being.
I think I love you.
I actually find it amusing that something that a woman can do anywhere in public - in a restaurant, in a mall, on a bus, etc. - is considered too obscene to post on the internet.
I think it is wonderful that women feel comfortable and warm about having pictures of them breastfeeding their babies posted on facebook or photo albums or websites or whatever. I'm on board with them being able to do that and feel they are supported their right to breastfeed, however, that may not be the reason that someone else is looking at the pictures of them. Some children were not breastfed and are or have not really been exposed to pictures of random women and their breasts. I understand that they are feeding and so it is in no way the same thing as say, Girls Gone Wild, but teenagers and young people and heck, even older people may use those images for other less warm and nurturing ways. I'm all for women who choose to breastfeed, I didn't and that's okay too, but there is a certain level of modesty that comes with that argument that it is bonding and maternal and instinctual. Posting your pics on facebook for God knows who to see, doesn't really fall in line with that.
Just because it doesn't fall in line with what you believe doesn't mean other's shouldn't post their pictures and be proud of what they are doing or have done. Any pervert could look at ANY picture and do something sick with it. You can't control what people do with your images. It's a part of life. Anyone who lets that stop them from living their life is an idiot
Breastfeeding is a beautiful thing. Facebook is being biased, like usual. Take down all the women in low cut tops, bathing suits that don't cover anything and the men with their shirts off and then we will talk. Till then, you can keep trying because breastfeeding is NOTHING to be ashamed of.
whats the issue. I would rather have these low class harletts show there stuff off and feed there spawn then have them ask for more government support to buy formula. only the destatue and trailer trash do this kind of thing. and just like the people that promote "alliterative lifestyles" they are trying to force the majority of good people in the U.S.A. to approve of a minority practice!
I think people should stop... It is natural for the human body to be exposed.... We didi that for thousands of years befor some dummy put a leaf on his croch and sadid uge.
The mob rules on FB. FB is a platform for perceived majority rule and any page on FB can be taken down if enough people complain. This particular group needs their own website (if they don't already have one) and simply abandon FB for freer pastures.
The only problem with it is they don't enuf boob, give me a milk filled boob anytime
Photos of breastfeeding are not a big deal, but I don't care to see them if it's my choice. I certainly don't think "tasteful" photos should be banned, but on a personal level, they are just too much info. for me. How did we become so enamored by ourselves that we want everyone to see our most intimate moments? Why would anyone else care?
How did we get so enamored by ourselves to think that anyone else cares about photos of us breastfeeding our babies? Can't we leave these more intimate moments as private times? Personally, I'm not interested in seeing these photos, but if it floats your boat, have at it. Just TMI....
I think as long as someone has taken the consideration to cover up that no one should have an issue with breast feeding. It is natural and healthy for the child. I also ask that you not let your kids wear clothing with words on their rear end or clothes that are overly revealing. Me? I'lll make sure you don't think I'm a plumber.
It is a perfectly acceptable part of society and a mothers right to breast-feed her baby if she wishes. However, don't be offended if I look at you while you are doing it. Those mothers that get upset at people watching them breast-feed are the funniest ones to me. If you are a woman in public exposing your breasts, whether to feed a child or pure enjoyment, don't be offended it people look at you since you have decided to expose your breasts in public.
My husband's theory on why FB hates BFing is great:
"Look at the numbskull who founded it-he wanted to get some action. Babies come from here (he pointed to his crotch) and eat here (he pointed to his chest). Lots of men think those two areas should belong to them, as if they owned just those two parts of women. Of course FB's going to have a problem with nursing! they think men won't get any action out of it!"
You poop. Wanna post that on Facebook? Seriously, just keep things offline. It's gross to have a page like this.
Why shouldn't there be a page where BFing women can go to to get support? It's a support group! Do you know how many women go to this site on a daily basis? I don't either at the moment, but i know that i am one of them. As a breastfeeding mother myself, I have posted pictures of my son nursing. I actually have a pic up now of me BFing my son, just to support The Leaky B@@B. If you don't like seeing or hearing about BFing, then don't look!!!!!!!!
I don't see any of you coming together to take care of some real problems! If your biggest concern is my picture of me bfing my daughter then I feel real sorry for you! You must have such a boring life with no imagination!
As long as the woman in question is not reading an uncensored version of a classic novel, I have no problems with public breast feeding. If they are going to be so uncaring and callous as to read Mark Twain while attached to the baby, I think we know what it's first words will be. Get over it people we are too political correctness is more of an offense than being offensive!
Obviously pictures of nursing are not offensive....and the more we treat it as something you have to do in private the more people will have weird hang ups about it – in other countries where moms breastfeed their babies in public it is a TOTAL non-issue – it is us breastfeeding moms who can either perpetuate the silence and nurse in the bathroom – or just act like it's normal and say to hell with anyone else. We know what's healthiest for our babies and we are doing both our babies and ourselves a favor by nursing them!!! Lower breast cancer, lower obesity, lower asthma, lower allergies and infections....there is absolutely no debate that this is the first choice form of feeding. Obviously some women cannot for some reasons, but for those of us who are able it is our right and our duty to do it openly. I nursed twin boys and my daughter and loved every day of it.
I dunno, would you post a picture of you changing your baby's diaper?
I have posted a picture of changing my sons diaper. Of course, nothing was showing (as with the nursing photos, you can't see much) and I posted it when I was learning how to use cloth diapers, to make sure I was doing it right. That is what this is about, getting help with something that is new for us. If you dont want to see the photos, dont "like" the page, click on photos, click on the album, and then look at them. Lets get real, these photos aren't coming to your inbox.
Changing diapers, taking baths, napping and eating with food all over her face. So whats it to you?
I love it when I'm in a strip club and a lactating dancer whips it out and sprays me down...
Ha
You see more breast tissue on the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine in the checkout line at the supermarket than you do in a picture of a woman nursing.
The point is not weather breast feeding is appropriate in public or not. The issue is not if the image of a breast should be allowed or not, the issue is that none of these things need to be displayed on facebook. Women have hundreds, or thousands of websites dedicated solely to supporting women who have a desire to breast feed, and I'm sure they have plenty of pictures that are allowed. Facebook simply isnt the place to do it. Facebook is a social network used to connect people, to stay in touch and up to date with eachothers lives, not to form support groups with pictures of bare breasts. If you allow this group,where do you draw the line? What about a group that is informing new absitnent couples on the steps of intercourse, with pictures included. Clearly the content in that group is not meant to be obsene, but it doesnt have a place on facebook!
The point is not weather breast feeding is appropriate in public or not. The issue is not if the image of a breast should be allowed or not, the issue is that none of these things need to be displayed on facebook. Women have hundreds, or thousands of websites dedicated solely to supporting women who have a desire to breast feed, and I'm sure they have plenty of pictures that are allowed. Facebook simply isnt the place to do it. Facebook is a social network used to connect people, to stay in touch and up to date with eachothers lives, not to form support groups with pictures of bare breasts. If you allow this group,where do you draw the line? What about a group that is informing new absitnent couples on the steps of intercourse, with pictures included. Clearly the content in that group is not meant to be obsene, but it doesnt have a place on facebook!
Good point.
Really the point is facebook is for people to find eachother and connect online! If that means a bfing support group to help bfing moms like myself and many of my friends find eachother online and help eachother with questions any of us may have, then please let me see more support groups on facebook! No one here seems to see the bigger picture. It's not about you! You don't have to ever look at any of the pictures or the sites if you don't want to! That is the beauty of the wonderful country that we live in! I'm free to post it and you are free to look away!
oh well
i agree with acboob