Because we so need more variety in images of breastfeeding.
Image credit: “Yo Mama” breastfeeding her daughter while sitting with her teammates from the Anarchy Angels Roller Derby Team (photo by Russ Desaulniers) via Avital Norman Nathman.
UPDATE: Sorry about the troll on the loose in this forum. I’ve cleaned all but one of Jake’s comments up. I kept the counter-arguments people made in response to comments removed because there was some lovely stuff said in defence of mothers who breastfeed and there was such volume. These are my views on breastfeeding in public -
The feminist campaign to allow women the full freedom to breastfeed is about all of us. It is not really about the choices of individual mothers and their babies. It is about women being considered as important.. as fucking normal as men. We are all made stronger when a woman can breastfeed, in public, as a member of her community, while getting shit done. Because when that happens it says that women belong, it says that women’s bodies belong, it says that women are here.
Please trust that trolling won’t be tolerated on this blog and neither will any kind of bigotry including, but not limited to, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, classism and anti-mother or child-hatred comments. Sorry I wasn’t here to address the troll when he was about and that so many people new to the blog were left to deal with it – time zone differences etc.
OK so I thought the Spock girl was my hero, now I have two heros.
Great pic! What a lucky babe to have a mom who is fit, active and breastfeeding.
Best. Derby. Picture. Ever. :D
love it, I was breastfeeding when I started roller derby earlier this year…. I have photos of me feeding my 2nd eldest after doing triathlons too….
Standing up and cheering!!
Right on!
Absolutly beautiful. I really love this picture. What awesome super powers!!! I breastfed all 3 of my babies and adore seeing that nothing can come between a mum and her baby, even a bout :) you go girl ……. so much love x LULA LOVESKATES 357 W.I.R.D Aust
One word: ouch! Can you imagine, those of you that have breastfed, getting a can opener in a “full” boob?!
What a good momma she is. I can tell just by looking. Not ashamed or hiding, totally engaged with her baby. This is perfectly lovely. Thanks for sharing.
~Jumpin’ Jax Smash #47
aka Arthur and Abigail’s Mom
“Ouch” was my first reaction too, ~ imagining the scenario you mentioned brings tears to my eyes!
This look dangerous! If you need a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards and mouthguards to be there, your newborn shouldn’t be.
I would like to believe that strong feminists could step. off the track to feed her baby, OR pump at the bench and hand the foo
-d to someone off the track. As a rollerderby skater and official, I strongly believe that if a 6rollerderby year old is not allowed to be somewhere because of danger, babies should be kept awaytoi! — not far away, just safely away.
she is on the bench. The baby is fine. If you’re really an official you should understand that. Sounds more like you just have a problem with breastfeeding.
As a mother I’d say a 6 year old at the bench is in more danger than a newborn because it’s harder to get a mobile, independant child to stay out of the way of skaters. A baby doesn’t run into the path of skaters, officials, etc. Plus, do you really think the skaters sitting on either side of her would let anyone run into them?
People stumble over eachother leaving from and arriving to the bench; its a fact of derby. I’ve also been in a bout where an official got her toe broken while behind the penalty box. There are people coming and going, outside pack refs skating by and blockers purposely hit players off the track and hard, and they sometimes even practice this stuff at halftime and before the bouts. I could care less about nipples showing, but if everyone is speaking up for the right of her to breastfeed on a derby bench at a bout, I will speak up for the safety of the baby because safety is our first concern as refs.
It really looks like a bout situation, but if it its just a cleverly shot scene, I stand corrected, and yay for her.
just to clarify: Perry is one of the smartest, fairest, most caring referees I have had the privilege of working with in the WFTDA.
he has a valid point. as a coach, i know first-hand that the bench is a dangerous area to be in.
It really amazes me perry, that you can so arrogantly assume to know better than this mother. You really believe yourself to be a better judge of the baby’s safety from this one little photograph with no context whatsoever than the mother herself, who loves her baby? Stop policing us.
The reason why I love this photo is that she is breastfeeding while living her life, she has incorporated breastfeeding and mothering into her full life. She is not being forced to silence parts of herself or isolate herself just for being a mother – not in a toilet, not with a blanket over her baby’s head – lest we be offended by her dual identity as woman and person.
Perry, I think you came at this with the safety of baby and mama in mind and appreciate that. I am glad it was pointed out that this was during a down time in the derby, but don’t appreciate at all how people jumped on you about it. We can all learn to be more circumspect. I have 5 kids, am a very laid-back mama and realize new safety concerns all the time. I look to more experienced people to help me recognize what I am not familiar with. Thanks for speaking up!
i appreciate your concern, perry, but i think your outrage should be directed towards actual problems, instead. may i point out, for instance, that “Motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death among children in the United States” (from the CDC).
do you act shocked and concerned when someone puts their child in a car?
also, as an ice hockey player, I’d like to say: you roller derby people aren’t that dangerous. :) I’ve seen much worse injuries in soccer matches than either hockey or derby.
Your concern is very admirable Perry. But for the record, this photo was taken at the break between a double header. There was no derby play going on at that time, as confirmed by the photographer himself. This photo was taken for an online breastfeeding magazine with the angle of derby girls who breastfeed. Rest assured that Mama would never feed her baby in a situation that could result in the baby coming to any harm. As a fellow Anarchy Angel I can testify that she always feeds at half times where there is no danger. I hope this puts your mind at ease. Cheers.
Perry Olander is not “trolling” or “policing” – are people looking for bad for the sake of sanctimony?
Love this pic! You rock, Yo Mama!
Perry, you poor sad thing, I hope for your sake that you made these concern-trolling comments as a prank for the LULZ because otherwise..
Yeah, because calling someone a poor, sad thing doesn’t reek of arrogance.
And yet… it turns out perry was wrong in piling on the judgement, the baby wasn’t in any danger after all, the mother was looking after her baby appropriately, we could have trusted her all along.
But the important thing out of all this is not that you can’t post a picture of a woman doing her thing and breastfeeding at the same time without the shit storm that went down here happening; not that you can’t post a photo of a mother doing her thing without some drive-by parenting advice coming from the clueless… no, the important thing is that I called him arrogant for doing that shit and that’s the bit that offends you. FFS.
Such disappointing attitudes, wrought with futile anger that will amount to nothing. A tea party when you need a bazooka. Best of luck to you.
I agree, and thank you.
I’m just saying that maybe treating people with respect, rather than attempting to belittle them, may be a better course of action. Are you trying to convince someone of anything, or just trying to be louder? Work on your approach a little. Free advice.
As a male roller derby player, I always give credit to mothers and fathers who involve their children in the sport they love. I also love the idea that modern-day roller derby has a prime focus on the empowerment of women. That is why I fell in love with it. Although I catch plenty of flak for being male in a predominantly women’s sport, I couldn’t be happier with the way the sport is going, and seeing so many physically superior and inspiring women.
Wow Luke you are the FIRST PERSON EVER to say that, just like Perry was the FIRST PERSON EVER to not trust a mother to know what was best for her child. You know what, we don’t give a flying fuck about your feelings because we get this shit all.the.time. Don’t want hurt feelings, don’t comment on things you know fuck all about.
Why is it on us to treat Perry with respect when he did not give us that courtesy? Ask yourself that sunshine before you mansplain to us.
Wow, and you wonder why you get so little respect. Good luck being an angry mother. I hope you don’t have a boy who “mansplains” to you. Sad state of affairs. I get it. Men are always wrong. Your logic is as firm as frozen tofu.
troll a little harder
Oh yeah, if he was instead a female official would it be different? You are entitled to your opinion, but if you are going to convey it negatively don’t set your expectations high.
keep on going little troll
Yep, I would have said exactly the same thing to/about a female official. It is about what was said not what is in their pants. The moral of the story is don’t make thoughtless comments, and is one you obviously need to learn. I don’t give a flying fig about your respect, I don’t need it. Go troll somewhere else.
I don’t care if you want my respect. I give it because it is the right thing to do. Do you know what the foremost responsibility of a roller Derby ref is? Safety. His concern comes with the job. I have seen skaters injured while sitting on the bench because they were hit by a flying skater. He didn’t get the full context, and admitted his possible error and corrected it, but you can’t let it go. Why? Men’s opinions are less legitimate than those of a woman?
Wow, one man gets criticised and I’m writing off all men ever. Sweetheart you have some issues. You are the one who can’t let it go. Perry actually said “but if it its just a cleverly shot scene, I stand corrected” see that ‘but’ that means ‘I don’t really believe this’. That, sunshine, is a faux pology not a real apology. So you see it is you and Perry who have the issue here with not believing women.
If you truly believe that a mother would depend on a ref for the safety of her baby rather than her own knowlege of the safety of what she is doing then you have no fucking idea and I suggest you get back in your box until you are ready to play with the big kids.
Luke, here’s the thing. I posted a lovely lovely photo here and women (and men) are really enjoying that photo – it has received hundreds of thousands of hits and has been linked to/reproduced on lots of tumblrs, including those with male authors who have like my words on feminism and public breastfeeding. I don’t want this conversation with you to continue because a) it’s appears to me unproductive and, b) it ruins the thread and the experience of everyone coming here and wanting to feel great about the photo. Every time someone posts a photo of a woman breastfeeding in public or a topic along that line they get hit with all sorts of anti-women crap. You may not realise that, but it happens, and it is tiring for women (and especially, mothers) to always be criticised like this, and I want this to be this one little space where women (and men) can come and not be quite so beaten down by all that stuff.
This is a feminist blog, I get that you don’t understand what that means but you could take some time to learn rather than firing off at us.. there are regular male commentators here who manage not to offend people on this blog and who contribute some fantastic insights. A lot of the women regularly reading this blog, like me, are heterosexual and have men in our lives who we adore, we’re not anti-men, and even those who are not straight have fathers/brothers/friends, and most importantly, sons who they completely love to pieces. Feminism is not anti-men, but it is anti-patriarchy. Try and move past the defensiveness, it will really help.
Here’s a list of things you’re doing that are offending us: criticising me for getting short with a commenter who was criticising the mother in the photo (I see it as a duty of care to defend that mother given I posted her photo here and she is doing absolutely nothing wrong, in fact her mothering is making a lot of people feel great); giving me patronising advice on how to be more courteous and respectful on my own blog (advice that you could have given perry instead, perhaps, and now could use yourself); sexist name-calling (ie. “angry mother”); ‘mansplaining’ (ie. telling us how it is as some kind of ‘expert’ rather than acknowledging that we may in fact have some expertise of our own on this topic), and declaring that we’re all somehow anti-men just because someone got annoyed with you for what you’re doing on here.
Luke, we have some common ground, I think – we both love that photo of the roller derby woman breastfeeding, and I like the fact that part of what you like about roller derby is how it celebrates strong/fierce women.. and you choose to participate in a female-dominated sport, so like me – I participate in motorcycling (a very male-dominated activity) – we know what it feels like to be the odd one out… let’s just go with that? Have a Happy Christmas (if that’s something you celebrate).
http://www.snopes.com/photos/signs/pregnant.asp
Please, do tell.
People like you are always policing women’s bodies and what we do with them, but it’s “for their own good” you say? Isn’t that always the way. With your mansplaining, you would take away our babies’ nutrition, our birth control, our right to participate in sport, and it never ends until we have something more resembling the Taliban on women’s rights issues. Stay away from places like this, you are not welcome here, and everyone sees right through your BS.
They were probably JUST at practice, I highly doubt it was a bout or scrimmage situation.
cool mom
Breastfeeding isn’t easy – I have a hard time believing that the woman who makes the considerable effort and sacrifice to do so would endanger her child in this way. Her teammates etc., would never allow it either; think they want to be responsible for endangering a kid? Derby is familial like no other sport. Betcha there is a partner or teammate or friend right behind her out of camera view, ready to take up the baby when chowtime is done. Be for real, Oleander.
That being said, I’ve witnessed skaters who can do some pretty incredible things on 8 wheels. Nothing a derby girl accomplishes suprises me.
Great pic, but breastfeeding in public is just weird! LMAO! Why would anyone feel comfortable doing it in public? Especially if they know it can make others uncomfortable? I think it’s funny how we have laws about public smoking and other things but not breastfeeding. And you can’t say that one is a health concern because everything is psychosomatic – if breastfeeding makes others uncomfortable then that becomes a problem for others, right? Just like most of the laws inflicted by groups such as the ACLU. It’s true and can”t be argued. This is just weird…but if I see you doing it…I’ll take your picture and put you in a book and sell it. Something to think about…. LOL…breastfeeding in public!!
*sigh*
Jake, well you’ve clearly never had a baby to feed, its people like you who make the world look stupid. It’s the most natural thing in the world, and you don’t say well baby i’m in public you are going to starve. We have places we have to go and things to do too. My baby won’t even take a bottle so you can suck it. I love this photo, this mom rocks!
Homosexuality makes some people uncomfortable. So do public displays of affection and countless other things. Luckily most laws are not made on the basis of what makes some people uncomfortable!! Laws are more often based on actally causing damage to property or persons. And if you take my picture and publish it without permission I will sue your ass…something to think about!
wat
I just think it’s ridiculous that this is still such a big issue. I have read interviews with women who have said that they weren’t going to breastfeed because they considered their breasts to be sexual. It’s all so back to front!
Sigh. I didn’t realize there were still so many regressive people in this world.
Yup – what Jeni said!
Don’t feed the trolls lol
I sincerely hope you’re kidding. If you aren’t…please get off the internet and go buy a book. Try to read it.
stupid is as stupid does. yay for mamababy. yay for the breastaurant. yay for roller derby.
When me feeding my own baby gives somebody cancer, then I’ll stop. That is the dumbest comparison I’ve ever heard.
Amen Shellie!! If people are uncomfortable with mothers feeding their children in public the way they feed them at home, ts! We arent going to let our children starve just to appease narrow-minded morons. I find it disgusting and ridiculous that this is even an issue!! Funny thing is, the same people who have problems with public nursing, probably would be the same people to turn you in to cps if they saw that you Werent feeding your baby when it was hungry. Hypocrisy at its worst!
Ugh. Public smoking being a health concern is psychosomatic? This baffles my mind. I’m really having trouble wrapping my mind around that. But, ok.
I HIGHLY doubt that the other derby girls around or beside her are uncomfortable with her breast feeding publicly so you point is mute and I doubt that she is putting the baby in any kind of danger. It takes a minute to get in and out of derby gear so I assume that she was staying in gear because it was probably a break or half time, or she did not want to have to undress while her baby is hungry and if you can do it with pads on then why does it matter.
MOst people who have a problem with breastfeeding in public don’t have a problem watching a sex scene in a movie or on a porn so really, if you were not there it doesn’t affect you if you don’t like it then don’t look, I had to look at the pic twice to see the baby so she is being very considerate and discrete, honestly you probably wouldn’t even have noticed her if you had been there
Breastfed by a roller gir—that kid is gonna grow up to be a tough cookie!
I play derby and work for my local Public Health Dept. I shared this with the WIC program. They will be putting this picture up in their office. What a way to promote being a Woman in all facets
Awesome!
This photo is stunning!
Jake, women can legally breastfeed anywhere we can legally be. Get over it. You being uncomfortable with breasts being desexualized and used to feed a baby is your own problem.
I love photos of mothers breastfeeding anywhere and everywhere, although my favorite is still the one from your “A word about breastfeeding nazis” post.
it is normal to nurse our babies. it is not better, or best, it is *normal*
jake– you’re an idiot. go educate yourself before making such obscene comments
*like*
Like! It is normal for some but unfortunately for many it isn’t. Breastfeeding needs to be the normalcy in everyone’s lives again!
This is a great picture!
hahaha! Jake… I had no idea that a hungry baby was an emergency situation! haha! wow – the whole of mankind in the past was wrong… mothers listen up – Jake says that its better to feed your babies manufactured ‘substitute’ milk (formula) than the free, perfectly balanced and naturally flowing milk from your tits… wow – amazing… haha!
by the way Jake – my partner also has breasts and as an educated human being she understands that they are there for feeding of babies too. its called evolution. maybe you should look it up sometime…
As a rollerderby player and a Mom who recently breastfed I think that Jake needs to be educated and more open-minded about what is right or wrong behaviour in public. In North America we have become socialized to see formula and bottle feeding as the “normal” way to feed a child. This is not the case in many cultures around the globe. There is a movement back to breastfeeding and this requires people to rethink what is “normal”. It is a Mothers choice and right to breastfeed her baby and it is not always possible to do so in a private location. New babies eat frequently, sometimes as often as once per hour during growth spurts.
I applaud the above rollerderby Mom for her dedication to breastfeeding and to roller derby as both require hard work and committment. I hope someday that as a society we will advance to a point where breastfeeding will not cause people discomfort as it is truely a beautiful thing between Mother and Child.
I also saw this posted on Facebook…by motherlove. Curious to know where you saw it posted. I am all for freedom of speech when it is meant in a productive forum. You are just making a stink to see a reaction, you said so yourself. Please respect your audience. Im here because as a mother of two breastfed children I enjoy seeing support for all types of breastfeeding mothers.
stop feeding the troll, guys.
great picture.
While I think Jake is getting entirely too much entertainment from everyone’s responses to his ignorance, I have to add that I would never put my child’s needs second to “showing deference to others”. People have the right to change the channel during nudity on television, dress modestly if nudity offends them, and to turn their head if breastfeeding makes them uncomfortable. They do NOT have the right, however, to force me to deny my child nutrition and comfort. The problem isn’t lack of tolerance for views that are different Jake – the problem is having those views dictate the laws and social standards that we ALL live under. No-one should force your wife to breastfeed – and no-one should force me not to. Choice, freedom, tolerance. It is supposed to work both ways. The percentage of moms that are choosing to breastfeed is rising and its far past time to allow women’s breasts to return to their most important function. And no, I don’t mean selling hot wings & beer, raising movie revenues, or even exciting our partners.
An image of the new mom: women marrying fitness with motherhood… Sets a good example for new parents:)
As Yo Mama’s derby wife and a fellow member of the Anarchy Angels, I can assure all of you that Mama would NEVER put any of her children in harm. Yes, this is during a bout and yes derby can be at times dangerous, but this picture was most likely taken at half time since that is usually when Mama would feed her daughter. The baby did not stay with her at the bench. Mama’s mother or husband were always there and Mama only had the baby to feed her at halftimes. Also, do you see those two ladies on either side of Mama? They would jump in front of a truck if it meant protecting our littest Angel and no one on our team has a problem with Mama breastfeeding at any derby event. There is nothing wrong with breastfeeding and certainly nothing wrong with doing so in the middle of a derby game. I think that Mama is a great example to us all of what it means to be a dedicated mother and derby girl. So before any of you pass judgement on her in a negative way, you should know the facts from someone who actually knows her and was there, on the bench along side her. Yo Mama is an amazing mother. We should all strive to be as amazing as she is, on and off the track.
Thank you for this comment!
:) Also, it has been confirmed by our photographer that this picture was taken at the break between a double header. So our little Angel was in no harm since there wasn’t any derby action going on. It also shows hard core dedication on Mama’s part. This game was almost a two hour drive from her house and a double header at that. Not many women would bring their babies to a game let alone one that required so much work. Mama is one very dedicated mother and athlete.
I think Jake needs to step back and rethink is theory, “Why do something that offends others?” Bottom line? I think not.
But if your going to stick with your theory, stop offending others. I would also recommend doing your research about breastfeeding and the “convenience” of pumping and being prepared, before going to a public place. The effect is has on milk supply, stress, time, finances, baby’s nursing, ect, ect. Research the ingredients in formula as well, that’s an interesting read. …. I personally think folks should be offended when woman wear their shirts that show everything except the nipple in public. (Keeping in mind that while nursing nipples don’t show) Or shorts/shirts that leave nothing to the imagination.
would have otherwise shared this post, but seeing the way Perry was treated for his concern of safety, which is a natural concern as a ref, i can’t support it. it’s disappointing that he was personally attacked for his valid opinion.
He was attacked for making the assumption that a mother would endanger her child by feeding during a bout. A little bit of thought would have meant that Perry wouldn’t have made this mistake. Also, since referrees are so concerned, don’t you think they would have called a halt if a baby were any where near the bench during a bout, hence the photo would never have been taken?
This is a very important issue for millions of mothers and babies, but if we disagree with one single man who doesn’t have a clue what he is talking about and just randomly assumes that woman is recklessly endangering her child, we lose your support and your respect?
It’s pure nonsense that you were going to share; if that is enough to sway you to the woman-hating side of trolls, you were a lost cause to start with.
I had to do that last season.
Love the picture! I saw it while breastfeeding my 6 week old boy. It’s hard to breastfeed especially when you’re out and about! I only cover myself up because I don’t want pervs looking at my boobs. I am not ashamed to breastfeed! It is the most natural and healthiest thing to do! Props to the women who do it and still do what they love!
I love this picture, it is just so STRONG. I love women fully comfortable in themselves, which is what stands out about this pic. I feel like I am seeing a hint of how we could be if we weren’t so caught up in worry about what men think we are or are not, and what we can or cannot accomplish.
I love that pic! While I don’t do roller derby, I did breastfeed on the sideine at basketball and ultimate games. :)
[...] feminist opinion on NIP When Roller Derby Girls breastfeed blue milk I stumbled upon this and found the quote in the middle very well put. so I thought I'd share. plus [...]
cool picture. committed mum, committed athlete. all good.
Those of you who are taking Perry’s pearl clutching seriously.. How many mothers take their kids about in cars? Answer: most of them. How many people die in cars every year?
I love the way people accept the annual road carnage every year as if it’s some kind of immutable law of nature and yet as soon as they see a mother doing something remotely unusual or un-doormat-like, suddenly everyone is THINKING OF THE CHEELDRUN…
I hope Perry is equally damning of mothers and fathers who carry their children on that deadly place, the road.
Love this! I breastfed both my babies during halftimes and never thought there was anything strange about it.
Breastfeeding is one of the easiest things in the world! Much more so than getting all the supplies together to feed a baby a bottle. Ahhh, but with bottles and formula we can push that job off on someone else. This mama is doing great and love the photo-op!
From one mumma to another bravo. We need to stand united in fighting biases and every time we can feed our babies in public we should. As well as when passing by another momma outside feeding her babe give her a smile of encouragement.
I Love this! It brings back memories of breastfeeding my now almost 5 year old when he was tiny and I first joined Rainy City. Yay for breastfeeding!
Just awesome! Many praises for her in so many ways to do whats best for her and her baby. And to be doing it amoungst her passion as a derby gal. I so wish I had kept up the nerve to deal with the idiots of this world who turn their nose up at such beautiful things as a mom and baby bonding. People seriously need to get over lots of things. I breastfed in public for short while then gave in to hiding you might as well say and only did so at home. I didnt have the balls so to speak to do as I knew was best fully cause of the worry of someone getting offended. Very sad! But not much I can do about it now just hope I was able to give her enough of what will protect and nourish her in her growing. She is 14 mths now. Very healthy so far for a 2mth early premie and I hope it stays that way. Again congrats go out to you and all mommas that stand their ground against the naive and shallow minded people in our world.
While I agree 100% with your position on a woman’s right to breastfeed in public and the public’s need to accept women and their bodies, I am blown away by your need to censor. I did not see the “troll’s” comments, and I’m sure they were horrible, but open, uncensored dialog is arguably more important than the cause you are championing here. If you only accept opinions that reflect your own, you are simply talking to yourselves and missing a larger opportunity to advance this important issue beyond the already converted.
E Walter you didn’t see the comments so how do you know that they were dialog. How do you know they were not personal attacks or attempts to derail the conversation? How does that advance dialogue. Obviously you have not been around here long because you would otherwise know that as long as it is on topic, it stays.
Do you know what a troll is? They are free to have their own opinion on their own blog. What you are doing is called concern trolling. Bluemilk is not obliged to pander to you or any trolls. Go somewhere else.
There was no “opportunity to advance” anything presented by Jake’s stupid comments. He was simply disruptive, and now *you are, too*. “Uncensored” here is just a euphemism for abusive, and there’s no reason to provide a platform for that nonsense.
This is a beautiful photo of a beautiful mother who just happens to be one of the most amazing people on the planet.
Long Live Roller Derby!!!
Great pic.
Agree with the quote up top. Anything that socially normalises what is perfectly normal activity is a good thing – especially the idea of combinging it with work – rollerblading or whatever.
(I didn’t find Perry’s concern outrageous though – misplaced though it turned out to be. I’d tend to trust the woman in charge myself.)
PS. I adore this picture.
Sorry I dont comment much- I dont really have anything meaningful to add to these insightful discussions you keep bringing up.
Annoying trolls however? That I can do.
I think this picture is very empowering. That child is lucky to have a mom who is giving the best nutrition and also keeping herself active and healthy at the same time.
“We are all made stronger when a woman can breastfeed, in public, as a member of her community, while getting shit done.”
That is why I do it, I hate the fact that I have to hide and be embarrassed because I just so happen to be at church, at my husband’s relative’s house or at a bookstore and my baby’s hungry.
This is awesome!
I didn’t read the comments but I can see the usual is happening.
Would someone be complaining if a derby mom and her five year old posed for a picture while drinking water together on the bench? Not likely. Hmphf.
This a beautiful picture! To all the negative idiots out there, what do you think mothers did before formula and bottles were invented? They breastfed! Duh…..
Hey, breastfeeding baby. When you grow up, I hope you realize that Yo Mama is AWESOME!
LOVE this pic! Showing it to my daughters :) Currently bfing my 5 mo. old son. Thanks for sharing this!!! (BTW, subscribing to this blog now!)
I would just like say that this is a great photo! I am a young male and I’m embarrassed to admit public breast feeding makes me blush, whilst I’m at it, ladies underwear on hangers also has the same effect. Now I do not think for a second that women should be made to change how they feed their children or display their underwear. It is something I have an issue with because of the way I was brought up. I think many people, myself included, need to adjust their perspective/thoughts regarding this matter, not the mothers.
I was really disappointed by certain peoples comments on here, admittedly I know as much about Roller Derby as I do breastfeeding; but to attack the mother and try and debase what is an entirely natural a beautiful act, is shameful!
As for the suggestion that you should not do something because it offends people, it is entirely laughable!! Without going into a massive rant, by that logic you would not of said the things you did!!
Loved your response, Mr Jaggers. I think it is perfectly ok to feel personally embarrassed by public breast-feeding when you realise that it is your own issue and that your embarrassment does not over-ride the right of a mother and her baby to breastfeed. Thanks for adding this perspective to the thread here in such a thoughtful manner.
[...] seriously need a Tumblr already for ace breastfeeding photos, because here and here and here and here. Share this:StumbleUponEmailTwitterFacebookLike this:LikeBe the first to [...]
Lovely picture! Made my day.
I just had a baby and am still working on feeling confident enough to breastfeed him in public. Thanks so much to you and all the other people working to make this easier for me and all the other breastfeeding moms out there.
Just put a tank top with stretchy straps under any shirt – lift your shirt up and pull your bra & tank top down (even better if the two shirts are the same or complimentary colours). Zero skin shows once you have the hang of it, no cover or blanket necessary. The only downside is people come over and ‘peek’ at baby – it’s so hard to tell what you’re doing they think he’s sleeping.
Feed your baby wherever you need, he matters more than anyone else’s opinions anyways.
[...] breastfeeding pictures. They’re from the Blue Milk blog (thinking + motherhood = feminism) here and here. And the subject of occasionally furious debate here. Image credit: LeClan McMillan with [...]
This blog post is a very cool and natural thing to see. I admire the mother in the photo for having no issue with being a a mom and in the derby. The idea of being able to breastfeed shame free whenever and wherever is a truly refreshing idea.
However the comments that follow such a liberating picture are truly sad. When I saw the authors comment about trolling I was expecting to see some very offending posts and readers responding in a grown up fashion. Instead I saw someone make a valid about safety…although it was jumping the gun…and a bunch of you then became the trolls. So in reality you didn’t delete troll comments you left them all but could only perceive your point of view instead of giving him enough respect to see his side. All I see here is you thinking you are right and he is wrong period.
I am not saying that the first quickfire shot about the mother disregarding safety was right. It had a little voice of attitude to it that I am sure strikes a little bit of aggravation into all of your hearts. He did take back what he was saying for not knowing the situation but the point is the same.
Then you all ask for him to see it from your side but refuse to step back and see his without attacking him. I stopped reading once you got to Jake because I couldn’t begin to stomach what kind of massacre you all had in store for him. (though his comment was indeed rather ignorant) I just did not see a point in berating the guy for his concern over safety no matter how ignorant you think it is. The way most of you responded to it was far more ignorant.
Ashley you have made the assumption that that comment was the first such comment ever made here or indeed anywhere on a blog about women. Unfortunately it is the umpteenth such comment and as such we have every bloody right to respond crankily. Maybe next time that commenter will think twice or maybe he won’t comment at all. Frankly this is a good thing because it will be one less thoughtless comment to piss us all off again.
Thank you Mindy. I am getting really tired of this type of comment.
And Ashley Nicole, you didn’t get to see the troll comments I mentioned in the post because I deleted them long ago because they are offensive. Interesting that your default position is to trust/defend the trolls on this one and not the rest of us.
I was (and still am) breastfeeding when I started to play soccer again and yes…getting an elbow in a full breast is VERY PAINFUL! Caused me to SCREAM out loud but you get past it in a few minutes… didn’t bring me to my knees or anything just had to stop for a second. Wonderful picture. Will look for opportunities to photo bf’ing moms in other unique situations. Thanks for sharing.
[...] More roller derby breastfeeding photos because we all love them. [...]
I need a photographer to take a pic like this for me playing derby here in Houston TX. I have a scrimmage March 3rd if you know any photographers down here send them my way.
As a mother of 6, breast-feeder of 14 years (4 of them spent tandem nursing) and a home-birth RN – I’m an passionate supporter of breastfeeding and birthing rights . But your comments about what won’t be allowed on your board concern me. I understand deleting troll posts, but are you saying that anyone who disagrees with you will be deleted, regardless of how they express it? For instance, I believe homosexuality is sin, as stated in the tenants of my religion. I don’t think that makes me a homophobe – some of our friends and family members are homosexual, and many other friends and family members (including ourselves – well, including everyone in the world, lol) struggle with other sin – from adultery to gossip to, well, you name it. So I’m not afraid of people who struggle with any sin…I struggle myself. Homophobe means to fear homosexuals, and I don’t. But I wonder if you would still call me that, just because I don’t believe the same things you do? The problem with being open-minded, is that you have to be open minded about everyone. And I think that’s difficult for almost everyone to pull off. If your comment was addressing people being ugly or mean in their remarks rather than just politely expressing dissenting opinions, then I agree with you 100%. There is no excuse for unkindness.
lisa conant – thanks for your question. There is a difference between so-called free speech/open mindedness on a forum and actually giving space to people and views otherwise crowded out in hostile environments. There are lots of people crowded out on so-called ‘open slather’ forums, you probably don’t realise because you don’t get to hear their views often. Minority races, transgender people, people with disabilities, teenage girls, gay and lesbian people, feminists, single mothers etc etc. This post will explain my position on comment deleting for you: https://bluemilk.wordpress.com/2011/12/20/why-your-comment-got-deleted/
I don’t delete comments for disagreeing with me, I’m always curious about other viewpoints and how they might change or strengthen my own views.. but I do delete comments for being nothing more than hate speech regardless of whether it is someone’s heartfelt belief or simply pot-stirring. I’m a heterosexual atheist, so I hear that you believe homosexuality is a sin and I respect that this is your belief, but I don’t believe in your god or your sins so I won’t give them special exemption here, and if you want to talk about how wrong someone is for who they love, as an adult with another adult in a consenting relationship, well, I call that hate speech and yes, it will be deleted. If that offends you take heart in knowing that you are pretty much free to use that kind of hate speech almost anywhere all over the Internet to your heart’s content, but just not here on a feminist website.
[...] Put your leopard skin maternity bra on and give her all your luvin’ because further evidence for the case that breastfeeding has pop cultural buzz can be found here, here, and here. [...]
I totally want a poster of this image.
[...] lives. When babies are breastfed, co-sleeping and carried they’re potentially very portable. You can be caring for your baby while also getting shit done. In practice this isn’t always the case. The workplace, and public space in general, can be [...]
am fed up about this page
It is really good for a mother to breast feed her baby its brings the mother & baby together
This woman is awesome. And I agree this is mostly likely just a practice, in a scrim or bout she would keep the bairn past the 5 metre safety away from the track and in good care! But, I admire that she can be so dedicated to her sport and her child!
[...] I love seeing photos of women breastfeeding and going on about their lives, and I love seeing photos that subvert the ‘nurturing [...]
That is an awesome photo.
I live for the day one of the girls at a bout I shoot does this & let’s me shoot it! I regularly photograph the teams attached to Bristol Roller Derby & love the sport. It’s such a great place to see women breaking stereotypes & just cutting loose as they please.
I also recently attended the Bristol Mother Suckers protest against the poor treatment of a breast feeding mother at a local cafe. That was another example of women stepping up to be heard without fear.
To be able to combine those things, as in the photo above, is amazing!
[...] know I love Roller Derby women and I do love expanding the representation of mothers.. so, here, have some Roller Derby mothers. Share this:StumbleUponEmailTwitterFacebookLike [...]
Right on!! I agree 100% whole heartedly! I’m proud to breast feed and all women should understand how natural and empowering it is.
Hello, after reading this amazing post i am as well
delighted to share my know-how here with friends.
I’d like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this site. I really hope to check out the same high-grade content from you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog now ;)
[…] I love seeing photos of women breastfeeding and going on about their lives, and I love seeing photos that subvert the ‘good nurturing […]
[…] (via BlueMilk) […]
[…] model breastfeeding in a fashion spread and the photo looks great. As some of you may know, I love a non-traditional breastfeeding photo and I collect them on this blog. Mothers looking glamorous or dangerous while breastfeeding […]
[…] many others, Blue Milk commended the photo, which she said looked great and expressed a favor for ‘non-traditional breastfeeding photos and … Mothers looking glamorous or dangerous while breastfeeding.’ But she also pointed […]
Reblogged this on Cannella e cumino and commented:
I didn’t skate yet when I became mother, how I wish I’d done this when my daughter was born ;)
Reblogged this on shhflower.
You idiot.
Actually, I think nursing high school girls would be allowed to nurse in class. The only barrier might be that the baby probably isn’t allowed to be there by school rules. Otherwise, the mother would have the right, because in the United States it is law (contrary to what you mistakenly stated above) that women are allowed to breastfeed in any public or private place where they are otherwise allowed to be, and that breastfeeding is exempt from public indecency laws– because it’s not indecent. It’s not sexual. It is nothing more than the most natural and healthy way to feed a baby. Since the mother (and certainly not the child) don’t believe themselves to be in the midst of a sexual act, the only one who can bring that to the table is the uncomfortable witness. I would do some soul-searching if I were you– it’s one thing to feel embarrassed and unsure of how to react because you’re not used to seeing women nurse in public, but it’s another to feel uncomfortable. You don’t have to watch, you don’t have to think about it. And be aware that lots of women will be offended (and the law will be on their side) if you make a stink about this non-issue.
Above you stated “if breastfeeding makes others uncomfortable then that becomes a problem for others, right?” Exactly. It’s a problem for you. Not for the rest of us.
Jake…your stupidity baffles me…Outdated baby feeding? Are you kidding? Breastfeeding has been proven again and again to be the best source of everything for babies. There is so much in breastmilk that formula cannot give. For example, when a mother kisses her baby, the bacteria that is on the baby goes into her system and her body builds antibodies to kill that bacteria. When the mom then breastfeeds her baby, the baby is provided with all those antibodies and nutrients to prevent sickness and infection. You can’t choose when a baby wants to eat, they just have to friggen eat. Stop being a pansy ass and deal with the way things are. If anything, breastfeeding is beautiful, and keep in mind many women cover up with a blanket when they breastfeed, so if it is just your imagination of what is going on under that blanket that grosses you out, that’s your own damn problem. With thoughts like this, you obviously didnt get breastfed enough as a baby. What a shame.
@ Jake: You are an ignorant fool. How did your mother feed you? Are you aware that other mothers may have also breastfed you? Are you aware that breastfeeding is the most natural thing a woman can do for her baby? Yes, breasts are also sexual and yes you have a choice to watch them in movies. However, you also have the choice to turn your big fat head away when someone is breastfeeding. Duh.
Try squeezing out a baby, getting little to no sleep, and still attempt some semblance of a hobby of your own, all while attending to the needs of a hungry baby and then tell me it shouldn’t be done in public. It gets done exactly where it needs to happen. If that is in front of a crowd, so be it.
Dear Jake…how did you even stumble on this photo? If you are so offended by breastfeeding in public perhaps you should stay away from this type of web site. There’s no difference in views because this is dedicated to mothers who do support all areas of breastfeeding and enjoy seeing it supported. Seriously if you’re being a jerk to get a rise out of us you need another hobby.