It's World Breastfeeding Week and breastfeeding moms of Colombia are taking action.
Attempting to break down the stigma attached to public breastfeeding, thousands of Colombian women gathered in a park to breastfeed their babies at the same time, reported BBC News.
"It seems to be that prohibiting breastfeeding in public is like attacking the rights of children because they are the ones who benefit the most," one mother commented.
"We should not be ashamed to breastfeed our babies in public because it is an act of love," said another mother.
A similiar protest took place in Hong Kong, China
The protest comes at a time when many Colombian mothers face harassment and verbal abuse when attempting to feed their babies in public spaces.
Have you had a bad experience while nursing your baby in public or among extended family members? Tell us by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we could publish your letter. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous.
The country has also seen additional encouragement for nursing mothers, with last year's introduction of breastfeeding mannequins in one of the country's biggest shopping centres, Centro Mayor.
- Also see: "Endangering society's moral fabric"? These Indian moms fight back against breastfeeding bashers
The initiative was driven by Amigos de la Lactancia (Friends of Breastfeeding) and saw the installation of breastfeeding mannequins in order to urge moms to feel comfortable with breastfeeding in public.
Judging by the huge jump in Colombia's exclusive breastfeeding statistics, going from 15% to 43%, the efforts are paying off.
At just 32%, South Africa has an extremely low rate of exclusive breastfeeding.
Perhaps a mass protest by breastfeeding moms is in order?
Have you had a bad experience while nursing your baby in public or among extended family members? Tell us by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we could publish your letter. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous.
Read more:
- ‘I have no intention or desire to flash you my boob’ – Jo-Ann Strauss on breastfeeding
- 29 reasons why breastfeeding makes sense
- IN PICTURES: Breastfeeding moms rule the world
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