December 15th 2011 – I filmed the South East Coast of England’s first ever breastfeeding flashmob!
Organised by a local mum who was verbally abused in a cafe for breastfeeding in public. Her response was to set up a breastfeeding flashmob, (a “fleshmob”) then she told people about it via the social networks. The result was dozens of breastfeeding mamas, broadcast TV news crews, newspaper photographers and this short film! Really shows the power of social media to transform a local campaign into something bigger and more powerful in record quick time!
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
I agree it is a natural thing to do, but there are alot of natural actions like peeing, blowing your nose, being naked etc… that we are trained to be discreet on. Why is it so hard for a woman to throw a lighweight material over her shoulder and the baby for feeding. It works both ways when showing respect. My daughter breastfeeds also, but is taught to be respectful and show common courtesy for others who are not used to it. Why the big controversy????
Because humans, like all primates, NEED to see breastfeeding to learn it. Because it is cultural and not instinctive for humans, so we think more humans need to see breastfeeding. Breastfeeding moms usually ARE discreet, they don’t want to show their breasts, they just want to feed their baby. And I agree with this article (http://www.koraorganics.com/blog/live-in-my-skin/all-things-organic/organic-certification/why-should-i-be-discreet/) that trying to make a baby latch, or trying to find the clip under a blanket draws more atention to the action of breastfeeding.
I was raised in a different culture where I frequently see breastfeeding moms in restaurants, buses, malls, and guess what…. men here are less sexual about watching breasts… ¿coincidence? I don’t think so. Breastfeeding is what breasts are for.
This is aamazing, but not the first
I helped Rose organise a flashmob of 170+ mamas in London June 2011: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36GDuLxX0lI there are some interesting (sad) breastfeeding statistics on the video.
Great work, ladies xx
If you’re interested, have just been emailed this, a free download of a commentary on breastmilk sharing.
http://www.internationalbreastfeedingjournal.com/content/6/1/8
Toni
xx