Another Breastfeeding Mom Kicked Off Facebook

on February 16, 2011 at 5:05 PM

Sigh. Really, people? Again? This is getting old. We have another story for you about a mom breastfeeding her kiddo and being told she wasn't allowed to do that.

This time it wasn't in a museum security guard telling her to stop. No, this time it was -- wait for it, ladies -- Facebook.

Yup, the place where you can post a status update about, well, anything really. You can post about poop, you can post an obvious double entendre, you can even post swear words. You can post YouTube videos with 37 couples "grinding."

But Leslie Power, a psychologist from Chile, couldn't post a picture of her breastfeeding her baby. Her account was closed.

It wasn't the first time this has happened. And sadly, it probably won't be the last.

We've all seen pictures we don't want to see on Facebook -- your ex with his new squeeze, an old high school photo of you with that (regrettable) perm someone had the grand idea to post, photos that your crazy cousin uploads that are just ... weird.

Of course, if you search around Facebook, you see a bunch of boobies. Boobs in low-cut blouses, ta-tas in tight tops, busts literally busting out. All of those pictures -- and those accounts -- are still there.

So I just don't get why this woman's account was closed. Yes, if people are posting porno shots or pics of them "exposing" themselves in erotic acts, that I get. Close their accounts. But, and we've said it again and again, there is a difference -- a HUGE difference -- between a picture of a mother feeding her baby and two girls "gettin' it on."

This mom is just feeding her baby, it isn't obscene, it isn't offensive. It's a kid eating. How many times do we have to explain this?

Yes, Facebook did the right thing and restored her account. No, I don't think we should avoid Facebook. I actually think Facebook is great. Great for connecting, great for sharing pictures and for sharing stories like this so maybe it won't happen again.

Do you think this breastfeeding mom should have been kicked off of Facebook?

Image via sdminor81/Flickr

Filed Under: breastfeeding, natural parenting

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Comments (39)

bb510

on Feb 16, 2011 at 5:11 PM

I don`t think she should have been kicked off of facebook, but I do believe that being modest for the sake of others is important. Breastfeeding is a wonderful thing to do, but not everyone needs to see you doing it.

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charlottej

on Feb 16, 2011 at 5:15 PM

Seriously. I'm a breastfeeding advocate. But WHAT'S THE PURPOSE of posting your pics on FB? Honestly , is it a selfish "beat your chest--I am woman" thing? if so, get on the breastfeeding sites and beat your chest. E-mail your friends your beautiful "aren't we a beautiful suckling couple?" pics. But leave the shit off facebook. Nobody cares. You are not the first, nor the last mammal, to feed her child milk from her body. Get it?

momtothemax2910

on Feb 16, 2011 at 5:19 PM

To answer the question asked. No she should not have been kicked off Facebook.

seecb

on Feb 16, 2011 at 5:23 PM

I agree with FB. No one wants to see you breastfeed your child. & I don't understand why you'd even wanna put pictures of yourself breastfeeding. She brought it on herself sorry.

Pishyah

on Feb 16, 2011 at 5:31 PM

This makes me so angry!

sweetmom1007

on Feb 16, 2011 at 5:46 PM

TwoForJess

on Feb 16, 2011 at 5:53 PM

Ok, I'm all for breastfeeding wherever and whenever you need to but the thought never crossed my mind to post a picture of myself on facebook. Why would I want to subject my friends and family to that? Weird if you ask me. But I also try to be careful with how I breastfeed in public. I'll do it but I try to be careful not to offend someone or make them uncomfortable - I try to be reasonable and discreet.

Nonmember comment from MSgal

NO I dont think she should have been kicked off FB, people post a heck of lot worse. But I do think its so unnecessary to post these pics in the first place, does anyone REALLY WANT to see them? Or is it just the PC thing to say that we do? I dont get why people post ALOT of things and BF pics is one of them.

Facebook comment from Kristen Gupton Eifes

on Feb 16, 2011 at 6:01 PM

I agree she never should have posted this picture on the internet, It is natural but this is as bad as showing your boyfriend sucking your boob. Facebook has to remain nutural and close all accounts that nude pictures and this is somewhat of a nude picture.

HeartCharmMama

on Feb 16, 2011 at 6:03 PM

I agree with the mothers about it who believe it should not be posted on Facebook. Why? I know it's a natural thing and mothers certainly have the right to do it in public if they wish, even if others are uncomfortable with it but posting it online just doesn't look right.

I breastfeed my baby but don't feel the need to take a photo of it (I don't even have any photos of me doing it) and I would never think of posting photos of it since I believe it's something private.

I'm on the fence about what Facebook should have done but I do believe that something as natural as breastfeeding would cause people to feel awkward and uncomfortable looking at it just as they would looking at nude photos. I know I sometimes feel awkward when a mother just takes them out and feeds her baby while we're talking and I breastfeed!