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Breastfeeding Mom Fires Back at Critics: 'Yes, I Am Sharing My Images for Attention'

“I want the attention of other mamas so they can read my stories and see my portraits, and hopefully find courage, comfort, inspiration and empowerment in their own lives.”
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By Stephanie Grassullo, Contributing Writer
Updated January 28, 2019
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Image: Ekaterina Sutyagina

Breastfeeding is a hot-button topic these days.

As of this summer, breastfeeding in public is now legal in all 50 states, but that doesn’t stop the dirty looks and rude comments some moms endure while they nurse their baby when they’re out and about.

After Jennifer Mancuso was asked to breastfeed her twins in a private room at her children’s daycare, she’s become an advocate for normalizing breastfeeding. One way she’s able to do this is by sharing photos of her nursing her kids on social media.

In a recent post, Mancuso responds to the two things she is often accused of being—an exhibitionist and an attention seeker.

“Yes, I am sharing my images for attention. There I said it. No, seriously, I am,” she stresses. “I want the attention of other mamas so they can read my stories and see my portraits, and hopefully find courage, comfort, inspiration and empowerment in their own lives.”

Because when she empowers another mom to feel comfortable breastfeeding while in public, than what she’s doing is worth every post.

“I love it when I read comments and get [direct messages] about women being out in public and thinking about a post of mine and [finding] the inner strength to feed their child right there on the spot,” Mancuso says. “I could not imagine a more successful way to spread awareness and continue the cause of normalization!"

But with the good also comes the bad. The mom puts up with a lot of nasty comments and online bullies who take offense to her posts. They, however, only inspire her to continue raising awareness.

“It fuels my fire that there’s still lots of work that needs to be done,” she explains.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

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