World Breastfeeding Week 2016: Can #NormalizeBreastfeeding Campaign Stop The Stigma Over Breastfeeding In Public?

In an era where women's breasts are over-sexualized, it is really not surprising to know that breastfeeding in public has now become an "inappropriate act" in spite of the fact that breastfeeding is the most basic nurturing act and a normal part of motherhood. But celebrity moms and models want to change that public perception by supporting the #normalizebreastfeeding campaign.

As the world celebrated the World Breastfeeding Week, the stigma experienced by mothers for breastfeeding in public have been highlighted. Fortunately, celebrity moms and models such as Gisele Bundchen, Liv Tyler, Pink, Alyssa Milano, Blake Lively, Miranda Kerr, Gwen Stefani and Mila Kunis have taken a stand and support the #normalizebreastfeeding campaign.

 What would I do without this beauty squad after the 15 hours flying and only 3 hours of sleep #gettingready O que seria de mim sem esse esquadrão da beleza depois de voar 15 horas e só dormir 3 horas. #mepreparando

A photo posted by Gisele Bündchen (@gisele) on Dec 10, 2013 at 8:00am PST

Moreover, fashion magazine such as Elle Australia also supported the #normalizebreastfeeding campaign when it featured 30-year-old model Nicole Trunfio while she was feeding her four-month-old son Zion as the cover of its June 2015 issue. According to Indian Express, Trunfio told her Instagram followers that breastfeeding in public should not be made controversial, stressing the fact that moms are judged for "feeding their hungry child in public."

There is nothing more powerful and beautiful than motherhood. The last thing I want to do is be controversial, so please take this for what it is, let us #normalizebreastfeeding there is nothing worse than a mother that is judged for feeding her hungry child in public. #weareonlyhuman I'm so proud of this cover and for what it's stands for. I obviously don't look like this while I am breastfeeding but this stands for all women out there, whether you breastfeed or not, we gave birth, we are women, we are mothers. Thank you to ELLE for being so bold and making such an encouraging, positive and healthy statement. #womenunite A photo posted by Nicole Trunfio (@nictrunfio) on May 20, 2015 at 9:21pm PDT

Breastfeeding shamers, however, still exist. In fact, breastfeeding in public is still met with raising eyebrows from the public, not to mention the emergence of sarcastic hashtags on social media but should moms be terrified of breastfeeding in public?

In a Redbook article written by Charlotte Hilton Andersen, the writer outlined some things she learned that moms can expect when breastfeeding in public. As shared by Andersen, breastfeeding in public can attract staring (or be look at) from other people around while others would tell you to "cover up."

Despite the fact that breastfeeding in public may cause some controversies, many mothers are still committed to feed their children when hunger strikes, whether in public or in a private place. But why do you think breastfeeding is still the best way to feed a baby?

"Breast is best; it is safe, clean, healthy, sufficient, on time and cost effective," New Vision wrote. "It is baby's first vaccine, boosts Intelligence Quotient, and increases their chance of celebrating their fifth birthday to mention but a few benefits."

Aside from its benefits on a baby's well-being, breastfeeding is also best for mothers as it helps prevent breast and ovarian cancers. It also lowers the risk of diabetes and improves birth spacing, as well as stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size.

What are your thoughts about breastfeeding in public? Sound off below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.