Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Nursing mamas, it's time to start snapping even more breastfeedingselfies, because Facebook has finally made long-overdue changes to its breastfeeding photo policy. Very quietly, back in mid-May, the social network removed the phrase "photos that show a fully exposed breast where the child is not actively engaged in nursing do violate the Facebook Terms." The new policy doesn't have any restrictions, and they've even posted the following statement about breastfeeding photos: "We agree that breastfeeding is natural and beautiful and we're glad to know that it's important for mothers to share their experiences with others on Facebook. The vast majority of these photos are compliant with our policies."
Now, that's PROGRESS!
For years, Facebook was totally cool with allowing content depicting rapes, domestic battering, widespread violence against women -- treated as, among other things, harmless jokes -- while breastfeeding pics (areolas and nipples, ohemgee!!) were outright BANNED. Insanity. So it's thoroughly refreshing and reassuring to see that Facebook has righted an extremely ridiculous wrong.
More from The Stir:Celebrity Breastfeeding Images May Do More Harm Than Good (PHOTOS)
Furthermore, they've stepped up and made it clear that women can feel safe sharing their breastfeeding photos. And that's good news, because the more we see breastfeeding, the better a chance we have at normalizing it, or making it less likely that a woman will have to contend with harassment or a hard time for doing it in public. The more breastfeeding selfies, the more connected nursing moms will feel to one another -- and empowered to keep it up!
The only thing that's a bummer is how Facebook felt they had to make the change so quietly. Because it's clearly cause to rejoice.
Will this make you more inclined to post breastfeeding pics to Facebook?
Image via Corbis
Clik here to view.
