Some mothers gathered at the Rauba Capeu quay this Saturday, September 14, for a group breastfeeding session. The goal: to normalize this natural practice.
General breastfeeding assembly. At a time when artificial intelligence is well-received, gender identities are acknowledged, and nude statues find their place in public spaces without controversy, public breastfeeding remains a sensitive topic.
It is to normalize this natural act that the Mum Mood association mobilized this Saturday. This is not their first mobilization. Céline Bourganeuf, President and Founder of the association, explains that breastfeeding is still “a taboo because the female breast is often sexualized, which makes female nudity acceptable in an erotic context. However, when the breast is used for breastfeeding, a nutritional role, it becomes complicated and controversial.”
“There is no law prohibiting breastfeeding in public, just as it is not forbidden to give a baby a bottle of formula milk anywhere when needed, because it is a vital need.”
C.BOURGANEUF
Support for Anaïs
These women also wanted to support Anaïs, a mother expelled from a swimming pool in Toulon last July by a lifeguard, with the approval of a municipal service director, simply for wanting to breastfeed her baby. A dozen mothers then breastfed in public to convey their message.
“Why must we always hide this natural act? We don’t hide to drink water or eat something. So, why hide to breastfeed a baby or choose a specific moment, when it is a natural need for the child?,” laments Amira Ben Ghanem, a young mother with her baby in arms.
The father’s role
While the physical act of breastfeeding only involves the mother and her infant, the father plays a crucial role, both morally and emotionally, by providing support.
Among these mothers, there are also a few fathers, who came to support their wives publicly. They are not numerous, but their presence is still precious. Like Maxime, Mathilde’s partner, who actively supports her: “I’ve been supporting my wife for two years. I fully support breastfeeding and I also condemn the inappropriate comments from some people on this topic. In breastfeeding, I see all the love my wife has for our little girl, and it’s wonderful. There’s nothing more beautiful.”
An approach fully approved by his partner. Mathilde believes that “we don’t highlight the importance of the co-parent’s role enough.” She proudly testifies that “the role of the co-parent in breastfeeding is truly wonderful. For example, with my partner, sometimes our little one insists on having her dad there while she’s nursing. She holds his hand, cuddles with him. For her, his presence is important .”
Mum Mood reiterates its European maternal forum
Of course, the association does not limit its fight to group breastfeeding sessions. In a few days, Mum Mood will renew its commitment by reiterating, after an initial success, its European breastfeeding forum. Scheduled for October 12 in Nice, this event titled “Art and Health” will bring together scientists, health professionals, the general public, and others. The goal is to promote discussions about breastfeeding and to better understand the importance of this practice, which remains a crucial public health issue. For more information, click here.
