Woman Labeled 'Tramp' for Breastfeeding in Public Fights Back
A woman seen breastfeeding in public became the victim of an online bully who labeled her a "tramp" after posting her photo to Facebook. Now, though, the woman is fighting back to end discrimination against breastfeeding in public.
"I was showing a lot less flesh than a lot of people do," Emily Slough said on ITV's "Daybreak." "I wasn't sitting there with my breast out. Breastfeeding mums aren't doing it to antagonize people or gain attention – they are doing it to meet their babies' needs."
Indeed, the photo shows Slough eating what appears to be a bagel while sitting on a step and feeding her eight-month-old daughter Matilda. She was unaware she was being photographed and there is very little skin actually showing, especially when considering what the anonymous poster captioned the photo.
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"I know the sun is out n all that but there's no need to let your kid feast on your nipple in town!!! Tramp," the person posted.
"I was just out shopping and on my way home, my baby needed feeding," Slough continued. "And breast-fed babies are fed on demand, obviously. I have had some people say they think breastfeeding in public is undignified, but I think it's very undignified to go into the toilet to feed your baby."
Her words echo those of other mothers who argue that they should not be shamed into feeding their children in the bathroom when other members of the family are allowed to remain in public while they eat. Another mother battled Delta Airlines after being told that she would not be allowed to breastfeed her child during the flight unless she had an appropriate cover-up.
"Why should mothers who are doing the best by their children feel that they should be confined to a toilet or changing room to provide their baby with nutrients?" Slough asked. "Would you eat in a toilet or with a blanket draped over your face?"
In the wake of the ordeal, Slough has organized an event to show strength and women that are not ashamed to breastfeed in public. One such event has already garnered 1,200 attendees.
"I'd like to personally thank whoever took the photograph and allowing those in support of breastfeeding mothers whenever and wherever to make a stand and unite against this kind of discrimination," Slough said.
