Megan Soto is a photographer and mom of three, and has spent three years taking photographs of breastfeeding mothers for the Public Breastfeeding Awareness Project. Her latest series shines a spotlight on dads supporting their partners breastfeeding in public.
“A lot of people point to men being exposed to breasts as their go-to when arguing against why mothers shouldn’t breastfeed openly in public,” Soto told the Huffington Post. “I hope that by focusing on the dads and sharing their thoughts, it educates those individuals that men are more than capable of seeing a mother care for her child via her breast.”
Here are some of the photos from the beautiful series.
Brett: “It’s incredible what she has done to feed our kids, and I don’t care where she does it.”
A photo posted by Megan Soto ☮♋️???? (@megansotophotography) on
“I don’t care if my wife breastfeeds in public, and I will defend her to anyone who challenges her. Breastfeeding is incredibly difficult, and she has made some amazing sacrifices to be able to breastfeed our children.
“Due to our daughter’s stomach issues, my wife has been on an elimination diet for over two months. That’s two months and counting of no soy, gluten, eggs, dairy, citrus, alcohol, nuts, and caffeine. And with our son, she gave up dairy and caffeine while breastfeeding him for two years. I’m less worried about someone seeing her breastfeeding than I am trying to find something for her to eat.
“It’s incredible what she has done to feed our kids, and I don’t care where she does it. Our kids are thriving because of her strength and dedication. A happy FED baby is all the matters. If you don’t like it, don’t look!”
Click to the next page to read more of men’s thoughts on breastfeeding.
Milton: “My wife, and millions of moms just like her, are searching for something very simple: the opportunity to naturally care for their children without judgement, without discrimination, and without discomfort.”
“Growing up I was taught that we are made without flaw and created just as we should be. It wasn’t until Megan and I had our first child that this understanding was stretched and given its full meaning. My wife was now a mother. And she, created without flaw, was made to care for our child by nursing. This idea was simple.
“Getting used to her nursing in public however, was something completely different. Three kids and three PBA projects later, and I think this idea is finally becoming clear to me. My wife, and millions of moms just like her, are searching for something very simple: the opportunity to naturally care for their children without judgement, without discrimination, and without discomfort. A chance to be mothers just the way they are meant to be. I think it’s just that simple.”
Iwan: “The awkwardness quickly evaporates when I realize what a beautiful thing it actually is that my wife is doing”
“Being a male we are naturally attracted to breasts. Whether it’s caveman instinct or something that has been forced on us by the advertising companies who use breasts to sell us everything under the sun, the fact is when men see breasts in public they instinctively do a double take. However, as well as being a male I am also a husband, this means that whenever somebody ogles my wife in public I automatically get over-protective and jealous. The third and most important aspect of me is that I am a father, and as a father all that matters to me is my children’s wellbeing.
“So when my wife breastfeeds in public, sure, people will stare, and in all honesty I still get a little awkward and more aware of people around us, but that awkwardness quickly evaporates when I realize what a beautiful thing it actually is that my wife is doing. She is providing my son with the best possible start in life, and I am eternally grateful and proud of her.”
Click to the next page to read more of men’s thoughts on breastfeeding.
Brandon: “I’m so proud of her. I know it’s not easy. Frankly, she’s a super woman.”
“When Cynthia first told me she wanted to breastfeed I was pretty taken aback. At that point I had never really been around it. I was programmed to believe that formula was the norm, and the thought of it made me very uncomfortable. She was very adamant about doing it though, and I was not going to stand in her way.
“I remember one of the first times she fed in public. I remember being anxious. I remember people staring and giving looks of disapproval, including family members. I also remember my wife staring down at our newborn while she was feeding her and looking at her with such happiness and pride. At that moment, all my anxiety surrounding breastfeeding melted away. I was now an advocate for my wife and would support her any way possible through this journey.
“It isn’t always easy for her either. There are times she will look like she couldn’t be bothered by anyone and has all the confidence in the world. Other times she takes on the anxiety and gets nervous with people being around. I’ve seen her get frustrated trying to maintain a pumping schedule when she isn’t around the baby to maintain her supply. I’ve seen ups, downs, all arounds.
“My job at this point is just to be as supportive as I can and reassure her that she can do it, and that she chose the right path. I’m so proud of her. I know it’s not easy. Frankly, she’s a super woman. What I don’t understand is how a lot of the world looks past that and would rather feel offended by the simple act of her feeding our child. The mentality needs to change. These women should be looked at as heroes, not annoyances or disturbances. I feel proud to be able to do my small part in supporting my wife, and I hope more people are able to find some clarity and see breastfeeding in a different light.”
READ: ‘Breastfeeding dad’ gets creative to feed his baby daughter
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