Jen Pan’s latest photo series takes a stand against breastfeeding shaming. (Picture: Jen Pan Photography)
It’s 2016 and people are still being knobs when it comes to breastfeeding.
Women are still being told to cover up by total strangers. It’s
considered ‘inappropriate’ to feed your child in a public space. Nursing
mothers don’t just have to deal with a baby that won’t latch or casual
leakage – they’ll have to do all that while ignoring disapproving stares
and sexual comments. Fun.
Photographer Jen Pan is tired of it. So she’s created a project dedicated to breastfeeding mums everywhere.
The latest series in the project focuses on workplace discrimination.
(Picture: Jen Pan Photography)
‘Recently I have read a few accounts of working mums who shared the
difficulties they face at their work places with regards to expressing
milk,’ writes Jen on her website.
‘One mum was told to stop expressing milk in the office as it was affecting her work efficiency.
(Picture: Jen Pan Photography)
‘Another mum did not have a place to pump at work and asked for permission to pump at her own cubicle discreetly.
‘Instead of encouraging her, she was told to consider to stop expressing milk as it was distracting to other colleagues.’
(Picture: Jen Pan Photography)
To send a message to nursing mums and their employers, Jen brought in young mum Audra and her son.
Audra is a mother to three kids, having left her job to spend more
time with her children. While she misses her old ‘freedom and
independence’, Audra says she finds her new life incredibly fulfilling
and she knows the choice to leave her career was worth it.
(Picture: Jen Pan Photography)
Jen took Audra and her youngest son to public places around the
Central Business District of Singapore, posing Audra as a working mum
refusing to hide away the breastfeeding process.
(Picture: Jen Pan Photography)
Audra says that she has no issue with feeding her child in public, and won’t back down in the face of judgement.
Or, as she brilliantly puts it: ‘It’s my boob, it’s my baby, it’s my way.’
(Picture: Jen Pan Photography)
For Jen, the photo series has a powerful message: ‘This special series is dedicated to all working mums who pumps at work.
‘Do not be discouraged with ignorant people. You are doing what you have to do.
(Picture: Jen Pan Photography)
‘Do not be guilty or ashamed. You are in charge of your baby’s nutrient intake.
‘No one has the right to tell you to stop your breastfeeding journey before you or baby are ready.
(Picture: Jen Pan Photography)
‘You are beautiful.’
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