Breastfeeding Safely Online: A Guide for New Mums
In today’s digital age, the internet has become a powerful tool for connection, education, and advocacy, especially for breastfeeding mothers. However, as the online space evolves, so do the challenges that come with sharing such intimate and important moments. Missy, a breastfeeding veteran with a decade of experience, understands these challenges firsthand. Having been a part of the online community for years, she has witnessed the drastic changes in how breastfeeding is perceived and treated online.
The Changing Landscape of Breastfeeding Online
Ten years ago, breastfeeding was often met with resistance and, in many cases, outright offense when shared online. Missy experienced this backlash personally when her brand, Baby Mama The Label, faced challenges with social media platforms. At one point, Baby Mama’s website was banned from being linked on social media due to the “explicit content” of breastfeeding images, which were frequently reported and removed for nudity and sexual content.
But Missy didn’t back down. She became part of a movement that stood up for the rights of breastfeeding mothers to share their journeys online without fear of censorship or shame. With the support of her Baby Mama audience, she successfully fought to have her content reinstated, paving the way for more open and accepting online spaces for breastfeeding mothers.
The New Challenge: Protecting Your Content
As the online space has evolved, so have the threats. Last year, while in the process of reopening Baby Mama, Missy’s content went viral—an achievement that brought a new and unsettling revelation. She discovered that her breastfeeding images and videos were being downloaded by individuals with fetishes, turning her content into material for their personal gratification. This experience highlighted the importance of breastfeeding safely online and the need for mothers to protect themselves and their children from such exploitation.
Tips for Safe Breastfeeding Online
Missy has developed strategies to help new breastfeeding mums share their journeys online while staying safe and protecting their content:
- Wear Baby Mama Clothing: Always wear clothing specifically designed for breastfeeding, like the pieces from Baby Mama The Label. These garments provide discreet access for feeding without exposing skin, making it harder for content to be misused.
- Avoid Showing Your Baby’s Face: Protect your child’s privacy by not showing their face in breastfeeding photos or videos. This simple step can help safeguard their identity and ensure their image isn’t used inappropriately.
- Be Mindful of Skin Exposure: Minimize skin exposure when sharing breastfeeding content. While it’s important to normalize breastfeeding, it’s equally important to protect your images from being turned into fetish content.
- Know Your Audience: Be aware of who follows you and engages with your content. If you notice anything suspicious, take action to block or report the individual.
- Stay Informed and Involved: Join online communities that advocate for safe and respectful sharing of breastfeeding content. Stay up to date on best practices and learn from other mothers who have faced similar challenges.
Join the Conversation
This is a topic Missy is passionate about and will be discussing in depth on the upcoming Baby Mama Drama podcast. Stay tuned for more insights, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive real-life mum stories and updates.
If you have a topic or experience you’d like to share, we encourage you to reach out to us at admin@babymamathelabel.com. Your voice is important, and together, we can continue to create a safe and supportive online community for breastfeeding mothers.
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