Breastfeeding is the most natural thing a mom can do to feed her child, yet women are shamed for breastfeeding in public. While laws in countries like the US, help new mothers occupy public space by making public breastfeeding in certain places legal, the Indian judiciary still remains silent. The taboo is so prominent that a study by a leading parenting portal showed that only 6% of women in India are comfortable with breastfeeding in public.
However, breaking these stereotypes is this powerful picture of Lalventluangi, a volleyball player from Mizoram. The image shows Lalventluangi, a new mother breastfeeding her baby during the half-time of a match in the Mizoram State Games 2019,
The photo was clicked on Monday, during the first day of the state games that are currently taking place in Aizawl. Sharing the incredible moment on Facebook, user Ninglun Hanghal wrote, “A stolen moment to feed her seven-month-old baby in between a game was captured.”
She further added, “The picture has gone viral with people lauding her for her attitude of dedication and courage taking along twin responsibilities of a sportswoman and motherhood in her stride.”
Mizoram State Games ‘19 chu tan a na tlang a ni e….Ms Lalventluangi Tuikum Bial Volleyball Player pawhin chawlh lawk remchanga lain a naute thla 7 leka upa chu a hnute a hnek tir e!!
— Robert Romawia Royte (@robertroyte) December 9, 2019
Ms Veni a ngaihsanawm em vangin Rs 10,000/- in puih kan tum e.
MSG tiropuitu a ni ngei e! pic.twitter.com/QHJ4tEmtQt
People on Twitter have also been sharing the photograph of the athlete
The Facebook user who shared the story also wrote that after seeing the picture, the sports minister of Mizoram has decided to award her a sum of Rs. 10,000 as a token of appreciation for putting such a powerful and positive message across.
Lalventluangi has got the entire internet talking about her photograph.
Sexual objectification of breasts need to stop. Stories like these give us a different perspective to look at and build a sense of solidarity, which we desperately need. Repeat after us: nursing in public is neither unsanitary nor impolite.
Featured Image: Instagram
Kudos to the totally badass mother, Lalventluangi. You’re an inspiration!
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