Wild outrage erupts after a picture of military moms Terran Echegoyen-McCabe & Christina Luna nursing their babies surfaces on Facebook. Is it gross? Beautiful? A disgrace? What do YOU think?
Here we go again, it’s another breastfeeding photo that’s sparking massive controversy. This time it’s a picture of of two Air Force soldiers Terran Echegoyen McCabe and Christina Luna breastfeeding their children.
According to the Huffington Post, there are 11 things you CAN’T do while wearing your military uniform, including eating or talking on a cell phone while walking (fine while standing still), keeping your hands in your pockets, chewing gum, holding hands, kissing and hugging (except during homecomings and deployments). Soldiers should always have their right hand free so they can salute at any time.
Breastfeeding is nowhere on the list.
Terran (on the left) told TODAY that she nurses her 10-month-old twin daughters in uniform all the time, “in our lobby, in my car, in the park.”
She says she’s proud to be wearing a uniform while breastfeeding and hopes it encourages other women to breastfeed while on active duty, on guard or as a civilian.
The moms have been both slammed and praised.
On the official Mom2Mom Breastfeeding Support Group Facebook page where the photo was posted, one commenter wrote: ”If one cannot chew gum, walk & talk on a mobile phone, or have large exposed tattoos, then what makes it OK to breastfeed in uniform out in the open? It does not matter what service you are in, if you are a breastfeeding mother and will not or cannot uphold that professional image, then get the hell out of the military..”
On the other hand, another commenter is in full support: “I’m so proud of them for standing up for breastfeeding and not being afraid to feed their babies in public and in uniform!”
HollyMoms – what do YOU think about the image?
– Lorraine Chow
More controversial breastfeeding stories:
- Alanis Morissette: I’m Breastfeeding My 18-Month-Old & I’m Not Stopping
- Jason Biggs & Wife Mock ‘Time’ Breastfeeding Mom Cover
- ‘Time’ Breastfeeding Cover Mom Plans To Nurse Son Until He’s Five
View Comment
LittleMo
Posted at 8:12 AM on June 1, 2012
People always say breastfeeding in public is okay because “it’s a natural function.” They’re not addressing the idea of what’s legal to do in public just the idea of this being “naturL but they are forgetting a few things. Having a bowel movement, having sex, etc. are also natural functions. Do those who approve of this think anyone – in uniform or out -should be able to stop and poop in the middle of a sidwalk or, if they get the urge,to have sex right next to a schoolyard or park? There are some things that are intended to be private and breastfeeding is one of them. As for the Rhinanna photo, that was a photo taken that someone has to choose to look at, not something that is going to be seen in public whehter people want to look or not.
tanara
Posted at 1:15 AM on June 1, 2012
I can not believe this is so much to talk about. you can see breasts everywhere,,, but if you do it to feed a child everyone is going crazy on it. how crazy is that… people get over yourself what has this country come too????? seriously
tanara
Posted at 1:23 AM on June 1, 2012
I just saw the next story on the “insider” and Rihanna was the next story she had a ribbon across her breast just like the breast feeding ladies and guess what… nobody is making an issue about that!!! think about it just for a minute
Anonymous
Posted at 12:15 AM on June 1, 2012
Nick
Posted at 12:14 AM on June 1, 2012
Me
Posted at 12:06 AM on June 1, 2012
Just cover up would you. I don’t really care if it is in the uniform, but I dont wanna see your damn boobs.
Fernando
Posted at 9:02 PM on May 31, 2012
I do not understand what is it between north americans and breasts. Folks, what exacltly is the problem of breast and nipples with you??? Why aren’t you afraid of wars and violence but just can’t stare at a mom feeding her baby? Oh please, grow up!
AB
Posted at 4:43 AM on June 2, 2012
Exactly – it’s just that there are some conservative people out there who would appreciate it if they covered up as well. To be a mum is an honour but it’s good to also be considerate to others as well.
Janie Glover
Posted at 8:11 PM on May 31, 2012
If your a military mom and you are taking your child to the doctor or where ever in uniform do people expect the child to starve? Breast feeding used to be the only way children were fed but now a days its a problem? Breast feeding is the most natural way to feed your child and bond with them and if people cannot handle than they should just simply look away and do some research. What these women did was brave and showed the love and affection for their children and for their career. They are not ashamed of being in the military along with being a breast feeding mother.
Angered
Posted at 7:54 PM on May 31, 2012
Why is it always the Air Force… thanks for giving another reason to have the other services rip on us. Why, oh why can you not just do it in your car or somewhere not in public? Or cover up your tits. Nope, just doing whatever you can to rock the boat. This is beyond a disgrace to the uniform, you have made a mockery of the Air Force once again…
Morgan
Posted at 6:59 PM on May 31, 2012
I live at the base where these photos began and I am personally appalled at them. A man can’t whip out his parts and pee in his uniform what makes this okay? I am perfectly fine with breastfeeding. But have respect for those around you and cover it up.
Malexhe
Posted at 11:45 PM on May 31, 2012
It’s perfectly acceptable for a man in uniform to pose shirtless to appear sexy without anyone bating an eye, yet when women are breastfeeding their young so they can be healthy and happy, it’s on the same level as a man whipping it out and peeing? It’s not as if they were flashing their vaginas, and quite honestly, there isn’t a hint of sexuality in the picture.
Kelsi
Posted at 7:58 AM on June 1, 2012
Where have you seen a military man posing shirtless? Chances are in a magazine, and more than likely they aren’t really in the military, probably a model.
someone that want s this to GO AWAY
Posted at 6:14 PM on May 31, 2012
who cares… this is reallly getting old just breastfeed you kid or don’t thats your choice, NOBODY CARES, your just bringing on haters, hope it makes you feel better when you read all the crap people say :)
Christy
Posted at 4:56 PM on May 31, 2012
I breast fed three children in public without incident by simply lifting my shirt and placing a blanket over my shoulder. The controversy arises when women expose their breasts in order to nurse in public. Why they can’t just keep it covered up is puzzling to me. It’s not a complicated maneuver. Makes you wonder if these women have an agenda. Perhaps deliberately sparking controversy? Or are they simply exhibitionists?
Luis
Posted at 4:22 PM on May 31, 2012
I’m not a father, but am an active duty Airman. I have no issues with women breastfeeding. The problem with this photograph is they’re doing it in uniform. This post quotes another article that vaguely looks at our uniform regulations. Although it doesn’t specifically restrict breastfeeding, it does mention that you must wear the uniform in a certain manner at ALL times. And the top unbuttoned, with the t-shirt pulled up above one’s breast is NOT correct.
We (military members) are also NOT allowed to make any kind of displays that would (or even be perceived as) use the uniform to enhance or degrade a political or social cause. This can decidedly be construed as breaking that regulation as well.
I personally don’t care if they want to breastfeed in public, just don’t do it in the uniform. I would correct a guy for not having his boots laced properly, wearing his cap incorrectly, or having his pockets unbuttoned… how would this be different?
samna
Posted at 8:55 PM on May 31, 2012
The problem with that thinking is that infants don’t care if you are in uniform or not. “Oh hold on sweety, you must starve another 30 minutes because the pumped milk is out and I’m not allowed to breastfeed in uniform.” The younger the kid the more often they eat.
While I do understand there are uniform regulations, there are times it is overlooked for common sense reasons, like oh, say, a sudden visit to the ER like my husband had where they started striping him down… No one was calling him out on uniform regs while he was having organ failure…. Just saying…. ABUs were not designed to help hide a breastfeeding child.
Mel
Posted at 8:03 AM on June 1, 2012
A good parent would plan for that. Have enough pumped milk ready. And a child is NOT going to starve if they don’t eat right then right there. I’m sure the kid would survive another 5-10 minutes that it would take the mother to get to a bathroom or non public place.
Mel
Posted at 3:12 AM on June 1, 2012
A baby cannot wait until you change out of uniform at the end of the day. What else is she supposed to do? Such ignorance!
Kelsi
Posted at 8:05 AM on June 1, 2012
Umm…go to a place out of the public? Say…a restroom? Not difficult.
K Taylor
Posted at 4:01 PM on June 1, 2012
Mel, relax. You do not have a clue as to what you are talking about. The issue is not whether they are allowed to breastfeed. The issue is wear of the uniform…properly and without creating a situation where it appears the Airmen are speaking for military policy. It is not for you to decide if they are allowed to appear on the internet in uniform “furthering” a cause, movement, or anything similar. It is not up to the women in the photo either. The ignorance is yours alone. Options are available for these women and I guarantee you they do not have their children at work with them…so I am guessing the kids get fed in some other manner,
peng iunman
Posted at 4:22 PM on May 31, 2012
Miley Parker
Posted at 4:18 PM on May 31, 2012
These women fight for our rights, and freedom.
I am going to fight for them to breastfeed in a photo.
I rather see women feeding their babies than abusing them.
People don’t mind Got Milk ads with sometimes photos of girls in bikinis. (There have been a few.) What’s the difference?!?!
Oh wow boobs! So shocking!
Luis
Posted at 4:23 PM on May 31, 2012
sha
Posted at 4:07 PM on May 31, 2012
Totally think these women are amazing for not giving a damn! I breastfed my son for a year and felt like i had to be trapped in my house for the duration as people have such negative things to say about it. Babies have to be fed, not much you can do about it. And if you want an intelligent and healthier child then breastfeeding is the best thing you can do! Wish people would just f off with the whole “its disgusting or inappropriate” thing! GAH
Chui mom
Posted at 9:17 PM on May 31, 2012
I wasn’t breast fed and I am in medical school with excellent grades and I’m quite healthy as well. That is a silly comment.
Shelly
Posted at 3:56 PM on May 31, 2012
There is nothing wrong with a mother breastfeeding her child, whether in or out of the service. This is a natural act but to pop your breast/s out in public when you are around a crowd of people let alone letting someone take a picture of you breast feeding without being COVERED UP and putting it on the cover of a magazine is out of place and serves no purpose. COVER UP MOMS when you are out in public. That is a special moment between mother and child and should not be on display for everyone to see.
Believe it or not this opens the door for a different kind of pervert when they see a picture like the one up top. Once again, breast feed all you want but COVER UP. Respect yourself and the precious moments you are sharing with your child.
dixcopter
Posted at 4:25 PM on May 31, 2012
I totally agree!! I am a proud father of a 6 month old and my wife breastfeeds exclusivly (no bottles). I am totally on board with the breastfeeding and promote it but as stated many times here please cover up. Feed whenever and wherever you want and in uniform but cover up. I am a soldier and this i believe should be authorized in uniform but you must cover up.
Time Bandit
Posted at 3:23 PM on May 31, 2012
What if these women were wearing hunting outfits while babies were knoshing on their boobs, being a female I see nothing wrong with these photos. Only one’s that would are those who are tightwads who have nothing else to complain about and live repugnant lives, get over it.
A
Posted at 2:44 PM on May 31, 2012
The various military services have made being a mother and a service member possible for women. They have had to make uniform adjustments in the past. There are currently maternity uniform standards in place for pregnant women so why not stop the arguing and create a few options for military uniforms that are for nursing mothers?
Jimmie
Posted at 2:44 PM on May 31, 2012
My background, I am ex-Army, a dad to college boys. My wife, breastfed our sons and I believe it was a good and healthy part of our parenting.
Having served I understand first hand the policies and standards of soldiers. That discipline is needed in order to accomplish the ultimate mission of victory to achieve peace in times of war.
That being said, I personally have no issue with these soldiers who are also mom’s, feeding thier kids in public. It’s a natural act and one that emits pride in both motherhood and being a soldier.
This provides an image of two strong mothers and as an ex-soldier I celebrate this image.
For those that are wigged out about this image…perhaps you need to check your own motivation. Perhaps there is a much darker and hidden reason you are bothered by this and I would even go as far as to say that perhaps it is you who has the issue.
These mom’s don’t do this to get a thrill or to get anything from you, but rather they are comfortable being Mother/Soldiers.
Nette Wilson
Posted at 1:47 PM on May 31, 2012
The photo of the two young women, breastfeeding their babies seems very natural, since this type of practice has been around since Eve, who had her first born son Able. Brestfeeding is very healthy for the baby’s development stage. The breast milk is better for a growing baby more than the formulas purchased in the stores, which contains no natural ingredients, like the milk from the mother’s breast. Wearing the uniform, does not mean the two women aren’t allowed to nurse and care for their babies., because it’s not stated in the the policy, before they inlisted in service. Besides it won’t affect their major duties at all and it won’t most definitely mess up their train on thought on the battlefield and they already have enough to worry about. They should be able to nurse their children, without being ridiculed for it.
Jess
Posted at 2:06 PM on May 31, 2012
Katy Moore
Posted at 1:35 PM on May 31, 2012
To breastfeed your child is best for the child so kudos for taking care of your babies. The US military uniform represents an elite fighting force and it is disgraceful for these women to show their flesh in this way. People have died in this uniform for our freedoms and we do not want this uniform looked at as anything other than one to be respected. For a woman to show herself in this way causes people to question if women should be in the military. When you put on this gear you are no longer a person but instead a soldier (property of the US Military) and are held to a higher standard and ones personal life should be shared. Added note: If one encourages people to see this uniform as anything other than something of respect then when it is ripped from a females body so that the perpetrator can see what lies beneath who would be responsible?
Nette Wilson
Posted at 2:20 PM on May 31, 2012
I think one can not possibly be a property or owned by any one, this is not slavery days any more. The two women are just expressing their motherly duties, as they had expressed their duties in service. Military uniforms are worn by almost everyone these days, on the street. Stores sell them to anybody, who has the money. Those who haven’t even step their feet on the battlefield. They are the one’s, who should be ashamed of wearing the uniform. They are perpetrating the uniforms of our brave men and women, as they are seen walking the streest pretending they had served.
sha
Posted at 4:18 PM on May 31, 2012
Are you one of these people that believes breasts are for sexual use only??? When that is not actually their purpose! Those women are keeping their babies alive by feeding them so that should be seen as a good thing rather than disgraceful, May even make those kiddies stronger to be soldiers themselves when they are older…
B
Posted at 1:30 PM on May 31, 2012
Oh jeez. Here we go again. Thanks to the media for encouraging women to attack each other even more. FYI, all those things you’re not supposed to do whilst in uniform? Go be a fly on the wall at an army base and see/hear what goes on. How our “honorable” soldiers behave at basic training (last memorial day weekend my husband was one of only 2 men in his group who were going home to their families instead of to the beach to bang 22 years old girls INSTEAD of their wives/girlfriends). Get real. But once again, women do something completely natural and there’s a huge effing hullabaloo about it. Once again women are held to a different (higher) standard than men. And yet, we can’t fight in combat. Oh America, you are a joke.
K Taylor
Posted at 1:27 PM on May 31, 2012
The article is attempting to make a statement about breastfeeding rights. It is inflammatory in that regard. The military makes accommodations for mothers to breastfeed their kids, when possible. The bottom line about this particular photograph is: the Airmen are out of uniform, and their status as military members is being being tied to an issue that does not coincide with military service. Laymen (civilians) tend to think that trivial issues of wearing uniforms properly in public are “silly” when in reality it is about discipline and adhering to standards. Further, the Airmen cannot under any circumstances represent DoD policies without permission and public affairs approval. I am not sure if these servicewomen gained approval for this article. I would venture that they did not.
s
Posted at 3:12 PM on May 31, 2012
A breastfeeding mother should be able to breastfeed whenever their child is hungry. You cannot tell a baby that they must go hungry because I’m in my uniform and it is just not possible to feed you right now. I also think it is unreasonable to expect a mother to change out of her uniform just to feed her child. Many babies have stomach issues and must eat as often as every half an hour. The whole day would be spent changing.
LittleMo
Posted at 8:14 AM on June 1, 2012
But there are rules in the military for a reason and EVERYONE has to abide by those. If the child’s needs are as you are describing here, making those types of extreme accommodations for that woman are hardly fair to the people she’s serving with. The military functions as a unit and the rules have to be for everyone.
K Taylor
Posted at 3:49 PM on June 1, 2012
Again, it is not about breastfeeding rights, it is about service in the military. There are alternatives and there are certain accommodations made when it does not hinder mission accomplishment. Further, an opinion about whether these Airmen should do it in public is mute. Period. They are out of uniform and that is fact. Not liking the answer does not make you right. My knowledge of the military, military law, and military standards makes me right. The article is inflammatory and seems to give voice to those that think they can affect change by complaining about something they know nothing about. The issue is ONLY doing it in uniform and if doing it in uniform publicly brings one out of standards, it cannot be done.
Andrey Min'kov
Posted at 1:17 PM on May 31, 2012
Tittyman
Posted at 7:40 PM on May 31, 2012
woody glaudel
Posted at 8:47 AM on June 1, 2012
Do what you want just not when wearing a military uniform. The USAF isn’t exactly the most disciplined service but their actions disrespect the uniform.