Breastfeeding photo of soldiers in uniform goes viral
A photo out of Fort Bliss depicting active duty soldiers breastfeeding makes the rounds on social media
Breastfeeding photo of soldiers in uniform goes viral
Photo courtesy of Tara Ruby Photography
By Rachel Engel
M1 Staff
El Paso — A photograph out of Fort Bliss, Texas depicting several Army women in uniform breastfeeding their babies has gone viral after the photographer, Tara Ruby, posted the image on her Facebook business page.
Ruby, who is prior military, had approval from the Fort Bliss Public Affairs Office, and the Garrison Command to conduct the photoshoot, and sought active duty volunteers to model for the photograph, which will be used as art on the wall of the new nursing room at Fort Bliss headquarters.
"I thought it was be nice to offer some photographs as an additional show of support," she told CNN. "Seeing a picture like that helps mothers understand they can be an active soldier and provide support to their children."
According to an Army spokesman, as long as soldiers “maintain professional standards,” breastfeeding in uniform is not prohibited, and Ruby points out that the creation of a nursing room proves the military is moving towards an era of acceptance and normalization for breastfeeding mothers.
"Practically speaking, it's a matter of retention," she said: "Mothers need support so they don't have to choose between family and service."
Ruby went on to add her belief that making the choice to breastfeed adds to their character and serviceability.
"Breastfeeding their babies doesn't make them less of a soldier, I believe it makes them a better one,” she said. “Juggling the tasks and expectations of a soldier, plus providing for their own in the best way they possibly can makes (these) ladies even stronger for it."
http://www.military1.com/military-career/article/1546067014-navy-to-open-all-jobs-to-women-despite-experiment
