After reading an article from the Huffington Post, on Facebook, about a Mom using a Victoria's Secret photo to highlight the absurd double standard in regards to breastfeeding, I was like "hallelujah", I'm not the only one in this boat. For three years now I have been trying to build a business catered to the pregnant and nursing Mom, offering a swimwear (and now dress) line that Mama's can feel confident and comfortable in, all while staying up-to-date with the latest trends (basically offering fashion that doesn't look maternity). After reading this article and being denied, numerous times, by Facebook on posting ads and selling my products, I decided it was time to do something about it.
The Bikini Mama's line offers nursing bikinis with a drop down of cup and inner frame for support, while breastfeeding. Because I'm the only person out there offering this type of product, I obviously have to demonstrate how the top works. Otherwise women are going to think it's just a traditional push-up bikini top (seriously, you can't tell!). So I posted product pictures like this to my Facebook Store...
When I was first denied from Facebook I thought the same thing Corry (from the Huffington Post article) did. How is this picture more racy than the Victoria's Secret posts/ads and page??? How is this racy at all? This is a top that offers the breastfeeding Mom the access and convenience to breastfeed their little ones, anywhere at anytime. When did breastfeeding "anywhere at anytime" become looked down upon? And why are breastfeeding pics that are posted on social media being flagged or reported?
It also brought me back to a segment I had seen on Wendy Williams (seen here on cnn.com) of Alyssa Milano (love her) discussing the subject of breastfeeding in public and I was completely shocked when Wendy Williams (a Mom herself), said "I don't want to see you breastfeeding!". I think my jaw literally dropped to the floor. What has happened to society? This is a natural thing, it's a beautiful thing! You are feeding your baby!! When did it become sexual? Alyssa brought up so many good points during that interview. Why is it okay to show photos of Miley with suspenders over her breasts but it's not okay to show photos of a mother nursing?
Anyway, back to my issue with Facebook. How is it I am receiving rejections to my ad requests and the rejection of selling my products through Facebook, when Victoria's Secret ads with topless women don't seem to be an issue? They are posted all over Facebook, in the mall, on bus stops, etc.
My images and posts do not, and never have, contained nudity or depicted people in explicit or suggestive positions. Yet, are you checking out the Victoria's Secret image? Correct me if I'm wrong, but is she not topless? With just a hand over her nipple? All I have to say is DOUBLE STANDARD!!
I am going to take action and fight Facebook on this and I have to commemorate all the breastfeeding advocates out there, including Corry and Alyssa Milano. Keep on fighting Mama's!!! #normalizebreastfeeding
