It’s tough to argue with the fact that breastfeeding is still something of a taboo subject.
That’s just one of the reasons why this image of actor Rachel McAdams is so powerful
Just six months after giving birth to her son, McAdams was shooting for Girls. Girls. Girls magazine and, in between shots, was pumping milk as she was still breastfeeding.
At some point during the shoot, either her or photographer Claire Rothstein decided it was an image worth documenting. Rothstein posted the resulting picture on Instagram, writing: "Breastfeeding is the most normal thing in the world and I can’t for the life of me imagine why or how it is ever frowned upon or scared of [sic].
"I don’t even think it needs explaining but just wanted to put this out there, as if it even changes one person’s perception of something so natural, so normal, so amazing then that’s great."
The picture has understandably gone viral – here’s what we find so empowering and inspiring about it…
It shows a working mother breastfeeding
Being a working mum isn’t easy, and there are arguably too few representations of women balancing careers and motherhood, particularly ones in the public eye. That’s why many are welcoming this picture of McAdams, which goes some way towards normalising mums both breastfeeding and working.
On Wednesdays we wear pumps! First time in my life I’ve owned an item worn on a cover page! @clairerothstein https://t.co/xG6T3B0Ptr. #pumping #normalizebreastfeeding #RachelMcAdams #spectra
— Breezy (@hot4trebek) 19 December 2018
It smashes taboos around breast pumping
When was the last time you saw an image of someone breast pumping or feeding? It’s not exactly a common sight, either on TV or in real life – which is quite strange considering how many women give birth and lactate.
Some would argue there’s a culture of shame around the subject, and some women may feel under pressure to breast pump and breastfeed in private, rather than ‘disturb’ social norms by doing it in public, however inconvenient that may be for them and their child.
McAdams – so openly and proudly breast pumping – reinforces that there’s truly nothing to be ashamed of.
#Rachelmcadams is a hero. Thank you for posing with breast pumps for a cover shoot. You are a class act. Sexy, talented, and a mom. #visibility #normalizebreastfeeding
— kaitkerrigan (@kaitkerrigan) 19 December 2018
It’s ridiculously glamorous
Breast pumping and breastfeeding are not widely considered glamorous activities, and yet, McAdams somehow turns this stereotype on its head, too. She’s wearing diamonds AND a breast pump – could she get any more brilliant?!
If you needed any more reasons to love #rachelmcadams ... She makes breast feeding/pumping normal and looks like she could take on the world whilst doing it. What an amazing woman!… https://t.co/NWamBaIvuI
— The Spilt Milk Blog (@Thespiltmilkuk) 19 December 2018
And just in case you were interested, here are some of the other pictures from the shoot:
