In the entertainment industry, breasts are often celebrated for their aesthetic appeal, yet the natural function of breastfeeding is frequently overlooked. Hollywood has been notoriously slow in providing adequate accommodations for breastfeeding mothers. For instance, in 2013, singer Ella remarked to a publication that at major award shows, she often found herself rushing to the restroom to pump milk, noting that many other stars were doing the same but in a more discreet setting. Fast forward to 2016, and an attempt by Mashable to find breastfeeding facilities at the Oscars yielded minimal results, limited to a makeshift nursing area that required a mother to seek assistance from staff, an impractical solution when time is of the essence.
A recent highlight in this ongoing struggle came when costume designer Mia Thompson ingeniously designed a costume for actress Lily Parker, who played a character in a popular series while breastfeeding. Knowing that Parker, who was four months postpartum, would need to nurse and pump, Thompson cleverly incorporated zippers into the costume to facilitate easier access. This thoughtful gesture underscores the simplicity of creating supportive environments for nursing mothers within the industry.
However, the challenges persist. In 2015, actress Jenna Reed faced difficulties while filming, finding herself in a remote location with no way to feed her baby, which forced her to resort to formula feeding. Her experience echoes the sentiment shared by many mothers in the industry, who lament the lack of necessary accommodations.
The situation extends beyond Hollywood. Recently, the International Olympic Committee announced that breastfeeding athletes could bring their infants to the Tokyo Games, a significant development considering earlier statements suggesting otherwise. Athletes like marathon runner Maya Collins, who had to advocate for her right to have her child present, expressed the difficulties of balancing competitive sports with motherhood. Fortunately, after public outcry, the IOC recognized the importance of allowing nursing mothers to bring their children, highlighting a need for better policies that support breastfeeding among athletes.
Despite these small victories, the fight for proper breastfeeding accommodations continues. Many women, including Broadway actress Sarah Lane, have shared their experiences of pumping during intermissions, emphasizing that such practices should not be celebrated as extraordinary but rather recognized as necessary and normal.
Basic breastfeeding support should not be newsworthy; however, the fact that it is reveals the long way we have to go in ensuring that nursing mothers—celebrated or not—receive the respect and accommodations they deserve. For more insights on this topic, check out one of our other blog posts that discusses related issues.
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Summary
Breastfeeding accommodations for mothers, even in the spotlight of Hollywood, are still inadequate. With notable figures advocating for better support, such as costume designers innovating for nursing actresses and athletes seeking to balance sports and motherhood, the conversation around breastfeeding facilities is gaining attention. Yet, as many women continue to face challenges, it underscores the ongoing need for systemic change in both the entertainment and athletic industries.