The Public Breastfeeding Awareness Project

The Public Breastfeeding Awareness Project, or PBAP as social media now knows it, is the cumulative effort of 80 breastfeeding photographers worldwide who's vision is to normalize and increase support for mothers who breastfeed in real life, on-the-go. The group was organized by Leilani Rogers (www.PhotosByLei.com), an Austin, TX birth and breastfeeding photographer who struggled with breastfeeding in public due to its negative stigma. Through her photography she realized that by increased exposure to natural situations in which a mother might find herself breastfeeding (at the grocery store, in the park, during dinner at a favorite restaurant) she was empowering women and changing negative views. Rogers has accumulated photographers from all over including Italy, the UK, Venezuela, Ireland, Australia and the US to join her efforts, may of them breastfeeding moms themselves. Their work made a big impact during its inception in 2014, headlining the Huffington Post, CafeMom, Babycenter and Redbook. To see what PBAP has become today, search the hashtag #PBAP2015 on Facebook, twitter and instagram. PBAP's Facebook page regularly shares the photographers' work, along with a testimonial from each of the mothers pictured.

More info: Facebook

As the founder of PBAP, it is Leilani's hope that all mothers feel loved and supported, regardless of how they feed their child. Represented in this photo are pumping, bottle feeding and breastfeeding moms. Some are covered, some are not. One of these babies is fed by g-tube and another via an SNS (supplemental nursing system). Regardless of how your baby's needs are met, you are a good mom, and PBAP loves and supports you.

"I never knew that I had it in me mentally or physically to make such a big impact in so many tiny lives. Having 3 kids and pumping so many hours per day was definitely a lot of work, but the reward has been unexplainable. My milk sharing journey has been one of the most rewarding and humbling things I have ever done or will do in my lifetime! My hope is that by sharing my story it will encourage other mamas that see this to donate if they're able. Together, we can make a difference. So, does your cup runneth over? If so, consider donating. Big or small, every ounce counts!" - Natalie, mother of 3

"These words from a young 20-something single woman affirmed my desire to breastfeed my child, whenever and wherever that may be: 'Thank you for showing your other children, especially your girls, the beauty of breastfeeding. What a gift you're giving them.' It's taken me six babies to fully embrace nursing in public. I recognize it's a comfort level not every woman shares, but I'm hopeful that every woman feels loved, welcomed and encouraged enough to try." - Kathryn, mother of 6

"I'll be honest, I don't often tandem nurse when we're out and about. Not because I'm ashamed or afraid, but because it's a juggling act like nothing I've done before. It takes coordination and some decent muscle to balance a 30lbs toddler one handed and a hefty 18lbs infant in the other!"

"I have evolved into a breastfeeder who does not cover up in public. I do not go into another room; I do not hide. I have never encountered an objection to my breastfeeding any of my children so far, and I hope I never do. I hope that all I ever see is support. But we’ve all heard stories of women being asked to cover, of moms being asked to leave, of moms being removed from airplanes or told to nurse in the bathroom or having snide comments made behind their backs or to their faces. So here’s why I don’t cover up. I’m not trying to seek attention or cause a public nuisance with my breastfeeding, but I am aware that someone, somewhere, may be bothered by it. But the simple fact is, sometimes we need to be bothered, with the hope that in the future, no one will think twice about seeing something good and right and normal, something that should be a common sight in every restaurant, store, or home where mothers are found." -Leah & Madeleine (2 months old)

"Life with three busy boys is just too crazy not to nurse whenever and wherever it's needed. It's become second nature to juggle a one year old breastfeeding and pushing my three year old on the swing, all while praising my five year olds monkey bar skills! That's what breastfeeding in real life looks like for ME. It's chaotic and messy, but beautifully perfect." -Natalie, Mother of a three-ring circus

"When I became pregnant with my son, I nursed through my pregnancy and then tandem nursed them for 2 years, the support started to falter and little comments would cut deeply. When I was nursing my daughter at 3.5 and my son at 2, I realized I would have to be my own force. It was up to me to build up my confidence in my decision and to remind myself that I was doing what was in my heart for my children. Nursing toddlers in public was something I would do without question. If a child falls, a mom may reach for a 'lovey' to comfort them, I don't see any difference if I nurse my child for their comfort." - Jen, mother of 2