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A stunning 15-metre long artwork has been unveiled in Melbourne to normalise breastfeeding and pumping in public, in honour of World Breastfeeding Week.

The uncensored mural, titled ‘Breastalia’ depicts one woman feeding her four-month-old and another feeding her 18-month-old – and is located on one of Melbourne’s busiest inner city streets in Collingwood.

Commissioned by Tommee Tippee in partnership with Melbourne artist Caroline Lejeune, the piece puts breastfeeding centre stage, celebrating it in all its forms.

Breastfeeding-Mural

Mum-of-two and former WAFL player Moana Hope, her wife Isabella Carlstrom and well-known industry expert Midwife Cath gathered at the mural to help promote its message.

“As women, we’re constantly told to cover up or judged for how, where, when and even for how long we choose to feed,” Mo explained. “When Ahi came along, it was important for me to feed him whatever way was best for both of us which just so happened to be breastfeeding. But not everyone is able to breastfeed or even wants to.

“What I love about this piece is that aside from being in Collingwood, which holds a special place in my heart for obvious reasons, it’s just so real and honest. I’d love to see more monuments to motherhood like this in public spaces.”

Midwife Cath explained that normalising breastfeeding in public helps support new mums when they face feeding challenges.

“Public art like this is so important because the truth is when women feel judged for feeding in public, they’re rarely imagining it. We need to do a better job of lifting women up, helping them cancel the critics and celebrate the wins especially when they’re new to motherhood because the fact is, it really does take a village to raise a child. I absolutely adore this art and I’m sure the Melbourne community will too.”

Tommee Tippee has pledged to donate pumps and pads to Big Group Hug (Community Help for Families in Need) And if you’re not in Melbourne, Tommee Tippee is asking mums to get involved by ‘flashing their feed’ with the #breastalia hashtag during the first week of August in a bid to raise further awareness.

If you’re in Melbourne and want to see the mural, head to the Palmer Street side of Co-Studio located at 159 Johnston St, Collingwood.

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  • Not sure if I like it or not.

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  • I love the support for breast feeding mother’s!!

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  • It’s a lovely piece of art.

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  • Don’t think this is a necessary mural but if someone wants to paint it then fine.

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  • What a beautiful way to celebrate breastfeeding month.

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  • I understand that there is always gonna be debates between breastfeeding, bottle feeding but one that always gets forgotten and people need to know about is tube feeding. Not all mothers get to decide what way they’d wish to feed there child.
    Tube feeding mothers usually get many stares and rude comments too about feeding in public; cos people don’t know or understand it.

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  • A brilliant artwork and fabulous campaign.

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  • It’s a beautiful piece of art. I find I’m always self-conscious about feeding in public cause I’m always scared I’ll get told off. So really admire what these women are doing.

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  • How long before it is attacked?

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  • Love the mural and it’s colours. It is something I wouldn’t do as I hate being undressed in front of anyone, but I did manage to breastfeed 4 children no matter where we were.

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  • Wow that’s confronting but so important so that mothers don’t feel uncomfortable doing something that is so necessary. It is a bit awkward for others seeing women topless and I personally don’t like people seeing me exposed either but that’s just me. I’m happy to cover up because I’m self conscious.

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  • We should all think of breastfeeding as normal and quit giving new mothers a hard time. Great artwork.

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  • Stunning artwork, and yes to normalising the way we feed… but isn’t it normal already

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  • Beautiful artwork..

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  • *normalize!*

    It’s one of the most natural things in the world, in life in general and still women are shamed for it.

    I hope the piece remains unblemished.

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