A photographer and ex-female soldiers have taken action and held a photoshoot that shows breastfeeding soldiers to signify that women can play both roles of serving the country and being a mother.
A member of the U.S. Air Force from 1997 to 2001, Tara Ruby had a hard time looking for vacant areas while at work where she could pump milk. Upon learning that Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas has opened a nursing room -- complete with chairs, fridge and sink -- she was so delighted that she decided to decorate the place with photos of breastfeeding servicewomen.
"I thought it was nice to offer some photographs as an additional show of support," Ruby said, according to CNN. "Seeing a picture like that helps mothers understand they can be an active soldier and provide support to their children."
Through the Pregnancy and Postpartum Physical Training Program (P3T), a group that provides support for mothers in Fort Bliss, she was able to invite 10 women to pose as models for her project.
I posted this on here last night at 11:59pm. It has since disappeared from my feed and my wall. So we are posting this...
Posted by Tara Ruby Photography on Friday, September 11, 2015
"Breastfeeding their babies doesn't make them less of a soldier, I believe it makes them a better one," she added, according to the Mirror. "Juggling the tasks and expectations of a soldier, plus providing for their own in the best way they possibly can, makes (these) ladies even stronger for it."
"To my knowledge a group photo to show support of active duty military mommies nursing their littles has never been done. It is so nice to see support for this here at Fort Bliss," Ruby said on Facebook, according to USA Today.
The photo has received over 12,000 likes and 9,000 shares on Facebook.
"Practically speaking, it's a matter of retention," she emphasized. "Mothers need support so they don't have to choose between family and service."
