Breastfeeding in public continues, unfortunately, to be a divisive issue in Singapore.

Conservative citizens are extremely vocal at the sight of an exposed boob, especially when babies of nursing mothers are not comfortable with covers on end up doing without them.

Like in the case of this brave lady who spoke out in response:

And this photographer, who did a series of nursing mom photoshoots early last year:

And now, a campaign

The latest to join this growing chorus of voices is 23-year-old communications undergraduate Dayna Yin.

The third-year Nanyang Technological University student started an eight-week-long campaign called "Bare It For Baby", specifically aiming to promote breastfeeding in public without covering up.

The inspiration for her campaign, which she is doing for a school assignment, came from her sister, who recently gave birth and has to start breastfeeding her baby.

She tells Mothership:

"I recalled that report came out about that mother being shamed on Facebook for breastfeeding her kid, and it surprised me that mothers in Singapore are still facing judgement for breastfeeding in public without a cover.

And I wanted to do my project about that, because I feel there is an opportunity for mothers to share their side of the story. All around the world women showcase how proud they are to breastfeed in public, and Singaporeans are too, but I have never seen a band of mothers come together, to address the stigma together."

So, Yin started looking for moms who were willing to pose for a photograph, breastfeeding their babies without a cover, and in public spaces.

She tells Mothership she hit the jackpot when she approached the Breastfeeding Mothers' Support Group (Singapore) on Facebook. Its president put out a call in the group, and Yin's initial target of 10 moms exploded to a ready list of almost 30.

And with the breastfeeding moms Yin has featured, she has taken photos of them at swimming pools, in stadiums, in housing estates and in libraries. All in public, in the open, and not covered.

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Some examples

Yin has published a few photos she has taken so far, alongside short blurbs about the moms she featured.

1. Thi Kim Loan, 38

Kim was shocked to find that in Singapore, she felt pressured to breastfeed with a cover, because she didn't have to in France. She's grateful for facilities like nursing rooms, but feels that she "should be covered for others... not for" herself.

"As mothers we want to have our own time and not feel pressured to breastfeed, it's already hard as it is."

2. Lisa Wong, 30

Wong, a teacher, hopes to be part of a new generation of moms educating the public to accept the right of breastfeeding moms to nurse their children anywhere, without needing to cover up.

"Who knows how long it will take, but I thought if I did this, other mothers would have an easier time moving forward."

3. Felicia, 29

Felicia, a relationship executive, says she often gets stared at for breastfeeding in public, and without a cover, but remains unfazed and proud of the bond she shares with her 15-month-old daughter.

"I hope more mothers will step up, be courageous and feed their babies in public. The public should not judge a nursing mother but respect her."

4. Fion Koh, 30

Koh is already a mom of three, and hopes her daughters will not have to face the unease she feels when people stare or point at her for breastfeeding in public. She also feels that the moment of a hungry child latching onto her mother is a precious one to be cherished.

"Breastfeeding is an achievement and a milestone in life. It is a joy and an expression of our love for our children.

Respect us. Help us. Delight in us. Celebrate us."

Not every mom can breastfeed, and that's perfectly fine, but for those who do, this campaign hopes you will allow them to do so freely in public — whether or not they choose to cover their boobs while they do it.

Related articles:

S’pore’s stand on breastfeeding has been consistent, judging by 1980s campaign

Here’s a pretty convincing case made for breastfeeding in public by Xiaxue

Woman defends decision to breastfeed on MRT train

S’pore photographer mum shows daring images of women breastfeeding their babies

Top photo via Bare It For Baby Facebook page