In entertainment news (that really isn’t news), Scarlett Johansson pumped at the Oscars.
Johansson, who gave birth to daughter Rose in early September, “wasn’t shy about pumping backstage” according to Hollywoodlife.com. The online publication went on to report that the new mom pumped right before she went on stage to present.
Practically, this would make sense. If I was lactating and had to wear an evening gown (the brave woman looked like she was wearing a silk- satin blend) I would be sure to do everything in my power to avoid leakage before heading on stage. I think a lot of past and present breastfeeding moms can relate to her “I really don’t want to leak in my non-nursing clothes” moment.
However, this story is news because breastfeeding and pumping is still not completely normalized in our culture. If these stories help other women relate to identifiable public figures, who also happen to be moms, then I think it is great.
One day, I hope this kind of scenario will be so common that it won’t be worth mentioning in print or online. Until then, we will be cheering on everyone normalizing a very normal part of parenting by simply not trying to hide it.
