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You Can Now Post Breastfeeding Photos On Instagram

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By Anisa Arsenault, Associate Editor
Updated April 17, 2015
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Image: Bea Revayova

Big news: Instagram has officially updated its terms of use to permit breastfeeding photos.

Who do we have to thank for this innovation? By and large, celebrities. Women like Gisele Bundchen, Alanis Morissette, and of course, Alyssa Milano have been proudly posting their breastfeeding photos all year. And you know what? We’ll give Chelsea Handler some credit for the loosening of the policy too.

Those big names and their even bigger followings made this issue too large to ignore. Here’s what the updated Instagram community guidelines say:

“We know that there are times when people might want to share nude images that are artistic or creative in nature, but for a variety of reasons, we don’t allow nudity on Instagram. This includes photos, videos, and some digitally-created content that show sexual intercourse, genitals, and close-ups of fully-nude buttocks. It also includes some photos of female nipples, but photos of post-mastectomy scarring and women actively breastfeeding are allowed. Nudity in photos of paintings and sculptures is OK, too.”

This change is a long time coming. Last year, photographer Heather Bays posted a picture of herself nursing her young daughter. Instagram deactivated her account, and the #SaveHeatherBays movement began.

So go ahead! Share those photos. Apparently, breastfeeding selfies have their own hashtag: #brelfie.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

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