Srishti Paruthi
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Bollywood marked the breastfeeding week, that began on August 1, in a unique way; actor Neha Dhupia launched a campaign ‘Freedom To Feed’, that demands a freedom for women to be able to breastfeed their babies, unapologetically, without being the target of snarls and scrutinising eyes.
Neha Dhupia floated the campaign with a video in which the actor talks about her journey as a new mother, the roller-coaster ride that it has been along with how important it is to breastfeed one’s child during the first six months, as Esha Gupta, Sophie Choudry and Ashish Parmar reacted to her powerful message.
To a leading publication, Neha revealed, “Once when we were on an outdoor shoot, I had to go behind a tree to feed Mehr. The facility of nursing rooms should be made mandatory in public spaces. Often, mums quit breastfeeding soon after giving birth because they have to go to work. I would feed Mehr on set and fortunately, everyone around was so understanding.” Dhupia also urged other women to come out with their stories and struggles of breastfeeding.
Joining her then came Sameera Reddy, who took to her social media handle to encourage new mothers. Soha Ali Khan also lent support to Neha Dhupia’s campaign as she narrated an incident from her life. She recalled, “As a working parent, I found myself having to pump in the oddest of places. I have pumped in an airplane bathroom. When the seatbelt signs came on, I had to hurriedly dismantle everything, spilling lots of very precious breast milk along the way. When I came out and made it back to my seat, the air hostess asked me if I was doing my make-up inside. I was like, ‘Uh…no.'”
Soha wonders why breastfeeding is frowned upon. She further added saying “I think that they are doing something that is incredibly valuable, scientific and incredible. It really needs to be supported, as opposed to being shunned”.
Neha Dhupia also shared a few beautiful stories of other mothers on her Instagram handle that are sure to inspire.
