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A Sunshine Coast student has made headlines after her breastfeeding graduation photograph went viral.
In the snap shared by the University of the Sunshine Coast on Monday, Jacci Sharkey can be seen breastfeeding her six-week-old baby while dressed in her formal graduation gown.
The picture, which has since created debate on social media, shows the 24-year-old Bachelor in Business, HR Management and Marketing graduate proudly gazing down at her son as she confidently feeds him.
Along with a heartfelt message from the mother-of-two thanking the University for supporting her as she juggled motherhood and her studies, the photo was posted to the College’s Facebook page with Jacci’s permission.
“Just wanted to share a photo from the most recent graduation that I am proud of. I’m extremely proud that with the support of the Uni, during my degree I was able to have 2 babies and still finish my degree. Thanks USC!,” Jacci said.
The powerful image has received more than 190,000 likes from supporters and shared over 5,000 times in just two days.
Though Jacci is the first to admit that she hasn’t always felt comfortable breastfeeding in public, she wants people to know that it’s perfectly normal.
“I didn’t realise it would get so much attention,” Jacci told the Courier Mail.
“I don’t think it’s something to be hidden.
“You don’t have to cover yourself, your baby is having a feed … it’s not like you eat your food with a blanket over your head.
Last week, a Welsh mother was heavily criticised after she posted a photo of herself breasfeeding her premature daughter on social media.
And after a user complained that the photograph was too rude, it was removed by Facebook only to be later reinstated following public backlash from outraged supporters.
