When Alyssa Milano was travelling through London this week, she was shocked by the treatment she received from the airports security staff.
After making sure to follow strict procedures concerning the carrying of liquids on aircrafts, Milano’s pumped breast milk was confiscated with apparently no reason or explanation.
The actress immediately took to twitter to voice her concerns over the mistreatment of the situation.
(1 of 2) @HeathrowAirport just took my pumped breast milk away. 10 ounces. Gone. Not okay.
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) April 9, 2015
(2 of 2) They said they would let the pumped milk through if I had the baby with me. Why would I need to pump if I had the baby with me???? — Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) April 9, 2015
Milano, who noted her compliance with the rules surrounding acceptable liquid measures, was frustrated by the fact that her milk was taken away with “no discussion” when she had spare containers ready to distribute the liquids if need be.
.@HeathrowAirport I would have happily spread milk in different containers (which I travel with) to comply t… http://t.co/I1kmVXufhv
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) April 9, 2015
After Heathrow replied stating that the decision was made based on the fact she was travelling without her child and therefore was allowed less milk, Milano hit back by highlighting the irrelevance of their procedure.
PS. Another reason it makes no sense – when I got past security it was time to pump again so… I did carry on 5 ounces of breast milk.
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) April 9, 2015
Whilst this episode was frustrating for Milano, it highlighted more than just liquid restrictions when travelling. Instead the incident raises larger issues prevalent within society, based around the facilitation of women’s needs in a public and private spaces – whether that be breast-feeding or beyond.
The situation follows an upsetting precedent of censorship, negativity and even sexualisation of the most natural act of breastfeeding.
With constant censorship plaguing social media sites such as Instagram and Facebook, the double standards and prejudice faced by women posting photos of breastfeeding on social media platforms, is unrelenting.
The issue was raised recently, when an image that was removed by Facebook for breaching their nudity restrictions, went viral. The image in question depicted a young mother breastfeeding her premature baby.
Furthermore, a woman in America, after purchasing products from a Victoria’s Secret store, was told she was not allowed to breastfeed in the change rooms and instead was pointed towards an alley outside the store which would “guarantee her privacy.”
The stigmatism attached to breastfeeding is still widely institutionalised and practiced in most public spaces but what is important is the continuation of messages like Milano’s – who question and condemn the prejudicial practices that seek to limit and control the female body.
What do you think about the confiscation and limitation placed on breast milk when travelling?
Proud #nursing mama @Alyssa_Milano had her #breastmilk confiscated. #breastfeeding – http://t.co/YOGZdO8Zyj pic.twitter.com/8aKdW79DEF
— Celebrity Baby Scoop (@celeb_babyscoop) April 9, 2015
