Why Pumping Pics Are the New Breastfeeding Selfie

It's hard to imagine, but not long ago, the breastfeeding selfie was a controversial addition to our Instagram feeds. But now, photos of moms in the act of nursing, affectionately called brelfies, have truly normalized. Any stigma once associated with the photo op has been erased, and it's even become a badge of honor for those who post and share.

In fact, the breastfeeding photo has been co-opted by celebrity moms — namely Pink, Miranda Kerr, Gwen Stefani, and Gisele Bündchen — to the point that it's seen as glamorous, enviable, and downright gorgeous. Who wouldn't want to take a brelfie?!

But as much as we love a good breastfeeding selfie, we're perhaps more excited to see another trend emerging . . . the breast pumping selfie. Just as intimate as the original, these photos feel more realistic, more relatable.

Not all moms can nurse their baby while a glam squad is primping their hair and buffing their nails. Not all moms can spend a leisurely morning cuddled up in bed with their newborn while their doting photographer gets the lighting just right. Not all moms can get through a nursing session without pain, nevermind while simultaneously positioning their iPhone camera to get a semiflattering, one-handed shot. Some moms are racing to get to work, bottles and flanges and tubing in hand, so that they can pump between meetings and on their lunch break.

We love the breast pump selfie (pelfie, perhaps?) and are thrilled to see a few star moms showcasing the less luxurious — though no less beautiful — side of motherhood. Here's hoping more follow suit.