11 Ways Breastfeeding Has Changed Over Time

It seems that all anyone talks about these days is the boob. Breastfeeding has become a widely controversial topic over the last few years, especially with the emergence of the "brelfie" and opinions flying every which way regarding things like covering up and showing off your goodies in postpartum photos.

However mixed the reviews seem, breastfeeding mamas have made strides as of late, and there are a few things that have definitely changed about the practice over the years.
Read through to see some of the biggest changes we've seen.

01
Talking About It
Fox

Talking About It

Then: It was kind of taboo. Everyone just minded their own business and kept the boob talk to themselves.

02
Disney

Now: You couldn't get a breastfeeding mama — or anyone, really — to stop talking about it if you tried . . . It's everywhere.

03
Covering Up
Disney

Covering Up

Then: Even in your own home, you were probably covered up, behind a closed door, nowhere to be seen during the act.

04
Kristina Kuzmic

Now: Though some people still have issues with it, wearing a sheet over your head while you feed your baby anywhere but home isn't really necessary anymore — feed on.

05
Pumping
Giphy

Pumping

Then: Ouch. Just ouch.

06
4 Kids Entertainment

Now: Still ouch, but at least it's powered by electricity, and you can play on your smartphone while you do it.

08
Universal Studios

Now: Technology has made it so we can pump once we've gone back to work and whoever is home with the baby can bottle-feed them the breast milk — though companies are making it easier now to stay home for the real thing.

09
Celebrity Breastfeeders
CBS

Celebrity Breastfeeders

Then: Before the spread of online media, even finding out which celebrities had kids — let alone which ones were breastfeeding — was like uncovering a huge secret.

10
Fox

Now: Celebrities post brelfies to Instagram, bring their kids to work, and are huge advocates in the breastfeeding world.

11
Hospital Policies
Logo TV

Hospital Policies

Then: There used to be sneaky little shots and pills the nurse could give you to dry up your milk supply if you chose to do so.

12
NBC

Now: They got rid of the shot method, so your boobs leak until you stop breastfeeding, and it dries up on its own. Sorry — the shots and pills ended up having crazy side effects that you wouldn't want to risk anyway, if it makes you feel any better.

13
How Much Information Was Out There
Paramount Pictures

How Much Information Was Out There

Then: Barely anyone knew what was going on — forget about the dads.

14
Fox

Now: Everyone — moms, dads, partners — they all want to talk about the wonders of breastfeeding to no avail, and between people IRL and the Internet, you'll learn everything you need to (and never needed to) know about it.

15
Picking Clothes to Wear
Giphy

Picking Clothes to Wear

Then: Not only is there an issue with things not fitting after you have a baby, there was the issue of having to find shirts that provided easy access to the milk.

16
Paramount Pictures

Now: There are special tops and bras made for nursing that make your life easier and more convenient.

17
Breastfeeding in Public
YouTube | Kristina Kuzmic

Breastfeeding in Public

Then: If your kid needed to eat outside of the house, you had to find somewhere private to go nurse.

18
paramount.com
NBC

Now: There are breastfeeding rooms, and people are becoming more open to understanding the benefits of public breastfeeding for nursing mamas.

19
Taking Photos as a Mom
NBC

Taking Photos as a Mom

Then: First, there was the plain old selfie. Maybe your baby was in it. Maybe they weren't.

20
E!

Now: Taking a selfie while breastfeeding is 100 percent a thing, and it's everywhere.

21
Lactation Nurses and Consultants
Fox

Lactation Nurses and Consultants

Then: Before information was so easily accessible, it was impossible to find someone to help you figure out the world of breastfeeding.

22
Comedy Central

Now: You know so much about breastfeeding before even becoming pregnant that when someone automatically comes into your room after the birth to talk about it, you just want to feel the pride of doing it on your own — though you know they mean well.