A photo of Elisha Wilson Beach breastfeeding on the toilet has gone viral, and the Alabama mama is making no apologies. She initially uploaded the image on Instagram with the caption,“This is motherhood and it ain’t always pretty. What’s your #momtruth? #motherhood #motherhoodaintpretty #tmi #confessionsofamom #ididthat #iamnotsorry.”
The picture has since been shared on the Facebook page of Life of Dad and many other sites. Elisha, who happens to be the wife of actor Michael Beach defended her photo on the Facebook page.
“This is my picture and yes I am breastfeeding. I shared it on Instagram knowing that some people would think it’s tmi but it’s reality. Everybody complains that social media is full of people pretending to live picture perfect lives and I see so many mothers doubting themselves based on those photos. Well this is reality and so many mothers are doing this exact thing right now. Motherhood ain’t pretty but then that’s what makes it so beautiful,” she said.
Her husband also responded in support of his wife on Instagram saying,
“My wife called me into the bathroom a few days ago & asked me to take this pic. She was laughing & thought it was a classic shot about some of the things she deals with as a mom. Not meant to be a huge statement or movement just a humorous moment captured on ‘film.’ Isn’t that one of the great things about Instagram? Now it’s all over the Internet!
Many people got/get that but quite a few others have felt the need to chime in on her horrible, unsafe parenting skills. I get that some may see this pic & disagree with it or not like it BUT to make drastic judgements about her/our parenting skills or character based on one pic??? WHAT???
I have 6 kids & have been a parent for almost 30yrs (4kids from 1st marriage) & all my children are healthy, kind & well liked people. My wife is an AWESOME mom, a very intelligent woman and, most of the time [wink], the best part of my life! We know, as much as anyone does, what we are doing. Our kids are safe, happy, respectful & are being well trained/prepared for adulthood. We are VERY happy after 14yrs together (8yrs of marriage). So why am I posting this? To support my love @mylifeisabeach ! And If any of you find someone as amazing as her than YOU are also ahead of the game! ‘This is motherhood and it ain’t always pretty. What’s your #momtruth?’”
My reaction to seeing the photo of Elisha nursing her tot was more like “WTF! What is this woman thinking posting this online?!” But then I thought of the many occasions where my kids have come into the bathroom and wanted to nurse, I couldn’t help but laugh.
In fact, O is notorious for barging in demanding a breastfeeding session while I’m on the thrown, and yes, I’ve breastfed on the toilet in my own home. But, that is not to say that I’ve done so in a public restroom. I do have standards.
However, I would never think to post a photo of me breastfeeding on a toilet. I admire that Elisha wants to shed some light on what moms go through though, especially those who nurse – “it ain’t always pretty,” as she stated.
I know that a lot of people may not agree. I know some folks may even be grossed out after seeing the photo. It may be TMI, but the reality is that’s what’s motherhood is all about. You don’t even have time to use the bathroom without interruption. You just have to laugh it off and move on.
What are your thoughts on the photo of Elisha breastfeeding on the toilet? Is it TMI?
