Tara Ruby is a photographer, a former member of the US Air Force and a mother. She specialises in working with military families and lives in El Paso, close to the US Army base at Fort Bliss.
CNN reports that when Ruby had her eldest child while a member of the US Air Force there were no facilities available for her to express milk or to feed her baby. So when Ruby learnt that Fort Bliss was actively working to support breastfeeding for their serving mothers, she was deeply moved.
She approached the commanding officers at Fort Bliss and asked to take a photo of breastfeeding mothers in uniform to both celebrate the efforts the army had made to support their soldiers, as well as working to normalise breastfeeding.
The result is one very beautiful photo of ten currently serving US Army soldiers, breastfeeding in their camouflage gear.
In a Facebook post, Ruby explained her decision to take the photo, saying, "Breastfeeding their babies doesn't make them less of a soldier, I believe it makes them a better one."
Her message continued:
Today I believe we made history. To my knowledge a group photo to show support of active duty military mommies nursing their little's has never been done. It is so nice to see support for this here at Fort Bliss.
Through the guidance of my military friends, the Fort Bliss P3T Program and Breastfeeding in Combat Boots, our Garrison command and our Public Affairs, we were able to show that even our mommies in uniform can provide for their babies.
I was active duty a long time ago when support for breastfeeding moms wasn't even an option or a consideration. We have come so far. Breastfeeding their babies doesn't make them less of a soldier, I believe it makes them a better one. Juggling the tasks and expectations of a soldier, plus providing for their own in the best way they possibly can, makes these ladies even stronger for it.
I want to say Thank You to everyone that saw my vision, and helped us in succeeding in making it come true. I am 100% for #normalizebreastfeeding. How about you?
How do you feel about the photo?
You can see more of Tara Ruby's work on her website and Facebook page.