An Icelandic lawmaker is gaining attention for doing something that many mothers experience daily — breastfeeding her infant in a professional setting. This unique moment unfolded as she addressed Parliament, seamlessly balancing motherhood and her legislative duties.
Unnur Brá Jónsdóttir, a member of Iceland’s Independence Party, was at her seat during a parliamentary session when she began to breastfeed her six-week-old daughter. She later shared with the Icelandic media that she didn’t anticipate needing to speak during that time. “She was hungry, and I wasn’t expecting to be called up again. I could either take her off and leave her crying or bring her with me, which seemed less disruptive,” she explained. And isn’t that the truth? What parent would choose to disturb a peaceful moment when their baby is happily feeding?
Instead of handing her baby off to someone else, which would likely have caused more commotion, Jónsdóttir confidently brought her child to the podium. She breastfed while addressing Parliament for about 30 seconds, and notably, none of her fellow members seemed to mind. This isn’t an isolated incident; as a mother of three, Jónsdóttir has brought her baby to work since birth, and her colleagues have grown accustomed to her presence. “Usually, she is very calm, and when we vote, she is sound asleep. So there have never been any incidents before,” she remarked.
While it may seem unusual for a mom to work soon after giving birth, the reality is that her role in Parliament cannot simply be filled by someone else, nor can parliamentary sessions halt for her maternity leave. This situation highlights how supportive her work environment is, allowing her to breastfeed on-demand while surrounded by understanding co-workers.
In stark contrast, many mothers in the U.S. may face criticism for breastfeeding in public spaces. This is just one reason why Iceland is recognized as an exceptional place for women, consistently ranking as the best country in the world for gender equality according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index. The U.S., meanwhile, comes in at number 28.
It’s stories like these that can inspire greater acceptance for mothers everywhere, whether they’re breastfeeding on a park bench or in the workplace. We should all feel empowered to do what comes naturally.
For more information on home insemination and motherhood, check out this post on intracervical insemination. If you’re looking for resources on at-home insemination kits, Make A Mom is an authority on the topic. Additionally, for a deeper understanding of genetics and IVF, you can visit this excellent resource.
In summary, Unnur Brá Jónsdóttir’s experience illustrates the balance many mothers strive for between their personal and professional lives. It serves as a reminder of the importance of supportive environments for working mothers and the normalization of breastfeeding in all settings.