Facebook denies breastfeeding pics removed

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Facebook denies any breastfeeding photos were removed from a New Zealand-based mothers' group page.

Members of the group complained online about breastfeeding photographs being reported, with one woman saying her photographs were taken down and her profile suspended.

Renee Lyons posted on the Mummy Matters Facebook group last Friday that she had to answer test questions to be allowed back online.

But on Tuesday this week a Facebook spokeswoman said the company had neither taken down any of the group's photos, nor had any been removed.

Earlier, the spokeswoman said Facebook allowed breastfeeding photographs, but images were occasionally removed in error.

Facebook supported mothers and families using the website to share parenting experiences, including breastfeeding, and the vast majority of breastfeeding photographs complied with Facebook's policies, she said.

"On some occasions, breastfeeding photos contain nudity - for example an exposed breast that is not being used for feeding - and therefore violate our terms. When such photos are reported to us and are found to violate our policies, the person who posted the photo is contacted, and the photos are removed."

However, after looking into the Mummy Matters' page, she said no photographs had been removed.

The private Facebook group for mothers has almost 3500 members, and says it aims to be a positive place for mums and mums-to-be to post and ask questions.

Claims last week that the breastfeeding photos had been removed prompted a strong response from other members, with one saying their photos of a toddler potty training had also been reported.

Other members said they would deliberately post breastfeeding pictures in support.
The group's administrators could not be contacted for comment yesterday.