This Australian Senator Became The First To Breastfeed While Addressing Parliament

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In May, Greens senator Larissa Waters made history as the first person to breastfeed in Australia’s federal Parliament.

Now the politician has reached another milestone: becoming the first person to breastfeed while making remarks on the Australian Parliament floor.

On Thursday, Waters put forward a motion on black lung disease while nursing her infant daughter, Alia Joy.

First time I've had to move a Senate motion while breastfeeding! And my partner in crime moved her own motion just before mine, bless her— Larissa Waters larissawaters June 22, 2017

“First time I’ve had to move a Senate motion while breastfeeding!” she tweeted after her remarks. “And my partner in crime moved her own motion just before mine, bless her.”

Waters, who is the co-leader of Australia’s Greens party, joined many of her colleagues in urging the Senate to change its rules about children and breastfeeding in Parliament last year.

The senator told BuzzFeed she nursed while giving her speech because “black lung disease is back among coal miners in Queensland and Alia was hungry.”

Back to work today with 8 week old baby in tow! I m lucky; we need affordable childcare and flexible work for all. pic.twitter.com LGeqCRW1LJ— Larissa Waters larissawaters April 19, 2017

Alia Joy has accompanied her mother to work on multiple occasions since her birth in March.

When Waters shares photos of her baby on the job, she often touts the importance of helping all Australian parents balance work and family.

“I’m lucky,” she tweeted in April. “We need affordable childcare and flexible work for all.”

Great to be back on #qanda and to bring Bub along. Who says motherhood and politics don't mix ? pic.twitter.com b6zTbLIGqE— Larissa Waters larissawaters May 15, 2017

As for breastfeeding, Waters told BuzzFeed she believes women should be made to feel comfortable nursing their babies whenever and wherever it’s needed.

“Women have always worked and reared children, whether that work was paid in the workplace or unpaid in the home,” she said. “I hope this helps to normalize breastfeeding and remove any vestige of stigma against breastfeeding a baby when they are hungry.” -- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

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