On a recent Humanitarian trip to Sierra Leone (in the name of Tetanus awareness) actress Salma Hayek breastfed another woman’s baby and the internet proceeded to implode.
According to ABC News: who followed Hayek’s jounrey for their program “Nightline “the actress and producer was told by doctors in Sierra Leone that many mothers stop breastfeeding their infants within the first few months after birth because of pressure from their husbands. Tradition has it, in some areas, that it is not acceptable to have sexual relations with breast feeding women.”
Sierra Leone has the highest infant mortality rate in the world, in part fueled by malnutrition. Physicians there told Hayek they would like to see mothers breastfeed for a full two years but that stigma too often gets in the way.
Hearing this Hayek proceeded to breast feed the baby who incidentally shared the same birthday as her one year old daughter. Cue heartfelt “Awwwws” and an avalanche of men feeling jealous of a baby.
“Am I being disloyal to my child by giving her milk away?” Hayek said. “I actually think my baby would be very proud to share her milk. And when she grows up I’m going to make sure she continues to be a generous, caring person.”
Commentators are praising Hayek for her philanthropy and I for one agree. If anyone has the mammaries to end world hunger it’s Salma Hayek.
