Running mom pumps breast milk during a half-marathon

Public breastfeeding and pumping is an often stigmatized element of motherhood. Runner Anna Young, a mother who made headlines for pumping breast milk during a half-marathon, hopes her story can help normalize the practice.

When Young shared her marathon experience with Occupy Breastfeeding -- a Facebook group dedicated to destigmatizing nursing -- the post resonated with thousands of people, garnering hundreds of supportive comments.

In a widely shared post from Sept. 11, Young writes that she'd run a half-marathon the previous day, about five months after giving birth to her daughter. Though she'd pumped breast milk before the race began, she knew she'd have to pump again before crossing the finish line.

I nursed my daughter before I left my house, pumped after running the first 8 miles and nursed her after I made it past the finish line. This group and Le leche league motivated me to find a way to run my race and take care of my daughter. #normalizebreastfeeding

Public breastfeeding continues to be a delicate subject for mothers. Women who choose to pump or breastfeed in public spaces are sometimes met with hostility, even though the practice is legal in nearly every state (except Idaho), the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands.

But despite this legislation, mothers still regularly deal with heckling and shaming.

Young spoke to People about her hope that the photo serves to support other mothers who feel uncomfortable breastfeeding in public:

"Even though I was nervous about pumping during my race, I hope it helps other mothers to not be afraid to nurse their children in public," Young says. "I want other moms to see that you can still take time to do the active things you love and nurture your baby. My daughter's needs come first, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the things I am passionate about together."

H/T: People