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Facebook deactivates mother's account after she posts photo of her breastfeeding stranger's child

Rebecca Wanosik posted the picture saying she was feeding the infant as her mother was having surgery 

Wednesday 12 October 2016 12:10 BST
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Rebecca Wanosik uploaded the picture of the two babies holding hands as they feed
Rebecca Wanosik uploaded the picture of the two babies holding hands as they feed (Facebook)

Facebook disabled a mother's account after she posted a photo of her breastfeeding a stranger's child with her own.

Rebecca Wanosik, from Missouri, uploaded the picture online showing how she helped a mother she had never met after recieving a text message from a friend.

The baby in question had only ever been breast fed and was refusing a bottle after her mother had been hospitalised.

"So last Friday night while I was carving and building a cake, I received a random text from one of my friends asking if I could feed a strangers baby. Was there ever a question?”, Mrs Wanosik said on her Facebook post.

"The baby's mother was having surgery and the baby is exclusively breastfed and refused a bottle," she added.

Mrs Wanosik said the baby looked hungry and exhausted so she “did what I hope any person would do for my child in a time of despair”.

The post received a mixed response from users. Some described the pictures, which show the two babies holding hands while they are feeding, as “beautiful”, while others told Mrs Wanosik to “cover up”.

One user in particular highlighted that it could be “very dangerous” and potentially pass on illnesses.

In response to some of the comments, Mrs Wanosik said was surprised that people thought it was weird or unnatural.

Anthony Wanosik, Mrs Wanosik’s husband, posted on the social media site when his wife’s account was disabled.

“So my wife's account got disabled because of the unselfish act she did my posting about breastfeeding someone else's baby in need. Come on Facebook it was for a good cause,” Mr Wanosik wrote.

Facebook said the account was suspended after it recieved reports that the post violated the Community Standards set out on the website but on review has now reactivated the account and the pictures remain on the page.

A Facebook spokesperson told The Independent: “Breastfeeding photos are allowed on Facebook. We agree that breastfeeding is natural and we know that it's important for mothers to share their experiences with others on Facebook.

"This account was disabled in error but has now been restored. Our team processes millions of reports each week, and we occasionally do make a mistake, as has happened here. We apologise for this and for any inconvenience caused.”

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