A breastfeeding emoji could be on the way
It was among the most requested characters of 2016.
By Livia Gamble
October 26 2016
A breastfeeding emoji could be on the way all thanks to one nurse.
Rachel Lee, who works as a nurse at the University College of London Hospital, put together a proposal which is being considered by Unicode.
"The lack of a breastfeeding emoji represents a gap in the Unicode Standard given the prevalence of breastfeeding in cultures around the world, and throughout history," Lee wrote in her proposal.
"Using a baby bottle emoji as a substitute for a breastfeeding emoji would be like using a car emoji as a substitute for a bike. Both are forms of transport which achieve many of the same goals, but are clearly not interchangeable, and give a different message than intended."
While the new icon hasn’t been confirmed, it seems there's a good chance it will happen.
Speaking to the ABC, Unicode said a breastfeeding emoji was among the most requested characters of 2016.
Lee Told the Huffington Post she was inspired to submit the proposal after seeing a number of women unaware of the challenges associated with breastfeeding.
"I just don't think we are exposed to it [breastfeeding] enough in society and sometimes we forget how important it is developmentally in all areas to mothers and their babies," she said.
"I am under no delusion that creating a small emoji to exist in this society may not be the real push to normalise breastfeeding in public forums, but if it helps just get the message out there by creating discussion and gathering support, then it's all worth it."
The committee will also consider an almond, a coconut, a climber, a mermaid, a person meditating and a pie in a meeting next month.
If approved the characters will appear in Unicode’s 10.0 update in 2017
