This picture of a mum breastfeeding at her graduation has gone viral

On Monday 24-year-old Jacci Sharkey graduated with a Bachelor of Business, Human Resources Management And Marketing from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia.

But that’s not why we’re all talking about her.

Jacci, who lives in Queensland with her husband and two children, hit the headlines because of this picture of her breastfeeding her six-week-old son on her graduation day.


Of all the photos taken on her graduation day, Jacci felt that this was the most special. She also felt it reflected her positive experience while studying at the university, so decided to send it to them with a note of thanks.

Jacci and her proud family on her graduation day

The note read: ‘Just wanted to share a photo from the most recent graduation that I am proud of. I’m extremely proud that with the support of the uni, during my degree I was able to have 2 babies and still finish my degree. Thanks USC!’

The university in turn were touched by Jacci’s message, so decided to post it, along with the picture, on their Facebook page.

At the time of writing it has almost 140,000 likes and has been shared nearly 4,000 times.

Jacci and her eldest son who she also had while studying for her degree

Speaking to Metro.co.uk Jacci expressed her shock at the picture going viral: ‘I am extremely surprised by all the attention it’s gotten. To me it’s just a picture of me at my graduation. To me it represents mums being able to have it all, a career and a family.’

She went on to tell us: ‘I’ve had so many positive messages thanking me for sharing and helping mums out there. It’s been really overwhelming to read such well wishes.’

And to anyone commenting negatively on her photo Jacci had this to say: ‘The main things I’ve read is ‘cover up with a blanket’ or ‘go to a toilet cubicle’.

I personally wouldn’t eat in a toilet or under a blanket so I wouldn’t expect my child to. I think they are missing the point, which is about mums being supported.’

We couldn’t agree more.