In Search of an Icon: Breastfeeding Symbol Contest

The image of a baby bottle on an airport sign announcing the location of a "parents lounge" infuriated us and got us thinking: Isn't there an international symbol for breastfeeding? We called around. Spoke to lactivists and breastfeeding organizations all over the world. No one had seen or heard of an international symbol for breastfeeding. This is our official call for entries. The women's bathroom sign . . . the handicapped parking sign . . . the no-smoking sign. So we put out a call: How would you like to see your breastfeeding design up there with the greats?

We've been thrilled by the response to our call for entries in the international breastfeeding symbol contest and extend a heartfelt thanks for your interest and support! The winning designer will give the breastfeeding movement a powerful communication tool while influencing countless moms to breastfeed—and makebreastfeeding icon history! The symbol will be available for use on signage, T-shirts, lunch boxes, and tote bags. The winner's photo will appear in an upcoming issue of Mothering magazine, along with the winning artwork.

We now have 13 finalists from over 500 entries! We also have a number of images that did not make it into the finalists but were voted most artistic. And then there are some that made us smile, laugh. or were unusual that we want to share with you.

Mothering has solicited the votes of all the major breastfeeding organizations. Their votes will bring us to three finalists which we will announce and display here for you to cast your vote for. For now, we invite you to take a peek at:

The 13 Finalists

The Most Artistic Submissions

The Humorous and Unusual Submissions