Motherhood Remains One of the Most Controversial Topics in Advertising

The industry’s reluctance to acknowledge breastfeeding will have to change eventually

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The National Retail Federation (NRF) projects Americans spent nearly $30 billion to celebrate Mother’s Day this year, the most in the survey’s history. These dollars came from the 83% of U.S. adults who celebrate the holiday.

It’s clear Americans love their moms.

So do brands, which have long featured maternal figures in their ads, from Brady Bunch mom Florence Henderson’s long-running role as pitchwoman for Wesson Oil to superstar mom Beyonce’s promotions for her Ivy Park collection, some of which have featured her eldest daughter.

Indeed, motherhood has long been an important trope in advertising.

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