Breastfeeding graduate whose photo went viral says she wants to inspire mums to study

Jacci Sharkey, 24, proudly posed in her graduation gown and mortarboard while she breastfed her then six-week-old son Alek.The photo was posted online by The University of the Sunshine Coast, north of Brisbane, on Monday afternoon at Jacci's request.Since then it's gained more than 195,000 likes on Facebook and nearly 6,000 shares.Both of Ms Sharkey's sons, Ari, 20 months old, and Alek, were born during the three and a half years she studied at the university.'From her recent graduation, this amazing photo and message was sent to us by inspiring mum Jacci Sharkey,' the a spokesperson for the university wrote before posting the message from Ms Sharkey.'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 mum-of-two graduated with a Bachelor of Business, Human Resources Management and Marketing.Ms Sharkey told Daily Mail Australia she shared the photo to encourage other mums to pursue their studies. 'It's a great message and I wanted to get it out there,' she said.'I want mums to know that they can study and also be a mum. They don't have to give up either of them.'Ms Sharkey says 'it was a a nice moment' when she breastfed her child just before heading into the graduation ceremony on October 2.'I'm not going to hide something that's been done for centuries,' she said.'But the meaning behind the photo isn't about me breastfeeding, it's about supporting mums.'The photo also generated comments of support such as: 'What a beautiful photo such admiration for the mums who tackled parenthood and their degree.' One mother wrote: 'That's awesome, I have 4 children I had last one whilst studying at USC and was supported and able to continue studying whilst breastfeeding and bringing my son to some classes. Best uni! Studying and having a family is possible!'A spokesman for the university told Daily Mail Australia the photo was reflective of their supportive academic staff.(dailymail.co.uk)Bakudaily.Az