Words by Abi Scaife
A photographer has brought together a group of women to tackle issues associated with breastfeeding.
Great! Tell me more.
Breastfeeding can be an incredible experience - but can also spark some incredibly difficult conversations. The pressure to breastfeed, and to be good at it straight away, can be detrimental to both parent and baby - and ultimately, the onus is on the health system to help parents through the process.
That’s why maternity and newborn photographer, Ania Hrycyna, arranged an outdoor breastfeeding shoot. Her aim was to create a supportive space for breastfeeding mothers to connect and share their journeys.
What happened?
The mothers were able to bond over their shared experience and discuss things that they all struggled with - things that they thought isolated them were able to bring them together.
Though no two journeys were the same, the shoot proved that we need to discuss breastfeeding more - to make it an open conversation, without shame or guilt.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Breastfeeding Network. This charity is an independent source of support and information for breastfeeding women and others. Learn more here.
La Leche League GB. This charity provides mother-to-mother, parent-to-parent breastfeeding support across Great Britain and the Isle of Man. Support them here.
The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers. The ABM is a breastfeeding charity dedicated to supporting breastfeeding mums and families. Find out more.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing.
