"BREASTFEEDING IS LOVE, BREASTFEEDING IS HARD. IT IS NURTURING YOUR BABY, BUT ALSO CAN BE PAINFUL. BREASTFEEDING IS A LOT OF THINGS. MOST OF THE TIME IT IS NOT VERY GRACEFUL (AT LEAST NOT FOR ME PERSONALLY: WITH SHIRTS CONSTANTLY WET, BREASTS LEAKING) NEVERTHELESS, IT IS STILL BEAUTIFUL. THAT IS WHY I LOVE DOCUMENTING MOMS' JOURNEY THROUGH MY LENS. I WANT THEM TO REMEMBER THAT IT WAS INDEED A MAGICAL BOND."
—S.b.p
2023 WBW
Breastfeeding, of course, should be celebrated all day every day, but that is not always the case. I'm so glad we have an International Breastfeeding Week to bring awareness and honor this wonderful bond together with the hard work that mothers do daily.
This is my second year giving back to my community by offering free breastfeeding photo sessions in exchange for diaper donations. This time I supported my local women's center Hope Women's Clinic.
The moms who came to the event shared their experiences and wisdom about breastfeeding. You may read it below in the post.
sophia. birth. photography
Mckinney, texas - august 2023
Moms' Reflections on their Breastfeeding Journeys
"I love the space that breastfeeding creates, to be, to meditate, and to connect. I love those quiet moments in between the day to day tasks, where it’s just you and your little one, filled in that sacred bubble of love and oxytocin.
It is when I look into the eyes, of new life, that is still so connected to the ethereal, where I feel the connection of time, and can see them grown, and feel how they will share their presence in this world."
—Maggie
"Breastfeeding is special to me because I have been able to create a unique bond between my baby and I! It has also given me confidence and purpose to know I am actually keeping my baby alive and growing! I am so thankful we have been able to have a successful breastfeeding journey and I don’t take this blessing lightly!"
—Hayley
"...now and I’m feeding my last baby. I had the opportunity to feed her two big sisters too. I’ve nursed everywhere. I’ve pumped even when I haven’t felt like it. I’ve dealt with my share of mastitis and sore nipples. I’ve fed sitting next to friends, strangers, and with the help of wise professionals. I’ve stored and donated and spilled more milk than I can count."
—Madelyn
"I had visions of sweet moments nursing, knowing that I am providing everything I need for my baby, and that isn’t what our journey is, at least not yet.
This breastfeeding and pumping journey is sweet and frustrating at the same time. But I have hope that as he grows, he will become better and our journey will not be filled with struggles.
For now, I soak in the few minutes where he nurses and I nourish him and we learn and grow together."
—Jacqueline
"Breastfeeding means everything to me it has changed my life. The feeling you get being able to feed your baby the bond it creates is amazing. I want to teach moms to breastfeed and how important it is."
—Felicia
Sophia. Birth. Photography is a Dallas Fort Worth birth photographer. She focuses on documenting raw birth and motherhood stories. Sophia serves families located in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex (Dallas, Fort Worth, Allen, Plano, McKinney, Melissa, Anna, Van Alstyne, Arlington, Richardson, Little Elm).
