I am a military wife who had high expectations for my second labor and delivery after a not-so-great experience of an induction (selfishly chosen) with my first baby at 40 weeks. I chose to be induced the first time on my EDD so that my husband could be there for it, as he was leaving for 5 months of training.…
-
-
Birth Without … Me! {A Story of Adoption and Supplemental Nursing}
I had NO water breaking, NO contractions, NO C-section, NO vaginal delivery, absolutely NO pain whatsoever; and yet there had been a birth. My daughter was born and needed a tube-feeding right away. Only it’s not what you think. It wasn’t for medical reasons. She was perfectly healthy. My baby and I were meeting each other for the first time.…
-
Breastfeeding in the Wilderness: Portraits and a Story
We are thrilled to share this breastfeeding story and series of portraits, sent in by Rebecca. She writes, “Recently we had our family portraits done and I requested some breastfeeding portraits with my sweet baby. I love how they turned out and thought I would share them with you. Breastfeeding for me was a nightmare. It’s a long story, but…
-
Sojourning Earthside: Breastfeeding and Bonding
Julie Sadler of Sojourners Photography in Roanoake, VA shares these beautiful pictures of her family welcoming their newest member, Jude. Julie writes, “I love the encouragement and support shared on your FB page/blog for women and all of the choices we make in caring for our bodies as well as our babies. For me, photos that evoke the mystery of the unborn…
-
Powerful Labor, Gentle Cesarean, Breastfed on Operating Table
On Tuesday Sept. 25th, after two weeks of prodromal labor, I awoke just before 6 am with my bleeding and cramping. At that point, my surges became much more intense and more regular. I called the birth center, and my midwife Cathy G. was thrilled for me and told me to check in when things got more intense. That night…
-
Moi aussi, j’aillaite: Can a Nursing Mom Be Sexy?
Earlier this fall, a public health campaign in Québec, Canada, ruffled feathers all over… well, all over Québec, Canada. The 15-second ad aired on public TV during prime-time viewing hours, invoking public outrage on social networks and in the media. A good friend of mine wrote a letter to the government agency responsible, elaborating her grievances: “In Québec we have worked hard…
-
Breastfeeding Goddess Mama of Twins
I was presently surprised when I received an email from Tatum with Tatum Kathleen Photography. I’ve seen and shared her work in the past. She took the time to emaill me knowing I’m no longer on FB. She thought I’d appreciate a photo she just took and she was right! “This couple had their first birth, twin girls, and is 12…
-
Fierce Breastfeeding Mother {A Self Portrait}
“A picture I took of myself breastfeeding my 3rd baby girl before heading to a face painting gig. I felt fierce. Hehe. It has taken me a while, but I’m unapologetic when it comes to doing what’s right for my kids! It feels so wonderful to finally have arrived.” ~Cati
-
Like Mother, Like Daughter
I distinctly remembering my oldest child at four years old (now 9) coming up to me with her doll saying, “I’m nursing my baby mommy. She loves my breast milk. It’s chocolate milk.” Ha. Adorable. I just had my 3rd child and she was the first baby I successfully breastfed. She was learning by my example. Here are some mamas…