One day at a time. A breast feeding journey.

I remember when Erin first decided she would breastfeed until Alice was ready to stop. We sat in her living room in the village and she cried because she was getting so much pushback from people close and not so much. We documented this journey together over the years. This was her final session. It was time.

This simple act of love, tenderness and self sacrifice was met with so much unsolicited opposition from others who had no stake in their relationship or Alice’s upbringing, or in Erin’s well being. So much so that Erin started her own photography series ‘Mama Melk’ to connect with and normalize breastfeeding toddlers. She became an educator and an advocate overnight. This act of rebellion became all the more vital when Alice got suddenly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and refused to eat while sick. Erin’s refusal to stop became a literal life line and a source of comfort when the pain of insulin needles became the new normal.

Natural as it may be, common across the world - in the US and Canada it was seen as rebellious, ‘unproductive’ and harmful. Women are shamed for breastfeeding or not being able, or wanting to… there’s no way to win… meaning there is no one answer to doing it right.

Gentle reminder that Breastfeeding looks so different for everyone and comes with its own sets of challenges and triumphs. The standard that said women should not be breastfeeding past x,y,x time was set out by an industrial society that thrives only when women are in the work force or paying for childcare elsewhere. It was set by white, male physicians in the 1950s when formula came on the market. It was a sales pitch! So why do we still abide by it?

The choice or necessity to stay at home, go to work, bit of both is singular to each. When we are so divided into shaming others for something so basic as loving children to the best of our abilities we lose something precious. It costs so little to be kind and it is so very needed. 🖤

This was a half day session to document the closing of Erin’s breastfeeding journey. It’s been such a gift to have been able to capture their bond and watch this incredible child grow, in the glow of Erin and Matt’s love for her. Such a privilege. Thank you Erin for picking me to capture this moment and time for you…