Breastfeeding Session With Three Moms

Before I became a parent, breastfeeding images weren’t something that came to mind. However, I became dad 3 years ago, and I’ve seen the struggle of baby trying to drink milk without success (all parents know this is often not an intuitive process for either babies or moms), and mom trying to feed the baby without success. It’s such an emotional roller coaster of intense physical pain, then the extreme happiness of meeting the baby for the first time, and then sadness and self doubt if breastfeeding doesn’t come immediately. Dads are there for encouragement but honestly can’t do anything that helpful and are basically guessing at the best way to support in that moment.

This whole process felt much more involved than what I imagined. And once kids are done with breastfeeding, it’s all suddenly over.

I know now that not every mom and baby end up breastfeeding and I also appreciate feeding babies in ANY way that works best. Some moms have asked for pumping pictures because that’s exclusively how they feed their baby. Several of my own family members used only formula. All those babies were so loved and cared for and they all had an amazing special bond with their mom.

Watching this whole process, I am now a big fan of capturing this moment and this time that moms and kids share just for themselves as a record. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to photograph these three amazing moms and their kiddos. It was an incredibly chaotic session especially for those who know how I typically shoot but the images will hopefully live a long time as a memory of the bond these moms have with their babies, and for the kiddos to know how much they meant to their parents.

Recording each subject’s and family’s moment and story has been the best part of this job. Thanks to all moms who come to the studio. :) You are all amazing!