Beautiful girl feeding baby
The 48 Most Beautiful Breastfeeding Photos of 2022
48 Beautiful Breastfeeding Photos
A controversy
It is 2022, and, unfortunately, breastfeeding photos are still a controversial topic on the internet, especially on social media. Being a photographer who captures those special moments between a mother and her child, it is difficult to find a safe space on the internet to share these incredible photos. People who report breastfeeding posts, and talk badly in the comments are a problem. It also took a long time since Facebook stopped censoring breastfeeding photos.
A special bond
Without a doubt, breastfeeding is a unique and special bond between a mother and her child. It creates a deep and intimate connection and is the most natural thing in the world. We asked our community member Yakaly Di Roma to share her breastfeeding experience with us to learn more about it.
Breastfeeding – An experience by Yakaly Di Roma
“I have been breastfeeding for nearly 5 years. I started back in April of 2014 with my eldest Hans for example and am now tandem feeding with my newborn, River. Breastfeeding for me is so special because It immediately created an unbreakable bond that I am able to share with my children.”
Ashley Hancock – www.thehancocksimagery.com
Bergen Howlett – www.BergenHowlett.com
Britany Maxwell – www.thelightandthelove.com
Callie Ann Gates – www.calliegates.com
Cat Fancote – www.birthphotographyperth.com.au
Chantal Richard-Mercier – www.chantalrmercier.com
The calming effect of breastfeeding
“Hans is autistic and this is the one thing that comforts him the most, it makes him feel safe. Nothing else comes close to being able to calm and soothe him, the way I can when I feed him. He looks to me for security and love in particular, and it makes me so happy that I am still able to do this for him.
”
Charlet Lee – www.instagram.com/thephotobabe
Diana Hinek – www.artshapedphotography.com
Gabi Marshall – www.gabimarshallphotography.com
Grace Troutman – www.gracetphotography.com
Heather Clark – www.heathermarieclark.com
Jessica Lutz – www.jessicalutzphotography.com
The most natural thing
“There are many benefits to breastfeeding and extended breastfeeding. It is the most natural thing in the world for example and it should be normalized, celebrated even! It isn’t easy, it’s actually very difficult, it is exhausting, and it can be painful. However, all the sacrifice that comes with it, it’s completely worth it even more. “
Joy Augustyn – www.joyoflightphotography.com.au
Karolina McLean – www.facebook.com/karolina.mclean.3
Kayla Mattox – www.kaylamattoxphotography.
com
Keziah Kelsey – www.babyrosephotography.com
Arte Cinematica – www.artecinematica.com
The beauty of breastfeeding photos
Photography is all about capturing special moments, celebrating milestones, documenting lives, capturing the bond we share with our loved ones! Getting to Hansito’s 4th birthday and knowing he still takes comfort from breastfeeding, is a milestone!
Leilani Rogers – www.PhotosByLei.com
Lindee Heffner – www.instagram.com/lindeeheffnerphoto
Mallory Francks – www.malloryfrancksphotography.com
Margaux Fischer – www.Instagram.com/MargauxFischerPhotography
Melina McGrew – www.melinanastaziaphotography.com
A new life
Giving birth to River and having the experience to breastfeed both of my boys together is a milestone. These are moments that I will cherish forever.
Therefore I will document it and create my art, one day we will get to look back on my images and remember that amazing bond we shared.
Michelle McKay – www.michellemckayphotographer.com
Mika Rascon – www.thegreatwonders.com
Miles Lamb – www.lambphotography.co.uk
Monet Nicole – www.monetnicole.com
Morgan L. Noble – www.facebook.com/morgan.noblephotography
A deep connection
“When I feed my babies, that is our time, it is the one thing I share with them that nobody else can, that is worth capturing, posed or unposed. I have received many negative and hurtful comments when I have shared my breastfeeding photos. While it can be upsetting sometimes, I try not to let it get to me. I know I am doing the best for my boys, and I will continue to do so in spite of all the negativity.“
Nicole Dehoff – www.nicoledehoffphotography.
com
Paige Driscoll – www.santacruzbirthphotography.com
Ricardo Neves Alexandre – www.nowayrichy.com
Ryanne O’Keeffe – www.ryannekenziephoto.com
Sarah Garman – www.purplefernphotography.com
Sarah Graybeal – www.sarahgraybealphoto.com
Creating memories
“I share my portraits to try and help normalize breastfeeding photos, to normalize something that is actually completely natural! I encourage all breastfeeding mothers to do the same, capture these moments while you can. Enjoy every ounce of your time feeding your babies. Create memories that will last a lifetime and help to normalize it!”
Sashi Hesson – www.sashihesson.com
Sheana Edwards – www.instagram.com/sheanaraye
Sherida Rae Taylor – www.sheridaraephotography.ca
Tammy Nicole – www.tammynicolephotography.
com
Tara Herron – www.instagram.com/taraherron_photography
No reason for a controversy of breastfeeding photos
“Seeing a mother in public breastfeeding or a photo of a breastfeeding mother shouldn’t be a “shock” nor shouldn’t be something that causes controversy or attract negative comments. It should be normal!“
Tara Tomlinson – www.taratomlinson.com
Tori Hensley – www.instagram.com/Toridarlinglife
Winnie Bruce – www.winniebrucephotography.com
Yakaly Di Roma – www.itsfireandice.com
The support
“I will continue to breastfeed my son’s for as long as they need in fact. Loving them both with all my heart and I will keep doing what is best for them in the end. I will keep sharing my breastfeeding photos and I am extremely thankful for all the support and love I receive as a result of that.” – Yakaly Di Roma
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If you love these breastfeeding pictures and would like to get even more inspired, then check out these 13 incredible birth and breastfeeding images of 2020, the most beautiful breastfeeding photos of 2019, or the top 23 photos of world breastfeeding week.
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THIS BLOG POST about Breastfeeding Photos WAS Created BY:
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER – MATTHIAS JAWORSKI
Busted: 14 myths about breastfeeding
"You should only eat plain food while breastfeeding." Fact or fiction?
UNICEF/UNI183001/Quintos
1. Myth: Breastfeeding is easy.
Babies are born with the reflex to look for their mother’s breast. However, many mothers need practical support with positioning their baby for breastfeeding and making sure their baby is correctly attached to the breast.
Breastfeeding takes time and practice for both mothers and babies. Breastfeeding is also time intensive, so mothers need space and support at home and work.
2. Myth: It’s usual for breastfeeding to hurt – sore nipples are inevitable.
Many mothers experience discomfort in the first few days after birth when they are learning to breastfeed. But with the right support with positioning their baby for breastfeeding and making sure their baby is correctly attached to the breast, sore nipples can be avoided. If a mother faces breastfeeding challenges like sore nipples, support from a lactation consultant or other skilled professional can help them overcome the issue.
3. Myth: You should wash your nipples before breastfeeding.
Washing your nipples before breastfeeding isn’t necessary. When babies are born, they are already very familiar with their own mother’s smells and sounds. The nipples produce a substance that the baby smells and has ‘good bacteria’ that helps to build babies’ own healthy immune system for life.
UNICEF/UN0140320/Ayene
Did you know? Breastfeeding protects your baby from ear infections, diarrhoea, pneumonia and other childhood diseases.
4. Myth: You should separate a newborn and mother to let the mother rest.
Doctors, nurses and midwives often encourage the practice of ‘skin-to-skin’ – also known as kangaroo mother care – immediately after birth. Bringing your baby in direct contact, so their skin is against yours, is a very important practice that helps them to find and attach to the breast. If you can practice this within one hour after birth and then frequently after, it helps to establish breastfeeding. If the mother cannot do this, then the partner or another family member can step in.
5. Myth: You should only eat plain food while breastfeeding.
Like everybody else, breastfeeding mothers need to eat a balanced diet. In general, there is no need to change food habits. Babies are exposed to their mothers’ food preferences from the time they are in the womb.
If a mother perceives that her baby reacts to a specific food she eats, it is best to consult a specialist.
6. Myth: Exercise will affect the taste of your milk.
Exercise is healthy, also for breastfeeding mothers. There is no evidence that it affects the taste of your milk.
7. Myth: You won’t be able to breastfeed unless you do it straight away.
It is easier to get breastfeeding started if you begin in the first hour after birth because a baby’s reflexes are very strong at that time. They are ready to learn to feed at the breast. If you do not latch your baby on right after birth, do it as soon as possible in your situation. If you need help putting your baby to the breast, ask for support from a qualified lactation consultant or other skilled professional. Frequent skin-to-skin contact and putting your baby to the breast will help to get breastfeeding going.
UNICEF/UN040621
Did you know? Breastfeeding protects the mother from diabetes, breast and ovarian cancers, heart disease and postpartum depression.
8. Myth: You can never use formula if you want to breastfeed.
Mothers may decide they need to use formula on some occasions, while continuing to breastfeed. It is important to seek unbiased information on formula and other products that replace breastmilk. To keep breastmilk production going, continue offering the breast to your baby as often as possible. It can be useful for mothers to consult a lactation specialist or skilled professional to help with a plan that works best for them to continue breastfeeding.
9. Myth: Many mothers can’t produce enough milk.
Almost all mothers produce the right amount of milk for their babies. Breastmilk production is determined by how well the baby is latched on to the breast, the frequency of breastfeeding and how well the baby is removing milk with each feeding. Breastfeeding isn’t a ‘one woman’ job and mothers need support. Support like ongoing breastfeeding guidance from health care providers, help at home, and staying healthy by eating and drinking well.
10. Myth: You shouldn't breastfeed if you’re sick.
Depending on the kind of illness, mothers can usually continue breastfeeding when they’re sick. You need to make sure you get the right treatment, and to rest, eat and drink well. In many cases, the antibodies your body makes to treat your disease or illness will pass on to your baby, building his or her own defences.
11. Myth: You can’t take any medication if you’re breastfeeding.
It’s important to inform your doctor that you are breastfeeding and to read the instructions with any medications you buy over the counter. It might be necessary to take medications at a specific time or in a specific dosage, or to take an alternative formulation. You should also tell the baby’s doctor about any medications that you’re taking.
UNICEF/UN0160505/Soares
Did you know? The ‘first milk’ – or colostrum – is rich in antibodies and gives newborns an immunity boost while their own immune systems are still developing.
12. Myth: Babies who have been breastfed are clingy.
All babies are different. Some are clingy and some are not, no matter how they are fed. Breastfeeding provides not only the best nutrition for infants, but is also important for their developing brain. Breastfed babies are held a lot and because of this, breastfeeding has been shown to enhance bonding with their mother.
13. Myth: It’s hard to wean a baby if you breastfeed for more than a year.
There’s no evidence that it is more difficult to stop breastfeeding after one year, but there is evidence that breastfeeding up to two years is beneficial for both mothers and children. All mothers and babies are different and need to determine together how long they want to breastfeed.
14. Myth: If you go back to work, you’ll have to wean your baby.
Many mothers continue breastfeeding after going back to work. First, check the policies in your country and your own workplace.
If you have the right to time and a place to breastfeed during working hours, you may be able to go home and breastfeed, ask a family member or friend to bring your baby to you, or to express your milk and take it home. If you don’t have the option to breastfeed during working hours, look for moments during the day to express your milk and then feed your baby directly when you are at home. If you decide to give your baby a breastmilk substitute for some feeds, it still very good to continue breastfeeding whenever you are with your baby.
This article was developed in collaboration with Dr. Michele Griswold PhD, MPH, RN, IBCLC. Dr Griswold is a lactation consultant, registered nurse, breastfeeding researcher and advocate. She represents the International Lactation Consultant Association to the WHO/UNICEF Global Breastfeeding Collective, which calls on governments and society as a whole to provide mothers the support they need to breastfeed.
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Beautiful happy young mother breastfeeding her newborn baby at home
High angle view of a happy young mother breastfeeding her baby and smiling at camera smartphone
Mother breastfeeding her baby while sitting in bed at home
Partial close up view of breastfeeding baby
Cropped shot of smiling young mother breastfeeding her baby using smartphone at home
Happy young woman breastfeeding baby and looking away standing at home
Cropped shot of young mother holding baby while breastfeeding at night
Smiling young mother breastfeeding baby at night
Young mother sitting on sofa and holding her newborn baby while breastfeeding at night
Beautiful smiling young mother breastfeeding her baby at home breastfeeding baby at night
Cropped shot of young mother breastfeeding baby at night
Father feeding baby while holding breast milk bottle
High angle view of a beautiful smiling young woman sitting on a sofa breastfeeding her infant daughter
Beautiful smiling young woman sitting on a sofa breastfeeding her daughter on sofa and holding baby while breastfeeding at night
happy mother feeding her baby son near cheerful husband
cropped shot of young woman breastfeeding baby on gray
Happy mother feeding her infant son next to her husband by a Christmas tree against a blurred background
Cropped shot of a young mother breastfeeding an adorable baby at home breast milk near the Christmas tree on a blurred background
A beautiful young mother is breastfeeding her baby and smiling at the camera
A beautiful young mother is breastfeeding her baby at home
Happy young woman breastfeeding baby and taking selfie with smartphone at home
Beautiful smiling young mother sitting on sofa and breastfeeding baby
Cropped shot of smiling young mother standing and breastfeeding baby at home woman breastfeeding her baby at home
Cropped shot of a young woman breastfeeding her infant daughter at home
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High angle view of happy young mother breastfeeding her baby and using smartphone at home
Smiling young mother standing and breastfeeding her baby at home
Happy young mother breastfeeding her baby and smiling at camera
Mother breastfeeding her baby in headband with bow
Happy young mother sitting on the couch and holding her newborn baby while breastfeeding at night
Beautiful smiling young mother breastfeeding her baby at home
Happy young woman breastfeeding her baby daughter and looking away at home
Beautiful smiling young mother breastfeeding her baby at night
Various breastfeeding positions
Try different breastfeeding positions to find the one that works best for you and your baby.
You can see the options in our selection of photos
Share this information
There is no right or wrong way to hold the baby while breastfeeding
, and mom and baby are sure to find their favorite position.
It is important that both you and your child feel comfortable. 1.2 It's good to learn a few different breastfeeding positions and techniques because life's circumstances often require us to be flexible, especially as your baby gets older and you start to leave the house more often.
Whatever position you choose to breastfeed your baby, remember a few simple rules.
- Prepare everything you need before feeding, including drinks, food, mobile phone, TV remote control, book or magazine. And do not forget to go to the toilet - the feeding process can take a long time!
- Make sure your baby is comfortable. Whichever position you choose, it's important to keep your baby strong, level, and provide good support for their head, neck, and spine.
- You should also be comfortable. Don't stress. If necessary, use pillows of different sizes or rolls of towels to support your back or arms.
- Make sure your baby is latching on correctly. Proper grip is the key to comfort when breastfeeding.
- If your baby does not latch on well or you experience pain while feeding, contact a lactation consultant for help. The specialist will also be able to show you how to hold your baby more comfortably.
1. Relaxed feeding or reclining position
Relaxed feeding position, also known as biological feeding, 1 is often the first position for most mothers. If, immediately after birth, the baby is placed on the mother’s chest or stomach, normally, he instinctively reaches for the breast and tries to grab the nipple. This phenomenon is known as the breast seeking reflex. Skin-to-skin contact stimulates the infant's feeding instinct, and gravity helps him to latch onto the breast and maintain balance.
But it's not just newborns that can be fed in the reclining position - this position is great for babies of all ages. It can be especially helpful if your baby does not latch well in other positions or does not like to be touched during feeding, and also if you have too much milk flow or too large breasts. Isabelle, a mother from the UK, shares her experience: “I had large breasts, and the baby was born small - 2.7 kg, so it was not easy to find a comfortable position at first. After a few weeks, it became clear that there was no “correct” posture for me. As a result, I most often fed lying down, putting the baby on my chest. ”
It is more convenient to feed not lying flat on your back, but half-sitting, leaning on pillows. So you will have a back support and you will be able to watch the baby during feeding.
2. Cradle position
This is the classic
first thought of breastfeeding. Mom sits
straight, and the baby lies on her side on her arm, pressing her stomach against her stomach.
3 Although this is a very popular position, it is not always easy to master with newborns because it gives the baby less support. Try putting a pillow under your back, and put a special breastfeeding pillow on your knees and lean on it with your hands. So you can more reliably support the child, without overstraining your back and shoulders. Just make sure that the baby does not lie too high on the pillow for feeding. The breast should remain at a natural level so that the baby can grab it without effort, otherwise sore nipples cannot be avoided.
“I breastfed in the cradle position because it suited me perfectly! It was comfortable and I loved just sitting and looking at my little one,” recalls Rachel, a mother of two from Italy.
3. Cross Cradle
This breastfeeding position looks almost the same as the Cradle, but the baby is on the other arm. 3 This gives your baby support around the neck and shoulders so he can tilt his head to latch on.
This position is great for breastfeeding newborns and small babies, as well as for babies who do not latch well. Since the baby lies completely on the other hand, it becomes easier to control his position and you can adjust the chest with your free hand.
Julie, a UK mother of two, finds this position very practical: “I usually breastfeed my youngest in the cross cradle position. So I have a free second hand, and I can take care of an older baby at the same time. ”
Do not hold the baby's head at first, otherwise you may inadvertently press his chin against his chest. Because of this, the child will not be able to take the breast deeply, because the nipple will rest against the base of the tongue, and not against the palate, which will lead to inflammation of the nipples. As the child grows, this position becomes more comfortable, and he can rest his head on your palm (as shown in the photo above).
4. Underarm breastfeeding
In this position, also known as the "ball grip", the mother sits and the baby lies along her arm at the side, legs towards the back of the chair (or any other seat).
3 This is another comfortable position for newborn breastfeeding, in which you can give your baby good support, have full control of his position and have a good view of his face. And the baby feels safe in close contact with the mother's body. This position is especially good for those who have had a caesarean section or a premature birth, as well as mothers of twins and women with large breasts.
“When I breastfed my first daughter, I had very large K-sized breasts—twice the size of her head,” recalls Amy, an Australian mother of two. - I put rolls of towels under each breast, because they were very heavy, and fed my daughter in a pose from under the arm, but only sitting straighter so as not to crush her. This position was also convenient because I had a caesarean section and could not put the baby on my stomach.”
5. Side-lying position
The side-lying position is ideal for relaxed
feedings at night in bed or on the couch. If you had a
caesarean section or ruptures during childbirth, this position may be more comfortable than sitting down.
3 In this position, mother and baby lie side by side, tummy to tummy.
“It was difficult for me to sit during endless night feedings, firstly because of the caesarean section, and secondly because of lack of sleep,” recalls Francesca, a mother from the UK. “And then I discovered that you can feed your baby lying on your side and rest at the same time.”
“Because of the short tongue frenulum, Maisie could only properly latch on to her breasts while lying on her side. The lactation consultant showed me how it's done. In this position, the flow of milk was optimal for my daughter, and it was easier for her to keep the nipple in her mouth. As she got older, she became much better at grabbing her breasts in normal positions,” says Sarah, mother of two from Australia.
6. Relaxed breastfeeding after caesarean section
If you can't find a comfortable position for breastfeeding after caesarean section, 3 try to hold the baby on the shoulder while reclining — this does not put pressure on the postoperative suture and allows you to breastfeed the baby comfortably.
You can also try side feeding.
7. Upright breastfeeding or “koala pose”
When breastfeeding in an upright position or “koala pose”, the baby sits with a straight back and a raised head on the mother's hip. 4 This position can be tried even with a newborn if it is well supported, but it is especially convenient for feeding an older child who can already sit up by himself. The upright sitting position, or “koala pose,” is great for toddlers who suffer from reflux or ear infections and feel better sitting. In addition, this pose may be suitable for children with a shortened frenulum of the tongue or reduced muscle tone.
“When my daughter got a little older, I would often feed her in an upright position, which was more comfortable for both of us, and I could still hold her close,” recalls Peggy, a mother from Switzerland. “Besides, it was possible to discreetly breastfeed her in public places.”
8. Overhanging position
In this position, the baby lies on his back, and the mother bends over him
on all fours so that the nipple falls directly into his mouth.
4 According to some mothers, this breastfeeding position is good to use from time to time for mastitis, when touching the breast is especially unpleasant. Some say that this breastfeeding position helps with blockage of the milk ducts, although there is no scientific evidence for this yet. You can also feed in the “overhanging” position while sitting, kneeling over the baby on a bed or sofa, as well as reclining on your stomach with support on your elbows. Pillows of various sizes that you can lean on will help you avoid back and shoulder strain.
“I have breastfed several times in the 'overhang' position for clogged milk ducts when no other means of dissolving the blockage worked. And this pose seems to have helped. I think it's because of gravity, and also because the breasts were at a completely different angle than with normal feeding, and my daughter sucked her differently, ”says Ellie, a mother of two from the UK.
Feeding in the "overhanging" position is unlikely to be practiced regularly, but in some cases this position may be useful.
“I used to breastfeed in the overhang position when my baby was having trouble latch-on,” says Lorna, mother of two in the UK. - This, of course, is not the most convenient way, but then I was ready for anything, if only he could capture the chest. We succeeded and have been breastfeeding for eight months now!”
9. Feeding a baby in a sling or “on the fly”
Breastfeeding in a sling takes some practice, but it can be used to go out of the house, look after older children or even do a little household chores.
The sling is also useful if the baby does not like to lie down or is often attached to the breast. Lindsey, a mother of two in the US, notes: “I used the carrier frequently for both of my children. When we were out, I tied the sarong around my neck and covered the carrier with it. Under such a cape, the baby can eat as much as he wants until he falls asleep.
This breastfeeding position is best when the baby is already good at breastfeeding and can hold his head up by himself.
Any slings are suitable for breastfeeding, including elastic and rings, as well as carrying bags. Whatever option you choose, the main thing is that you can always see the face of the child, and his chin does not rest against his chest.
10. Double hand-held breastfeeding
Double hand-held breastfeeding (or “double-ball gripping”) is great for mothers of twins—you can breastfeed both at the same time while keeping your arms relatively free. 4 When feeding in this position, it is advisable to use a special pillow for breastfeeding twins, especially at first. It will provide extra support and help keep both babies in the correct position, as well as reduce the burden on the abdomen if you had a caesarean section. In addition, the hands are freer, and if necessary, you can deal with one child without interfering with the second.
“My twins were born very tiny and had to be fed every two hours at any time of the day or night. Very soon it became clear: if I want to do anything besides feeding, I need to feed them both at the same time, - says Emma, mother of two children from the UK.
“I breastfed them two by hand using a breastfeeding pillow.”
Other good positions for breastfeeding twins are two criss-cross cradles, one baby in the cradle and the other close at hand, reclining feeding, or sitting upright (one baby on one side, the other on the other).
11. Breastfeeding in the “arm-supported” or “dancer's-arm” position
muscle tone (which is typical for premature babies, children suffering from various diseases or Down syndrome), try supporting his head and your chest at the same time. 4 Grab your chest with your palm underneath so that your thumb is on one side and all the others are on the other. Move your hand slightly forward so that your thumb and forefinger form a "U" just in front of your chest. With the other three fingers, continue to support the chest. With your thumb and forefinger, hold the baby's head while feeding so that his chin rests on the part of the palm between them, your thumb gently holds the baby on one cheek, and your index finger on the other.
So the baby gets excellent support, and you can control his position and see if he is holding his breast.
Literature
1 Colson SD et al. Optimal positions for the release of primitive neonatal reflexes stimulating breastfeeding. Early Hum Dev . 2008;84(7):441-449. - Colson S.D. et al., "Optimal Positions for Provoking Primitive Innate Reflexes to Induce Breastfeeding." Early Hume Dev. 2008;84(7):441-449.
2 UNICEF UK BFHI [ Internet ]. Off to the best start ; 2015 [ cited 2018 Feb ]. - UNICEF UK, Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, Start the Best You Can [Internet]. 2015 [cited February 2018].
3 Cadwell K. Latching - On and Suckling of the Healthy Term Neonate: Breastfeeding Assessment.
