New York City is where Breastfeeding World began, to us this amazing beautiful city is full of magic and dreams come true.

This past April 7^th our dearest friend Molly Ades from Soul Ma invited me to join her and the rest of our beloved NYC mamas at the 2018 MommyCon. With much excitement we initiated the trip back home and decided that during our time there we would be hosting one of our iconic NYC’s Breastfeeding World Photo sessions.

During these past few years that I’ve had the opportunity of photographing women from so many different backgrounds I’ve learned that less is better. I’ve always wanted to showcase the essence of what breastfeeding looks like in their daily lives and this was not going to be any different.

NYC’s Breastfeeding World, empowering women one picture at a time

Motherhood itself can be challenging, being a nursing mother in a super busy city is not as easy as it may seem. Standing up for the normalization of breastfeeding in public can be intimidating but doing it with a group of women that you know support you and share your same goal is truly empowering.

Breastfeeding is natural, breastfeeding is pure, breastfeeding is love…

Kimmy Meyer

“Breastfeeding was something I knew I definitely would do for my baby. I don’t remember when I made that decision along my journey of pregnancy, but I knew that I didn’t want to formula feed. I read a ton of books while pregnant which made me aware of all the amazing things breastfeeding can provide for my baby.

One of the best books I read was La Leche League’s book, “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.” I decided to breastfeed because I read about all the health benefits my son gets from breastmilk. His health is a top priority to me so this just made sense. I love the bond we’ve created now from breastfeeding as he’s been exclusively breastfed now for 6 months.” – Kimmy Meyer

Photo by our founder Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

Photo by our founder Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

#DidYouKnow New York State was the first state in the nation to pass a law protecting a mother’s right to breastfeed in public.

It is a civil rights law, NY CLS Civ R 79-e (Article 7 Miscellaneous Provisions).

1994 NY ALS 98; 1994 NY LAWS 98; 1994 NYSN 3999 79-e Right to Breast Feed. Not with standing any other provision of law, a mother may breastfeed her baby in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be, irrespective of whether or not the nipple of the mother’s breast is covered during or incidental to the breast feeding.

Sometimes pictures that have less of a “production” per say encompass more of the reality. One of the many blessings I’ve had with creating this beautiful platform and seeing it grow is having met many families that throughout these years have grown together with us and who have formed strong and personal relationships as well as amazing friendships.

Lissette, Ralph and little Lola

During NYC’s Breastfeeding World photo session I had the chance of seeing this amazing family again. They’ve accompanied us since our very first NYC Big Latch On back in 2015.

Seeing Lola grow up and knowing her mom’s determination for breastfeeding has given me so much joy.

Photo by our founder Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

“When I was pregnant, my original goal was to breastfeed at least 6 months. That was very hopeful for me because I came from a large family where there was always a new baby around but breastfeeding was not something that was usually celebrated or encouraged. I was happy to find support in my sister, who became well versed in the benefits of breastfeeding through her job at a W.I.C. Office.

I found more support in various facebook groups, which lead me to the 1st NYC Big Latch On event. Where I found so much enlightenment that I resolved to breastfeed as long as it was best for my daughter and I. During this photo shoot, I was very emotional because seeing other moms nursing their younger babies made me realize how I took for granted how amazing being able to breastfeed for this long truly is. How much comfort and love my child still finds in nursing 3 and a half years later.

How we made it all the way here from not even being able to get a latch and having to give her a couple ounces of formula when she was first born. All the panic from those early days, erased by an amazing breastfeeding relationship nearly 4 years later.” – Lissette Perez

Photo by our founder Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

Liza Price

During NYC’s Breastfeeding World photo session we had the tremendous pleasure of seeing this mama return. Liza participated in our photo project back in 2014 with her little Reuben. This year we had the opportunity to meet her second baby boy who gave us so many smiles and reminded us why we started and why we keep on going.

Photo by our founder Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

Raquel Sandino & Baby Joseph

“I always knew I wanted to breastfeed. My mother breastfed both my brothers and I so it just seemed natural to me. I never realized how stressful and sometimes painful it would be in the beginning, but I had my mother and my best friend who also breastfed her daughter to encourage and help me along the way.

Joseph and I are now 19 months in with no plans on stopping until he self-weans. I love the bond that was forged through breastfeeding and wouldn’t have it any other way.”- Raquel Sandino

Photo by our founder Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

Christiana Manson

For Christiana and her cute baby girl nursing in public without a cover felt a bit intimidating. Being a New York City mama she had done it several times but never felt quite at ease.

When I invited her to join NYC’s Breastfeeding World photo session, I was confident that experiencing this sisterhood of like-minded mamas who welcome and support each other would encourage her. Soon after we started our photo session Christiana was a pro!.

Thank you for believing in us but most importantly, thank you for believing in yourself!

Photo by our founder Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

“My breastfeeding journey has been really easy from the very beginning. I went to two breastfeeding courses at my birth center when I was pregnant so I felt prepared.

On the day I gave birth, my daughter latched on right away and I had another lactation coach that helped and gave me some tips. I never felt any pain and it has always been one of the best moments that my daughter and I share.

Breastfeeding is also extremely convenient and helped me get some sleep in the beginning when my daughter was still adjusting to life outside the womb.

I really enjoyed our photo session it was sooo empowering being photographed while breastfeeding when people treat breastfeeding like it’s something that needs to be done in the dark as if it’s shameful.

I Loved being the center of attention in a busy intersection it was almost poetic. By doing the photoshoot I was saying Breastfeeding is Not Shameful! Instead it is so beautiful it should be photographed!

I always intended to breastfeed. My mother did and had a good experience breastfeeding. Her experience and the way she talked about breastfeeding as natural and normal definitely impacted my thoughts on breastfeeding. Thank you mom!” – Christiana Manson

KINDRED BRAVELY

We are honored to have Kindred Bravely Sponsor this NYC Photo shoot. Kindred Bravely helps mothers #bravemotherhood. They are also our top Sponsor for our annual Big Latch Ons, which will be held this August 4. Join us on Facebook for more information and details. Plus, look out for our review of the softest pajamas KB created for nursing moms in an upcoming blog post!

Visit Kindred Bravely at www.kindredbravely.com and follow them on social @kindredbravely

Be sure to join us in our social media accounts and be up to date with the progress of our project!

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our hashtag

#BreastfeedingWorld