Summer, oh summer! It’s certainly one of the best seasons of the year but it’s also one of the busiest as well. Specially if you happen to live on the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard. 

This year Breastfeeding World hosted its third annual Martha’s Vineyard Big Latch On and boy was it a good one. Back on August 5^th, 16 Martha’s Vineyard breastfeeding moms came together once again to make this event a great one.

Some new faces and some returning mothers who year by year make these events well worth it.

One of the special things I love about our Martha’s Vineyard Latch On is how intimate and empowering it always is. I’ve been able to see how these mamas and babes grow in their journeys and this year I had the opportunity to photograph the same ladies I met back in 2015 when we held our very first Breastfeeding World photo session on the island.

This time around, they came with their new babes and a full-term nursling. (Kudos to Sarah and Mili, you make us proud!).

The beauty of breastfeeding and motherhood is that each journey is completely different and unique in its own way. Not only from mother to mother but from baby to baby as well. No matter how many books you may read or how many classes you may attend to, by the time that the baby comes you might be very informed as to what is about to happen but, are you really ready? Probably not.

During this year’s Martha’s Vineyard Big Latch On a momma told me she wasn’t sure whether or not I would continue on with the events due to me not nursing anymore… Let me take the chance and tell you all a short version of my story, the one probably none of you know….

My sweet mini-me was born on this gorgeous island, surrounded by beautiful landscapes that make this location THE place to be during summer.  My experience with giving birth was astounding, I went in not feeling prepared but my birthing team at the Hospital was amazing.

I was very fortunate, although my baby’s father was not present and I was/am a single momma, I had more than what I had wished for: I had my mother and my sister next to me, they were part of my unmedicated natural birth and everything that came thereafter.

I can assure you that without them my breastfeeding journey would’ve only been a few weeks affair.

My mother Bella and my sister Shelyn, two breastfeeding veterans with 8 children altogether knew exactly what to do in my moments of despair. With tears in my eyes I recall one time begging them to take my baby away because the pain of nursing and cracked nipples was unbearable. (Can you relate?)

Mom would cook all the healthy foods that my body needed to recover while Shelyn would help me take care of the baby. My mama would pass on some old wives’ tales from Ecuador while teaching me some great breastfeeding techniques and some massages to relief engorgement and potential clogged ducts.

With their support I made it past the challenging first three weeks of breastfeeding. Tears flowing down my face on several occasions but they never let me quit when I wanted to.

Our next milestone was 6 months, we made it. One full year, we made it. Eighteen months, we made it. Two years, we made it… until we kind of stopped keeping track.

My sweet mini-me nursed for 4 ½ years and weaned off earlier this year. Was it a bumpy ride? HELL YASS! Was it worth it? Every minute of it.

Today, as we lay down to sleep, (we bedshare baby!) there are nights where she turns looking for her ‘tities’. She knows that no milk comes out but she feels safe and that’s all that matters.

Did I encounter criticism for nursing beyond 2 years? Yes. Was it uncomfortable? At times, yes. Did it matter at the end? No. My baby has grown to be a sweet child who is happy and smiles quite often, she knows that mommy works so hard on Breastfeeding World and she loves helping me every way she can.

To you my sweet mama, who wasn’t sure the events would continue because I stopped nursing… Oh YES they will!

Little mini-me was who inspired me to start Breastfeeding World in the first place, our journey through breastfeeding and motherhood in general is what kept me going. Getting to know women who identified with each other in many ways was my fuel to push through.

Although we stopped nursing this year there are thousands of new mothers (and existing ones) that are going through their breastfeeding & motherhood journeys and they Need. Us. 

Breastfeeding World is bigger than my baby and I because now, all of you are part of its history as well as its success.

The Martha’s Vineyard Big Latch On is all about celebrating you, strong women and mothers who lift each other up. No matter in what phase of your motherhood journey you may be in, at some point you will need the support system that I thankfully had and that is what we aim to be for you all: the encouraging voice that pushes you through all the obstacles.

Let us all celebrate these amazing Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms, you are amazing!

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

2018 Breastfeeding World’s sponsors

On August 4^th we celebrated our 4^th annual Big Latch ON in the heart of New York City. Twenty -five breastfeeding mothers took over Times Square once again. This year’s event was far more special than all the previous ones for one very particular reason: it was pouring.

During the past four years of Breastfeeding World hosting the most iconic Big Latch On in Times Square and our family gatherings in Bryant Park we have been very lucky with the weather.

Almost every year the forecast says rain and because of the nature of the latch on we always decide to do it rain or shine. Our past events have been a real success and both parents and kiddos have enjoyed themselves very much. This year was no different except for the fact that we had a torrential downpour.

Empowering women lead with example and clear actions

Rain did not stop New York City mothers from coming together. Starting 9:30 am we congregated mothers to join us at the TKTS steps in Times Square, together with our team of volunteers we joined them hoping that the rain would clear.

We knew for a fact that many who had planned on coming to our iconic big latch on were not going to be able to make it due to the weather conditions but we were hopeful.

“The rain isn’t stopping me!!!” – Samantha Flores

“We will be there, a little rain won’t scare us away.” – Jessica Hertzog

Despite the many setbacks that included train delays and more, these 25 New York City moms with their babes and other family members joined us to make history once again.

Our iconic Big Latch On was really meant to be

At approximately 10:05 am the rain cleared to allow us to host the actual latch on. With the guidance of our founder, Alexia Garcia and her Alegares Photography team our beautiful, strong and empowering breastfeeding mothers took over Times Square and came together right in front of the TKTS to join the global count of breastfeeding women worldwide.

“We are extremely proud of all our NYC moms who joined us in our 4th Annual NYC Big Latch On. We are extremely grateful to these women/mothers who, despite of the pouring rain, came down to be a part of the historic count! 

For the mamas who couldn’t make it or who didn’t get there on time, you know you were with us in spirit, we represented you all with love! This was MEANT to be and we DID it! This was EMPOWERMENT at its finest!” – Alexia Garcia, Breastfeeding World Founder  

 

By 10:45 am it started drizzling once again giving us the queue to take cover under the nearest awning right before the next downpour. Although we did our very best to make it to Bryant Park for our well known and enjoyed family gathering it was not possible and we had to say our goodbye shortly after the latch.

It was extremely rewarding getting to know each and everyone of our attendees, seeing them smile and most importantly, seeing how strong, passionate and encouraging they all were. It’s been a please throughout these past 4 years seeing little ones grow and families extend but it has been amazing having new families joining us as well. 

Our breastfeeding mothers took over Times Square, will it happen again?

As you may all know by now, the New York Post was the media outlet that sent out a photographer and reporter to our event. When we got their phone call inquiring about our 4^th annual NYC Big Latch On we were excited to have them join us. However, after the latch-on happened they posted their article and to our surprise it was very misleading.

“Dozens of Moms stage Breastfeeding PROTEST in Times Square”.

That is the headline. That is description of mainstream media regarding public breastfeeding at the NYC Big Latch On event we had this past Saturday. And that is unfortunately the perspective of our society. (To read their article click here)

As moms and breastfeeding advocates, having conversations with others who disagree with nursing in public can go two ways: it can become an educational moment or an argument. We prefer to have dialogue for education, which is the whole purpose of Breastfeeding World and our participation in the Big Latch On.

Let us use this article to share that we are no longer “protesting” for breastfeeding rights or nursing in public, because if you haven’t yet heard, US law has finally passed in all 50 states to protect the NATURAL rights of mothers from being charged with indecent exposure when nursing in public spaces.

Instead, we’re using this article to show that even though we have achieved the support of our government to protect mom and her baby’s right to feed in public spaces and in the work place, there is still much work to be done in making breastfeeding in public the NORM in society. 

We’ve made so much progress, let’s keep it going so that our children can breastfeeding without scrutiny, so that other moms can feel confident in their choice to breastfeeding where they please, so that we can have less ignorant comments towards breastfeeding mothers.

What is our response to this article headline? We’re sharing our move with our Facebook group members. And it’s going to be BIG. Join your Breastfeeding World mama tribe in your region today, let’s get the action started! 

Breastfeeding World – Empowering Southeast Communities

Breastfeeding World – Empowering Mid West Communities

Breastfeeding World – Empowering Northeast Communities

Breastfeeding World – Empowering West Coast & Pacific Communities

Breastfeeding World – Empowering Central & South West Communities

If you wish to join our movement this upcoming September 16th in Times Square for a REAL demonstration of breastfeeding love signup HERE. We plan on having our Bryant Park family event that had to be cancelled during our last Latch On as well!. Invite your mama friends, your breastfeeding peers, all the nursing advocates you may know; we will have empowering goodie bags for the first 100 mamas who register.  

Most importantly we will make a difference one more, in the very heart of the world: New York City.

All photos of the NYC Big Latch On where taken by the Alegares Photography team. Please contact them for any un-watermarked images: www.alegares.com

2018 Breastfeeding World’s sponsors

“Don’t focus on how far you have to go, celebrate how far you’ve come!”

When a movement crosses boarder and reaches smaller communities around the world to join a global effort,

it means that you are in the right path of impacting the lives of many.

This past May we expanded our reach to help and encourage women in all parts of the world. Through our Photography Community & Outreach Program professionals from an array of countries have joined our community of artists who volunteer their time to gift mothers a breastfeeding photo session in the global movement to #normalizebreastfeeding.

Launching our international photography community has been a very rewarding experience. We are happy to showcase our very first Mar del Plata’s Breastfeeding World Photo Session that took place in Argentina this past Spring.

Naturalidad Maternal

Thirteen mothers and fifteen little ones came together to be a part of our first Mar del Plata photo production: Naturalidad Maternal (natural motherhood). The session itself took place in a beautiful iconic location of this gorgeous city: Villa Victoria.  For our first event in Argentina we united forces with La Leche League – Mar del Plata and had a phenomenal lactation specialist, Sandra Ramírez, answering questions for all the participants.

Special Thanks

A group of talented makeup artists volunteered their time as well to gift these wonderful mommas a complete makeover before their photo session. Thank you: Cristina Ponzini, Verónica Bozzi, Mariela Valle, Mariana Bella Fontenla and Lorena Ferrari for being a part of this change.

We have been very lucky to be able to partner with amazing women-owned companies that have provided the support we’ve needed to put these smaller events together. Following our 2018 Big Latch On Platinum Sponsor: Kindred Bravely’s initiative, #bravemotherhood, we have aimed to produce outstanding sessions were strong and powerful mothers unite in efforts of normalizing breastfeeding and making their voice heard in a beautiful way.

Meet our Breastfeeding World International Photographer

Analia Cuerbo Arango is a dedicated professional photographer based in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

Ani strives to help families like yours to create everlasting candid memories of their everyday lives. Her goal is to showcase the pure love between each of the family members.

Nine years ago, she began photographing pregnant women, babies and families. She has had the opportunity to work and be under the mentorship of two well recognized family photographers: Kirsten Lewis and Dos Marias.

For Mar del Plata’s first Breastfeeding World Photo Session Analia worked with Maria Silvia Cantero and Mariela Chaves Abrego as her second shooters. You can find more about Analia’s work by visiting her Facebook and Instagram. 

“I think it’s important to share your skills and be able to put a grain of sand to change the world.
Photography unites us, makes us better people and in each photo we put our hearts to create memories that others will cherish.
Breastfeeding Photography reflects the love and connection of each mother and her baby.” – Analia Cuerbo Arango

Empowerment – Beauty – Encouragement | Mar del Plata’s Breastfeeding World Photo Session 

Breastfeeding is widely recognized as being the best option for your baby. It is known that breast milk is packed with nutrients your baby needs specially during the first six months of life. Any amount of breast milk is highly beneficial, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively nursing for a minimum of 6 months.

With all the benefits that come with breastmilk, why is that Breastfeeding is so frowned upon by many?

“My opinion is that anybody offended by breastfeeding is staring too hard.” – David Allen

In society where women have been highly sexualized, it frustrating that breastfeeding is considered a controversial topic. Women are often harassed for nursing in public, they have the rights to breastfeed anywhere. Why is it that mothers face discrimination, embarrassment and insults for nurturing their babies in the most natural and humane way?

“There is one thing the photograph must contain, the humanity of the moment.”
— Robert Frank

Our  Breastfeeding World team believes that one picture is more powerful than a thousand words. Our movement began with our photography project in New York City and has changed the lives of many in the past 4 years through our photographers’ breathtaking images.

This year we are so happy to see our amazing photography community grow and to get to know women around the world who like us believe in the importance of normalizing breastfeeding one picture at a time.

We have the pleasure to have worked with the talented Raelyn Ramey who hosted a Breastfeeding World Photo Session in Des Moines, Iowa sponsored by Kindred Bravely.

Meet our Breastfeeding World photographer

Raelyn is an art photographer, who specializes in weddings. Her journey toward breastfeeding began when she had her own little girl, Eliisa. Not expecting the hiccups that would come in that journey, she soon found herself surrounded by love and support during a very emotional time. With the encouragement from her husband and the strangers that came forward to help feed her child so she could ultimately meet her goal of one year, is a gift she will forever be thankful for.

Raelyn soon decided that she wanted to find a way to give back to her community by providing small breastfeeding sessions to mama’s that wanted to document such an intimate moment in both of their lives. No matter the type of photo sessions, Raelyn strives to capture authentic, raw emotions through her art work. Find Raelyn’s work here and on Instagram.

An empowering day to remember

Nineteen strong, powerful, beautiful women came together to be part of our session: Mother Nurture -Awaken which took place this past May 20^th. Special thanks to Trixie’s Salon and their team of professional makeup artists who gave these moms a gift of makeup and hair for the session.

Des Moines, Iowa’s first Breastfeeding World Photo Session

“Nursing started off really easy for us. My 10mo old does have a small tongue tie but we opt out of getting it cut because it wasn’t affecting his weight gain and it wasn’t painful for me. Adrian is my first baby so everything was new to me. I do wish I had more knowledge on breastfeeding before I started because no one tells you how time consuming it can be, how dry and itchy your boobs can get or how engorgement hurts so bad. I will never forget the morning my milk came in and I woke up in so much pain. I didn’t know if I should pump, or if I should wake him up to nurse, I had no idea what was going on. I soon found out pumping helps with engorgement. I was cursed/blessed with over supply, It is a love hate thing. I love that I produce enough milk for not only my baby but for babies I donate to, but I hate pumping because It is so time consuming. I do love the bond breastfeeding gives you, the relaxing feeling, and the high you feel when the oxytocin is released. I love that I get tons of snuggles in with my boy each day. And as much as pumping sucks I am so glad I have been able to donated 2500oz so far!” – Ashlee Bliss, 2018 Breastfeeding World Photo Session Participant

“Our breastfeeding journey started out very rough because of a severe tongue tie. After a revision surgery and lots of work, he was able to nurse successfully. It has been a tremendous amount of work, and we fought hard to get to where we are now.” – Aerica Baker, 2018 Breastfeeding World Photo Session

“Breastfeeding has been such an amazing journey! Emma is my 3rd baby, so I feel confident in all aspects of breastfeeding. I love the special bond I have with her! Before I had kids, I never knew I would become so passionate about breastfeeding.” – Ashley Osborn, 2018 Breastfeeding World Photo Session Participant

“I always knew I wanted to nurse my child. I remember vivid dreams before I was ever even pregnant of a beautiful baby with thick, dark, curly hair lovingly nestled on my breast.” – Samantha Damman, 2018 Breastfeeding World Photo Session Participant

“My breastfeeding journey hasn’t been the easiest. I always imagined it to be easy and natural because honestly that’s how people and society portrayed it. However it was anything but easy and it didn’t come naturally.” – Nicole Huber, 2018 Breastfeeding World Photo Session Participant

“Started feeding my baby when she was born & was not familiar with breastfeeding at all. I was the first in my family to have a baby and therefore it was all completely foreign to me.” – Stephanie Finnegan, 2018 Breastfeeding World Photo Session Participant

“I was blessed to breastfeed my son until he was 2.5 years old. Now I’m working through the challenge of nursing my twin rainbow girls. Tandem nursing is an interesting journey.” – Katie Johnson, 2018 Breastfeeding World Photo Session Participant

“I exclusively pumped for over 2 mo this after my daughter had heart surgery. She is finally able to nurse again, and I couldn’t be happier! The bond we share is so strong, and I am so thankful for it!” – Wendy Alexander, 2018 Breastfeeding World Photo Session Participant

“I’ve been breastfeeding for almost two years, starting with the birth of my daughter Carmen and continuing with my 2-month-old Jonah. I’ve had moments that were challenging, funny, and beautiful.” – Jenny Comstock, 2018 Breastfeeding World Photo Session Participant

“I wasn’t sure what to expect with breastfeeding my daughter. I’m a first time mom and the experiences of the women I know who have breastfed were pretty varied.” – Rachel Vaughn, 2018 Breastfeeding World Photo Session Participant

“This is my second baby and breastfeeding, thankfully, had been fairly easy for us this time around. We had the normal kinks to work out in the beginning, but I’m so thankful we have made it this long!” – Katy Sowden, 2018 Breastfeeding World Photo Session Participant

“I started breastfeeding with my first born two and a half years ago. My only set goal was to nurse as long as she needed. One year breastfeeding quickly passed, and soon I was pregnant and nursing a toddler. Now, most nursing sessions include both of my babies.” – Marlise Boedeker, 2018 Breastfeeding World Photo Session Participant

“I have been blessed to be able to breastfeed all three of my children. My youngest, Maverick, is 9 months old now and I’m hoping to be able to breastfeed him until he is a year old.” – Veronica Evans, 2018 Breastfeeding World Photo Session Participant

“I had always thought breastfeeding would be easy since it was so natural but when my little one came into the world I realized that wasn’t always the case. We noticed that she wasn’t getting back up to her birth weight.” – Meredith Larson, 2018 Breastfeeding World Photo Session Participant

“I have successfully breastfed both of my children. However, in the beginning it wasn’t always easy due to others opinions. Throughout my journey, I encountered many people who were uncomfortable around breastfeeding.” – Brandi Rocknell, 2018 Breastfeeding World Photo Session Participant

“I have breastfed each of my older three girls each over two years and I have a 4 month old girl who is now breastfeeding.” – Sonya Hicks, 2018 Breastfeeding World Photo Session Participant

“We had difficulties from the start. From an undiagnosed tongue and lip tie to low supply to allergies which forced me to change my own diet dramatically. We persevered and we are now at almost 15 months and still going strong.” – Samantha Pierce, 2018 Breastfeeding World Photo Session Participant

Another big thank you to Kindred Bravely who is our Platinum Sponsor for this year’s Big Latch On events. 

They have geneoursly collaborated with us to make our Spring and Summer photo shoots possible.

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

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

Erica Farwell Photography captures Breastfeeding World’s first ever Guam Photo Shoot:

A mother’s breastfeeding journey is no doubt a life event that is most successful and enjoyable when we have the support of others, and guidance of those who have gone before us.

That is why it’s no surprise that when Alexia Garcia began her New York City photo project through Alegares Photography, it became a vital resource,encouraging and empowering mothers. What began within the NYC community, now stretches across the globe.

Breastfeeding World has grown so much over the few short years of its existence.

After having our first-ever out of country event in Ecuador in August 2017, we headed to the West Pacific Island of Guam and held Breastfeeding World’s second out of country photo shoot with Erica Farwell Photography.

Quick Facts About Guåhan (Guam)

• Guåhan, as locals refer to Guam, is a territory of the United States, similar in country status as Puerto Rico. The tropical island is nearly half way across the world from from Washington, D.C. (about 7,920 miles!). It is roughly an 8 hour flight west of Hawaii, 3.5 hour flight south of Japan and is home to over 160,000 island residents.

• The weather is summer all year around. IT. IS. HOT! But it is also the island paradise many seek, with its white sand and clear blue beach waters.
• The local food is amazing. It’s a blend of pacific-asian flavors – heavy on the rice and soy sauce. With just the right touch of Chamorro flavor, it’s incomparable to others.
• The hospitality of the people is like none other in the world.
• And if you ask any tourists from Asia, the luxury shopping is just the topper of what makes Guåhan such a renowned destination for travel and vacation in the pacific.

An island full of diversity

Guam is native home of Chamorros, though a vast majority of the population, identify as Guamanian – locals who consider Guåhan home but may not come from native lineage. It’s a fascinating diverse population full of culture from other outer Micronesian islands like Palau, Chuuk, Kosrae, Yap and Pohnpei, further combined with Asian flare of residents with ties to Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. And that’s just a few!

And while there was much political controversy the month prior to the Guåhan Photo Shoot (the first instance of North Korean missile threats to the island in August 2017), there wasn’t much to stop local moms from gathering for Breastfeeding World’s event.

Guåhan’s Iconic Latte Stone Park

The most remarkable aspect about Breastfeeding World that sets our community apart from others in the #normalizebreastfeeding movement, is documenting mothers and children in the most iconic places of our cities. For Guåhan residents, aside from the beautiful beach shores, the Angel Santos Latte Stone Memorial Park is iconic as it gets. It’s lies in the city capital of Hagåtña and makes for a central commute for residents.

Latte Stones are one of the very few artifacts from Chamorro ancient society that remain.

These megalith structures are carved from limestone and were then used as a foundation for traditional hut houses. The stone’s height is also a symbol for class, with larger latte stones belonging to higher class residents, like chiefs. Smaller latte stones, thus, belonged to lower class residents.

Throughout Guåhan’s history – through multiple country colonization and the World Wars – a majority of existing latte stones of the island were destroyed. What remains standing give locals and academic scholars a glimpse into what ancient Chamorro villages may have looked like prior to western influence.

PNW Moms make history for Breastfeeding World’s first Downtown Seattle Big Latch On

There was so much excitement kicking off Breastfeeding World’s first ever west coast Big Latch On in Downtown Seattle! Moms gathered to show just how powerful the PNW community is in coming together in the name of normalizing breastfeeding.

Lots of excitement to make it happen

Like many first-ever events, hurdles that could have happened, happened. With unexpected wild fires burning in our Canadian neighbors’ forests, Seattle had been dealing with poor air quality for weeks. While there were predictions for better air that weekend, the days leading to it proved otherwise. It caused our guests to move from our initial outdoor gathering at Gas Works Park to indoors. Mothers were determined to be present at the event. They made Breastfeeding World’s Downtown Seattle Latch On successful despite the change in plans.

The Washington State Convention Center became the perfect meeting point. We were indoors, which meant a cooler location, better air quality for the children, and a safer place for toddlers to roam freely. Most importantly, a more intimate venue to meet with other guests.

Making History, One Event at a Time

We are so pleased to introduce Breastfeeding World’s first ever Downtown Seattle Big Latch On! For the first time, the volunteers and passionate mamas at Breastfeeding World can’t believe we get to host Big Latch On events from Coast to Coast. Starting from intimate Martha’s Vineyard, to iconic Times Square, to sprawling Central Indiana, and now Seattle! Our project is expanding our reach to communities across the USA.Together, we can empower breastfeeding families in each area!