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A photography project founded in late 2014 by Alexia Garcia, photographer a Alegares Photography. Breastfeeding World aims to promote breastfeeding and encourage new moms to nurse their babies through the art of photography and story telling.

The post Our Story & Mission – Breastfeeding World appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Our 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square took place this past Saturday August 3rd during World Breastfeeding Week. It was probably one of the most amazing ones I've ever had. 

About five years ago, the concept of showcasing how natural and beautiful breastfeeding is started. For a few weeks I went on and on, thinking how I could achieve this while still being able to share the different experiences that mothers had. That is when the Breastfeeding World photo project took place.

For approximately 2 months, I dedicated myself to capturing beautiful breastfeeding portraits. I had the opportunity of meeting over 60 New York City mothers who participated in the first photo call. We went to different iconic locations throughout New York City and photographed these beautiful women, nursing their little ones in public. It was epic!

Breastfeeding World was quickly becoming a resource of inspiration and support for our local moms. Yet, there was still so much to be done. In the beginning of July of 2015 one of our photo session participants and beloved friend, Lisa Maloney, had a crazy idea: “Let’s hold a Breastfeeding World Big Latch On in Times Square”, she said.

Sharing the Breastfeeding Love one event at a time

Breastfeeding World's first Big Latch On in Times Square. August 2015

With a month to prepare and a whole lot of sleepless nights, I was leading the Breastfeeding World’s team. We planned and executed one of the most iconic Big Latch On events that have ever happened: 69 nursing mothers came together in Times Square to breastfeed their little ones in support.

This was the beginning of five full years of annual breastfeeding events. We took our celebrations from NYC to several other states, including two countries: Guam and Ecuador.

Our Breastfeeding Celebrations have gathered strong women who have gotten the opportunity to meet like-minded families, and support each other’s journeys. Strong friendships have developed. But most importantly, a sense of empowerment has surrounded each and every one of our events.

Back in 2016, I had to relocate to Massachusetts. Although organizing these events seemed impossible, we pulled it off each and every year. Thanks to our Breastfeeding World Volunteers our events took form and place. Our focus has always remained the same: to bring our mothering community together. Supporting and encouraging each other in our breastfeeding journeys has been one of our main goals. 

Breastfeeding World – a community of love

These past two years have been a real challenge for Breastfeeding World. As the leader, I have encountered a few personal “blocks” along the way. Making it difficult to keep up.

In 2017 a professional development opportunity arose, and I took it. I was promoted to department supervisor in the local hospital I work at. To say that juggling motherhood, school activities, being a full-time working mom, managing Breastfeeding World and the overall ups and downs of life has been difficult, is a BIG understatement!

In 2018, Breastfeeding World underwent a few transitions: a shift in its volunteer team, a website re-design as well as the expansion of our events to Guam & Ecuador. It was not easy, but we did it.

Then this year came…

As much as I love Breastfeeding World and all that it stands for, I was overwhelmed with having to juggle all of the responsibilities I already had. I made up my mind that there was no way our annual breastfeeding celebration would happen this year. It was not until my dear friend Lisa Maloney, and my fellow BFW co-founders, brother Christian and mother Bella Garcia called me that I started re-thinking it. 

Lisa reminded me that we are all humans, as mothers we can only do so much. She also reminded me of all the beautiful reasons why Breastfeeding World has significantly grown. As well as all the help and support it has provided to so many around the world. Instead of judging me for feeling overwhelmed and somewhat powerless, she embraced me with encouragement.

"Your eyes gleam with excitement when you talk about the BFW events," said another friend of mine.

After this small intervention of love and deep understanding, I came to the realization that our Breastfeeding World celebrations needed to happen. Not because of me, but because of the lives that it would impact. Even my sweet baby girl (who’s not a baby anymore) said: “Mami, I can’t wait to work in our BFW event”.

Just like five years ago: with a little over a month to go, I started promoting the event. With non payed 2019 sponsors, very limited financial resources, but a whole lot of willingness and love, my family and I traveled from Massachusetts to NYC for our…

 5^th Annual Big Latch On in Times Square

Breastfeeding World's 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square. - ©Alegares Photography

To some, this year’s event might’ve been way smaller and a whole lot different from previous years. For me, this year’s event was one of the most powerful ones yet. Despite the challenges faced, I was once again able to touch the lives of the amazing NYC mothers that attended our 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square.

This event was intimate. It was beautiful, and extremely empowering. Our 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square was a true demonstration of love and commitment. It reminded me that Breastfeeding World is a community of love and real appreciation for one another.

I was excited seeing some old faces that have grown with us. But it was also very fun getting to know new mommies and daddies who were thrilled to be a part of something so big, yet small at the same time. Babies as little as 10 days old came to celebrate with us this unique event. It was so refreshing seeing 2 & 3 year old nurslings who were more than happy to be having their "milkies, tities, tatas". 

Breastfeeding World's 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square. - ©Alegares Photography

An event to remember, an event to cherish

"Meeting in Times Square to breastfeed with all the other moms that traveled from near and far, was such an inspiring event. We all had separate challenges but we pushed through them making it to that moment on the TKTS stairs to nourish our little ones. Getting the opportunity to nurse together made me a little emotional as I connected with other moms and we discussed our experiences. I left feeling empowered, understood and supported.” – Susie Davies Concelmo, 2019 NYC BLO participant.

 

"It was a beautiful gathering! To see so many women immediately able to strike up conversations, to have so many content babies and children all gathered together is a statement to how natural and nurturing the breastfeeding journey is.” – Cassandra Addams, 2019 NYC BLO participant.

"This was my second year coming out. It was wonderful to meet with familiar and new faces. There’s just something about being with other women, (and men!), taking pride and standing firm in breastfeeding. It creates this great space of empowerment and resolve you can take home with you to use to continue to dispel stigma and pressure to not publicly breastfeed. 

 

It was great to be in that energy. All of the dads got to bond and feel pride in the breastfeeding journey and their important involvement as supporters, and well, as dads! We got to see other families with older tots and kids too. Seeing a generation of breastfed kiddies growing up and flourishing was heartwarming and inspirational.

 

This is the kind of event that really showcases how breastfeeding isn’t an isolated thing. On the contrary, it's something that involves and positively affects the whole family because it positively affects the children.” – Teena Botan, 2019 NYC BLO participant.

My deepest gratitude to you all

Breastfeeding World began after I became a mother to my beautiful baby girl. It began after I was told: “we don’t do ‘THAT’ in here,” while shopping in a children’s clothing store in the UWS. It began after I felt powerless and disoriented by the double standards surrounding a women’s body. It began after I felt the need to be the voice of many through my photography. It began because of each and every one of you, so, THANK YOU.

 

Our breastfeeding journey lasted 4.5 years, it was not easy but it was worth it! - ©Alegares Photography

 

Throughout these past five years, Breastfeeding World has given me a reason to keep on going and pushing forward despite the many obstacles. Although my daughter and I stopped breastfeeding at 4.5 years, I feel that my “nursing relationship” with BFW is still going on (if you know what I mean!). That strong bond and connection we share, grows deeper every day. Despite my imperfections as its “mother,” I feel that BFW has been able to thrive because of you.

Our commitment to empowering women around the world is what keeps us going day to day. Breastfeeding World will continue moving forward and just like our individual motherhood journeys. We will continue sharing the breastfeeding love one day at a time. So, hold on tight! Are you ready for our epic ride?

I would LOVE to hear your thoughts. What would you like to see more of in the future from Breastfeeding World? Please share them in the comment section below!.  

Don't forget! Check out our social media pages to keep up with the breastfeeding love.

If you participated in the event and would like to see more pictures please register to view our gallery. You may purchase images directly through the site, thank you for supporting Breastfeeding World. 

 

Alexia Garcia

I’m a proud mom to a beautiful little girl who is the reason of all my smiles | Creator and founder of the Breastfeeding World Project – passionate about normalizing breastfeeding | Professional photographer serving New York City

The post 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square, a celebration to remember appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Breastfeeding World Founder, Professional Photographer, Full-Time Working Mother

I believe we can all relate to the fact that life as a new mom is challenging in every way. One day you are enjoying a night out with your husband, partner, friends or family and the next you are juggling 20,000 things that are thrown at you. It feels like an everyday battle, for real!

A few years back, when I was pregnant with my little girl I was living in the city that “never sleeps”, in the city that “all dreams come true”;New York City.

At the time, both me and my unborn baby were going through very challenging high risk pregnancy, I was 21 years old and not prepared to be a single mommy. Most importantly, I thought I was not prepared to handle the required life changes that were to come. There was no other choice…

Since my high school years I had always been passionate about photography. After my daughter was born, I spent countless hours in front of my camera hoping to capture her every move. As a result, little by little I started finding joy in documenting our daily lives. I was able to re-kindle with my photography education and spent many more hours working along side very talented photographers who became my mentors.

Meanwhile, I found myself being called to document special moments in my client’s lives. As a photographer, my goal has always been to capture candid interactions that are full of raw emotions. Most importantly, you are the main focus in this whole process and capturing the essence of what makes you, YOU is what I aim for. 

Photography – A passion that lead to activism

While living in New York City I had been harassed for breastfeeding in public. Consequently, In late 2013 I created the New York City Breastfeeding World photo project with the intention of showcasing the beauty of nursing. Above all, mothers needed to stand together and support each other in their journey, that’s were I came in.

I partnered with several makeup artists and other fellow photographers in the area and we were able to gift 80+ NYC moms with a beautiful breastfeeding portrait session. From that point on, there was no going back!

As a result, Breastfeeding World has become an important platform for many parents around the world. It provides them with a level of encouragement and support that many need on a daily basis. I am confident that by sharing our experiences new moms will feel empowered to continue on their breastfeeding and motherhood journeys.

What started as an artistic photo project has now become a fast growing global community of like-minded women who are united by their passion for motherhood. Together, with unique stories, amazing one-of-a-kind events and professional advice, we are becoming that new momma’s support system. Being the Breastfeeding World founder has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. 

 

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” — Aaron Siskind

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A photography project founded in late 2014 by Alexia Garcia, photographer a Alegares Photography. Breastfeeding World aims to promote breastfeeding and encourage new moms to nurse their babies through the art of photography and story telling.

The post Alexia Garcia – Mother, Photographer & BFW Founder appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Part of my family lives on the island and just being here brings me so many happy memories like sitting in Ocean Park during a hot sunny day and admiring the view of both the cottage houses and the close by beach. No wonder why every islander says… Once you visit Martha’s Vineyard you’ll never want to leave!

This year, when we decided we were going to come to Martha’s Vineyard for our last bit of summer vacation right after our very first Big Latch On in NYC, I knew that our little trip to the island had to be the best. We had to do what both my little girl and I are good at…. Creating amazing memories!

That is how our very first oficial event took place. Best Milk? Mom’s Milk was made possible thanks to the amazing support we had from the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, the YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard and business such as: Citrine MV, Made MV, Milk Makers, Mamma Chia, Silverette & The Naked Nursing Tank.

Photography by Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

After our successful event, making Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding World photo session happen was so empowering! I got to meet four beautiful breastfeeding mommies who had difficulties at the beginning of their journey but they didn’t give up! We went to the oh so famous Gazebo in Ocean Park, one of the very touristic icons on the island where they breastfed their little ones with so much love!

The breastfeeding community on the island is not too big but it definitely is an amazing one. According to a conversation I had with Dr. Miller, pediatrician from MV Hopsital, the brazilian breastfeeding community is the most affected by lack of proper information and education leading to an average nursing period of 2-3 months.  Unfortunately it was impossible for us to find a current Brazilian breastfeeding mama on island during our session.

Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding World – Stories of success!

Photography by Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

Saundra Hart and Baby Azealia LaBell

I knew breastfeeding would come naturally to me so when I finally started to nurse my baby I was shocked at the learning curve we both faced and the amount of pain I was in.  We eventually got in our groove and the pain started to fade until I forgot it had even been a factor. Then at two weeks my daughter started having severe digestive issues that caused her incredible stomach pain. She began to fall in the weight percentiles at her well visits. After some trips to the lab and a GI specialist we found out that she’s allergic to several foods I was eating. Her pediatrician suggested I stop breastfeeding her and put her on a special formula for babies with food allergies. I was devastated. This was supposed to be the easy part. I decided that my baby’s best interest was to be breastfed and changed my diet. I’ve always been a vegetarian but now I’ve cut out dairy, soy, wheat, and eggs. I’ve found reasonable dietary substitutes and my baby and I are both healthy now. It can be difficult when I just want ice cream or a sandwich but the nutritional and developmental benefits she receives are more important to me.  

Photography by Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

Sarah Mattson & Baby Emilia

Breastfeeding for me was a real challenge and test of my strength. Naturally I want what is best for my baby girl but I actually found it hard to bond with her during her feedings because it was so very painful. After treating a yeast infection in each breast and a split nipple the pain didn’t cease. It truly felt like I was being cut with small pieces of glass. It seemed to get worse even though I treated my breasts by letting the milk airdry and using cold compresses. All I could do was stare into Emilia’s eyes and cry because that is how I made it through each feeding. Every week I succeeded I committed to one more week. This went on for 8 weeks. Turns out I also had Reynauds of the nipple and had been exacerbating it with those treatments. But with warm compresses and the help and support of some very wonderful women in the breastfeeding network on the Vineyard, I have come to love breastfeeding my sweet little lady.

Photography by Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

Melissa Schellhammer and Baby Juniper

Juniper was born pre-term and via cesarean section and it took her a long time to figure out how to latch. I am so grateful for the amazing nurses at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital for teaching me safe bedsharing practices so that I could keep her skin to skin with me round the clock until we established a good nursing routine. I quickly realized that my body was not compatible with pumping so I worked hard to keep up a good supply and allowing Juniper to demand feed and co-sleep really helped with that. I struggled through 3 bouts of mastitis, one was so rough that I couldn’t even get out of bed. My goals for breastfeeding have changed over time; I went from hoping I could nurse my tiny baby to trying to at least make it to her first birthday, but I am proud to be still nursing my little two year old! There are definitely new challenges these days, mostly having to do with other people’s opinions on when enough is enough. My current breastfeeding goal is to think of what is best for Juniper and ignore everything else. Nursing has definitely not always been that perfect photo moment but every teardrop, every minute of lost sleep, every painful plugged duct disappears when I look down and see the comfort and nourishment that I am able to give to my beautiful Juniper.

We’d love tp hear from you! Share with us your up’s and down’s of your breastfeeding journey in the comments below! 

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

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #BreastfeedingWorld 

Alexia Garcia

I’m a proud mom to a beautiful little girl who is the reason of all my smiles | Creator and founder of the Breastfeeding World Project – passionate about normalizing breastfeeding | Professional photographer serving New York City

The post Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding World appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Fashion is something that is easily overlooked in the days, weeks, and if you’re anything like me, months after having a baby. I felt frumpy and messy for the first few months and it seemed like I was topless AND covered in milk 24/7. I mainly wore my old maternity clothes, which didn’t make me feel very good about myself. When I started venturing outside, my daughter was around two months old, and I needed clothes that made breastfeeding in public easier, while also making me feel better about my new body. After searching my local mall from top to bottom, I realized there aren’t very many stores that carry clothing that is specifically for a breastfeeding mother without also doubling as maternity clothing. There are snap-down camis and bras, shirts with flaps and holes, dresses that stretch from here to there, and fancy woven tops that can be very, very hard to put on correctly.These clothes often have a hefty price tag to boot, and a lot of new mothers have to be careful with extra expenses as they now have a new life to invest in.

If you are worried that you won’t be able to afford all of the clothing that you need to breastfeed, I’m happy to say that in the past fourteen months I’ve gotten by with only four nursing bras, three nursing specific tops, and a whole lot of creativity. I searched within my own closet to figure out what styles worked for me without spending a fortune and I am happy to share them with you now.

1. The Sleeveless T-Shirt:

If you aren’t comfortable showing a lot of cleavage, this is an excellent option. You can make one out of an old T-Shirt to save extra money. Your sleeve holes should be bigger around the armpit in order to breastfeed without ruining the shirt and a stretchy material works best. You can find the “Mere. Soeur.” (Mother. Sister.) shirt that I’m wearing here.

2. Double Shirt Method:

This one comes in handy if your baby dislikes nursing covers and you are uncomfortable exposing your breasts to other people. Simply wear two loose-fitting, preferably low-cut shirts, then pull the top layer up over your chest and pull the bottom layer (along with your nursing bra) down right before you latch your baby. As your baby gets older and his or her head gets bigger, it will be virtually impossible to see any flesh if you position your shirt the right way. The green shirt that I am wearing is a pre-pregnancy boyfriend tee from Target, while the striped shirt is a maternity tank from H & M that is tight-fitting enough to look normal after pregnancy. Even if I bought these brand new, it only would cost about $20 for both. Try a thrift store instead and you will save even more!

3. Loosely Fitted Tank Top:

This is an edgier style, but can be versatile depending on the type of tank top you choose. In the picture above I am demonstrating the side pull (this will cover more of your breast), as well as the pull down method (which is fast and efficient if nursing in public does not make you blush). The best thing about this shirt is that I bought it long before getting pregnant, so not only can I breastfeed comfortably in it, but it cost me nothing in the process. I wear this style a lot while babywearing, which is another great way to discreetly nurse in public without using a cover.

Any of these styles can be worn year-round when paired with jeans and a blazer, or a skirt and cardigan. Whatever style you choose, have fun and get creative! You don’t have to buy a $30 nursing top, or continue wearing your maternity clothes in order to breastfeed and be fashionable. Dig into your closet and find what works for you. The most important thing is that you are comfortable and can feed your precious baby with confidence while saving a few bucks in the process.

Happy nursing, ladies!

We love to hear from you! What is your go to fashion item as a breastfeeding mother?

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

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #BreastfeedingWorld 

Lissa James

Hi! I’m Lissa James, currently living and loving in Seattle, Wa. I blog mainly about my experience breastfeeding, as well as attachment parenting, and postpartum anxiety and depression. I hope to encourage and empower other women through my writing. I am a Potterhead/The X-Files junkie, and I love to read and paint. I am currently writing and illustrating a children’s book about breastfeeding! Find me on instagram @bumblebeelullabies and find my mama mermaid art @mermamame!

bumblebeelullabies.wordpress.com/

The post Affordable Fashion for the Breastfeeding Mother appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Ironically, most governments support six months of exclusive breastfeeding, but sabotage this recommendation by providing only 45 days of maternity leave after birth (and some moms have none).

The “baby-moon” is too short! It’s like dating: for loving and getting involved with someone, it requires time. The same thing happens with motherhood. We need time to adapt to the new feelings, to the new schedule (some of us never do), to the new life we have in our arms. In 45 days, we are just starting to understand our baby’s cues!

And breastfeeding crisis begins…

Above all, we have our pediatrician, depending on how “supportive” he or she is with breastfeeding, some have never breastfed or are not parents, so talking about parenting choices with them, they’ll probably give opinions based on their own experience, yet not all experiences apply to our lives.

Oh! And how about our family and friends? It all comes down to one thing: Have you seen them breastfeed, or at least the male family members have seen women in your family breastfeed? If the answer is no, they’ll probably won’t be the ones you’ll count on when having a “midnight crisis”(a.k.a. colic). They’ll probably be the first to suggest a pacifier or a bottle of formula, and again, breastfeeding crises. So, what can you as women and mother do to prevent sabotaging your breastfeeding experience?

According to the “Womanly Art of Breastfeeding” and my experience, it is quite as simple as:

• Building a support network: Women and families that breastfeed or that have breastfed. Where to find them? At a La Leche League support group, or hang out with those “exhibitionist” women at a park feeding their babies. There are many play-date groups you may join too.

• “No, thank you”: “A little bit of formula won’t do harm. You need time for yourself.” Answer: “No, thank you”. “She is crying so much! Your milk seems not to satisfy her hunger.” Watch for hunger cues. Trust your body.

Read: Is my baby getting enough milk? A challenge to ditch the numbers and watch your baby

• “I can buy milk if you want”... your answer: “No, thank you”. “Try this new pacifier! It wont harm her suction“. Answer: “No, thank you”.

• No pacifiers or bottles: When pregnant, one of people’s favorite thing to give you, since it’s quite “normal” these days, are breast substitute products. Don’t have them near you. Use them after the second month of your child, or as simple as not using them, ever! These are the REAL enemies of breastfeeding! Nipples hurting, mastitis, and almost all breastfeeding problems come to these products. Avoid them if you want a successful breastfeeding experience. If you really need to go somewhere without your child, there are many options like having the baby drink from a tiny cup (like shots), having the baby “sit” in a 45° angle (if baby is younger than 6 months). Some moms give their breast-milk through a syringe.

• For working moms: Start on your breast milk bank A.S.A.P.! Use the prolactin peak (hormone involved in milk production), from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. to get a nice pump, so you can store it when needed. Use your baby’s sounds, pictures or while breastfeeding to get more milk out per pump, since the oxytocin, the hormone of love and milk release, boots out when the brain registers baby is near. Remember that breast-milk can stay: 7 days in a refrigerator, 1-3 months in a freezer shared with a refrigerator, and 3-6 months in an only freezer.

• Last but not least: Common sense and instincts are the ones to trust! In other words, TRUST YOURSELF! Trust your body, trust your milk and your breasts, as your heart which pumps blood, because that same blood is the milk that you give your child. Enjoy every second of life you’re giving to your baby…

Are you sabotaging your breastfeeding experience? What do you think? Share your experience with us by commenting below and inviting your breastfeeding friends to do so as well!

Love this post? Don’t forget to pin it!

Please join us in our social media accounts, get up to date with the progress of our project!

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #BreastfeedingWorld

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Maria Eugenia Corbett

Born in Panama City | I married and began a teaching career on 2007, I became a mother to her my first child in 2009 and I began going to La Leche League meetings being pregnant, becoming an active member and volunteer mother. After my second child on 2011, I began getting more involved in helping other moms | On 2014 Maria Eugenia became a Lactation Counselor and on August 18th I’ll be a certified La Leche League Leader | I’m a Breastfeeding speaker, an active leader and a counselor.

The post Are you sabotaging your breastfeeding experience? appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

It is not uncommon for women to find themselves walking through the woods of despair in the weeks following childbirth.

These feelings of fear and anxiety are typically considered the baby blues. However, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), if these symptoms have not resolved themselves independently within 1-2 weeks postpartum, mama may be suffering from postpartum depression.

There are many different causes and risk factors for postpartum depression, including hormonal shifts and personal experiences. There are also many suggested courses of treatment. We can delve into all of that another time, but right now I’d like to share my story with you as a sort of personal therapy, and to let other mamas know they are NOT alone in this dark journey.

Days of Darkness: One mom’s journey with Postpartum Depression

After my son was born via an unwanted cesarean, he was taken to the NICU for a few hours to stabilize his oxygen levels. The experience of his birth was overall quite traumatic for me, but my journey had only begun. In the days following my son’s birth, it was physically difficult for me to care for him due to a difficult recovery from my surgery. Before long I found myself crying in the middle of the day, in the middle of the night, and for no apparent reason at all. I constantly blamed myself for silly little things, acting like they were the end of the world.

One of the most difficult moments was when I started screaming at my family, which upset the baby, and then my husband had to wrestle me away from our gun safe as I had decided they were all better off without me.

That’s when we knew I needed help. Thoughts of harming yourself and others are the biggest sign that you need immediate help. Unfortunately, I am stubborn and refused to talk to anyone other than my husband about my feelings. I was afraid that if I was honest with a therapist about my feelings that they would take my baby away from me, which would only make things much worse.

Thoughts of harming yourself and others are the biggest sign that you need immediate help.
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The days went by.

Soon I faced challenges breastfeeding. At the same time, I adjusted as as my parents left and my husband went back to work.

Why are they trusting ME with this little baby’s life? I can barely take care of myself! But every day I mustered up the strength to care for him.

I decided I would try the old fake it til you make it method… and it worked. Until it didn’t. As I tearfully filling out the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at the pediatrician’s office, it became apparent. I was not getting better. My mom came back to help out for a bit, and when my OB called to check on me regarding the score on my survey, I told her I was fine and my mom could handle it. She was happy to hear that, but her response was like a dagger: “Well if you feel like you need anything, give us a call and we will prescribe you something.”

Yes. Some women need medication. But that should NEVER EVER be the immediate course of action! She never even offered therapy or anything! How dare she just throw pills at the problem?!

Now I really started to fake it. I was great, I faked so good I had myself convinced I beat it.

Then it happened.

I hit rock bottom. Hard.

I sat crying for an hour in the shower after deciding that Critter was better off without me.

I actually thought that giving my baby away would be better for him. My thoughts went a mile a minute, shifting gears, getting very dark and quite frankly very screwed up. My mother offered to take the baby for a while when I shared my feelings with her. I suddenly realized maybe he wasn’t better off without me… after all, where would he get his boobie milk?! And there it was, I realized that one of the very challenges I thought may be contributing to the darkness was the actually the answer to finding peace.

And there it was, I realized that one of the very challenges I thought may be contributing to the darkness was the actually the answer to finding peace.
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Breastfeeding Critter, through the darkness and despite the challenges, was my only solace. When I felt like I hadn’t bonded with my baby, breastfeeding is what saved us. No matter how “bad” I was for my baby, I was the only one who could give him what he needed.

I’m still struggling every day. Some days are better than others. It has officially been 3 weeks since my last serious episode, though I battle at least a few dark thoughts and heartache daily. Last night, I finally admitted that I do need to find a therapist, and that I do need help still.

However, I think maybe the best therapy for me is getting the message out there that Postpartum Depression is real

. It is SCARY. Mothers need to stop pretending it doesn’t exist. We need to talk about it. But most of all, we need to share our stories and give each other love and support. The following link provides some information on postpartum depression, causes, treatments and support groups.

It is my deepest hope that if you are suffering from PPD you find the strength and courage to persevere, and to accept the help that you need.

Are you suffering from postpartum depression? Do you know someone who is? Leave us a comment below and share your thoughts.

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Jaimie Zaki

Jaimie is a mom, an Air Force wife, and nurse who grew up in rural Maryland. She has faced many challenges with the transition to motherhood. These challenges however, helped her find her passion for educating and supporting other women throughout their journeys and challenges in breastfeeding, relationships and motherhood. She is really excited to find her voice again by writing for Breastfeeding World and helping spread the good word!

The post “My Baby is Better off Without Me”- A Mom’s Journey Through Postpartum Depression appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

In 2015, our project began with a few passionate moms in NYC. United together, they were excited to support other women and normalize breastfeeding. Since then, our small breastfeeding community has blossomed around the world. While our photo shoots and Big Latch On events remain in localized areas across the globe, our online community now reaches thousands of moms every week.

Together, we continue to grow, support, and “Spread the breastfeeding love.” However, Breastfeeding World needs you to join our team of volunteer blog contributors. Here, we continue to grow and support our amazing mommy readers!

Want to know more? Let me explain…

Photo taken from: http://www.77yregiment.com

• First, are you passionate about writing?
• Are you a lactation professional, SAHM, Working Mom, or blogger looking for a creative outlet?
• Do you enjoy telling stories?
• Can you share valuable tips about breastfeeding, birthing, child development, or parenting with other moms around the world?

We are looking for intelligent parents, who are willing to commit to submitting monthly blog posts with these guidelines:

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A photography project founded in late 2014 by Alexia Garcia, photographer a Alegares Photography. Breastfeeding World aims to promote breastfeeding and encourage new moms to nurse their babies through the art of photography and story telling.

The post Looking for Volunteer Blog Contributors appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Photo by Christian Garcia – Alegares Photography

Photos by Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

Photos by Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

Photos by Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

Photos by Christian Garcia – Alegares Photography

Photos by Christian Garcia – Alegares Photography

Photos by Christian Garcia – Alegares Photography

Congratulations Kelsie! Photo by Alexia Garcia – Alegares Photography

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Photo by Christian Garcia – Alegares Photography

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

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #NYCBreastfeedingWorld 

Alexia Garcia

I’m a proud mom to a beautiful little girl who is the reason of all my smiles | Creator and founder of the Breastfeeding World Project – passionate about normalizing breastfeeding | Professional photographer serving New York City

The post Our very first NYC Big Latch On  appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

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Alexia Garcia

I’m a proud mom to a beautiful little girl who is the reason of all my smiles | Creator and founder of the Breastfeeding World Project – passionate about normalizing breastfeeding | Professional photographer serving New York City

The post Join our NYC Big Latch On appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

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

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #NYCBreastfeedingWorld 

 

Alexia Garcia

I’m a proud mom to a beautiful little girl who is the reason of all my smiles | Creator and founder of the Breastfeeding World Project – passionate about normalizing breastfeeding | Professional photographer serving New York City

The post NYC breastfeeding moms peacefully protest against Big Morning Buzz show   appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Photo by Alexia Garcia / Alegares Photography

Coming back to the main reason of this post…

We are currently fully booked for this session. Thanks for your interest.

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

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #NYCBreastfeedingWorld 

Feel free to comment below with your thoughts or questions! 

Alexia Garcia

I’m a proud mom to a beautiful little girl who is the reason of all my smiles | Creator and founder of the Breastfeeding World Project – passionate about normalizing breastfeeding | Professional photographer serving New York City

The post Calling all NYC badass breastfeeders appeared first on Breastfeeding World.