We LOVE sharing the breastfeeding love through imagery, which is why we are so passionate about showcasing moms breastfeeding on Instagram, the visual social media network.
That’s a lot of boobs and babies.
So why is it that Instagram moms #cantstopwontstop when it comes to showing their babies getting that sweet liquid gold? Because visualization is important. There is a reason that inspirational speakers, and athletes put such an emphasis on visualizing their goals: because the power of imagery makes SUCH an impact on our brains, that mental visualizations are shown to be almost as effective as physical practice (source).
How does that correlate to the importance of seeing women breastfeeding on Instagram? Because the best way to break down sexual stigmas and breastfeeding ignorance is to make it normal. (Speaking of, if this is something you are passionate about, you are going to want to read this post about being a breastfeeding warrior, and letting go.)
So the best way to make breastfeeding normal, is to see it. It’s why nursing in public isn’t just feeding a baby- it’s changing the way society looks at breasts, moms, and women. Breastfeeding Photography is the foundation of our project, and we will always be proud that we are part of an incredible movement across the globe to support women.
Just Like Me: Real Moms Breastfeeding On Instagram
Breastfeeding World has ALWAYS celebrated breastfeeding mothers on our Instagram feed, but in the New Year, we decided to change things up a bit. For the first week of the year, we decided to show not just images from our stunning team of professional photographers, but to share photos of real women, with real stories, successes, and struggles in a project our editing manager dubbed “Just Like Me: Real Moms Breastfeeding”. We fell in love with photo after photo- every tag, DM, and image of women breastfeeding on Instagram had us cheering in joy.
Here are our absolute favorite images:
1. When Mom breastfeeding on Instagram do it all:
Pumping? No problem. Nursing in public? #nailedit. Getting married? Bring it on. Scottish Mom Olive knows “you do what you gotta do!”
2. Breastfeeding with Ginormous Boobs
There is a complete myth out there that if you are a large chested woman, breastfeeding should be easy. @Kloudsmama assures while sharing her gorgeous image of her and her child breastfeeding on Instagram, that’s not the case.
3.Allllll The Newborn Squishiness
These mommas breastfeeding on Instagram have our ovaries quivering in love. I can practically smell that breastfed newborn sweetness through the screen. Twenty to life, Lauren, twenty to life!
4. “I’ll breastfeed as long as she wants!”
Why is it that society thinks that if you breastfeed past one, it’s instantly time to start weaning your child? While full term breastfeeding isn’t as extreme as people like to think, the social stigmas surrounding it keep many moms practicing boundaries and not sharing photos of themselves breastfeeding as much. That’s part of the reason we are SO in love with this milk bath image that Hawaiian mom, Aubrie, shared:
5. Sweet, Sweet Baby Rolls
There isn’t a mom out there not in love with sweet milky sustained baby rolls. And the look of love in this sweet girl’s eyes give us all the feels.
6. Breastfeeding while pregnant
Another breastfeeding myth out there is that it’s not safe to breastfeed while pregnant, and Aida’s stunning photos shine with proof that in most cases, it’s just not true. (Not to mention, we love the before and after of the pregnancy and then tandem nursing!)
7. Motherhood, Unfiltered
Over and over, moms breastfeeding on Instagram show that women are multi-tasking queens! And while we all get touched out one time or another, we also frequently remind ourselves just how lucky we are to be so needed and loved.
8. #MomGoals
I don’t know any mom that has ever looked so amazingly empowered while breastfeeding on Instagram as Jessie. I’d double dog dare anyone to try to shame her breastfeeding her adorable son. Double. Dog. Dare.
9. Anytime, anywhere
These three mamas take breastfeeding on Instagram to a whole new level. (Anyone recognize our very own Abby D?) They are showing the world that when your kiddo is hungry, your kiddo gets to eat. End. Of. Story.
10. Beautiful Breastfeeding
No caption needed.
Make up, no shower, professional photography or a quick brelfie with your iPhone- mothers across Instagram are uniting together for a powerful cause. The point isn’t to “flash your boobs”, “get attention”, “act like you’re a better mom”, or any other stupid comment you hear society say when they try to oppress images of women nursing.
When nursing moms share images of ourselves nursing, post brelfies, or simply nurse in public, we are showing the world that breastfeeding is just a mom and a baby, and that is beautiful. And we are telling other nursing moms that they are okay, they don’t have to hide, and they are not alone
So let’s #uniteinmotherhood , Share the breastfeeding love, and keep posting those pics!
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
Lauren Lewis is no stranger to childcare development, having spent over 10 years as a nanny or family childcare provider. She’s the wife of a travel geek, mother of two vivacious children, and has an amazing talent for trailing lost things behind her a la Hansel and Gretel. Her passion for lifting up women and advocating for children pours out in her work as a Central Indiana Event Coordinator, Writer, and Social Media Relations Director for Breastfeeding World. Her life is full of busy, crazy and LOUD. It is full of love and hope, ups and downs. And coffee, always lots of coffee- but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
