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I Photograph Breastfeeding Moms To Show That It Shouldn’t Be Taboo
In honour of Mother’s Day this year, I decided to put together a breastfeeding series focusing on one of the many ways that mothers nurture, soothe, and comfort across the globe.
Breastfeeding has always been a topic I hold close to my heart. I find the miraculous way our bodies can grow, birth and nourish babies simply fascinating.
After three babies of my own, I know first hand that breastfeeding is not always simple or easy. It presents a series of challenges that range from physical to emotional. It is not for every mother, or for every child. Sometimes it isn’t even a choice. I respect and support the difficult decisions all mamas make to provide what is best for their babies.
Join me in celebrating the love present in these moments and uplifting Mommies everywhere. Happy Mother’s Day!!
More info: Facebook
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This project was inspired by an incident that occurred when I posted my first breastfeeding self-portrait on the internet
What absolutely baffled me is the negativity and blatant shaming that nursing mothers face daily, particularly when it stems from other women
I wear my own breastfeeding battle scars proudly
They prevented me from nursing my first baby the way I wanted, for as long as I wanted
The second time around was much easier
I was able to experience the incredible bond and euphoria through breastfeeding, that I had yearned to feel the first time
I took this self portrait when my younger daughter was starting to wean, so that I could have a tangible memory of those cherished moments
My self portrait encapsulates love and motherhood in all the little details I want to remember
It also stands for strength and perseverance in the name of challenges
It’s sometimes not even a choice and I respect and support the difficult decisions all mamas make to provide what is best for their babies
When I photograph mothers nursing their children I am overcome with a sense of peace that permeates my entire being
The connection and love present is powerful, organic, sometimes raw, but absolutely beautiful
I feel the need to celebrate and bring awareness to a topic that still remains as taboo as it is natural
Join me in celebrating the love present in these moments and uplifting Mommies everywhere
Happy Mother’s Day!
You can see more images here
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What do you think ?
Arty 9 years ago
so when you see a nipple it's considered "mature content"?? Still wondering why there is a taboo? Come on Bored Panda!
Melina Nastazia (Post author) 9 years ago
I'm with you Arty! It is meant for babies not mature audiences. :)
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Elizabeth Newton 9 years ago
I don't get why you'd post this story about the beauty of breastfeeding, then put up "mature content" warnings on half of the photo's. Isn't the whole point of this to stop the taboo? This is completely hypocritical
Melina Nastazia (Post author) 9 years ago
I agree the point is to normalize boobies (and nipples) in the context of breastfeeding.
Load More Replies...
AnnieLaurie Burke 9 years ago
Will never understand why some people are put off by breastfeeding Moms. The human race would not have survived without them.
Melina Nastazia (Post author) 9 years ago
Thank you so much Bored Panda, for lifting the 'mature content' warnings. Small steps that are so important to normalize breastfeeding!! Happy Mother's Day!! <3
Candice Heinen 9 years ago
This is so beautiful! I am so amazed everyday how women are magical beings! Not only can we create a human life, we can sustain them as well. What a beautiful project to help normalize breastfeeding. I think that some people forgot what the main purpose of breasts are for. I am still unsure why people think its ok to have less than nothing on peoples bodies on music videos, and other sources of media. but think that this is unacceptable. If you as a person are uneasy of breastfeeding. Then look away like you would do to war, or starving children, or any inhumane thing that you deem acceptable.
Melina Nastazia (Post author) 9 years ago
Very eloquently put, Candice! Thank you so much!! <3
Load More Replies...
Melina Nastazia (Post author) 9 years ago
Thank you very much Yasmin!!! <3
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Melina Nastazia (Post author) 9 years ago
A bit contradictory, I know... :/
Load More Replies... Sangfroid 9 years ago
So, all you need is to be mature enough to click on 'Mature' content? I'm pretty sure all the 'perverted' people or children, that they are trying to 'protect', are going to click anyway. So f*****g stupid to try and stigmatize a beautiful, natural human function. AND, all it seems they are considering 'mature' content is where the nipple is fully exposed? Bored Panda, you should be ashamed of yourselves.
Melina Nastazia (Post author) 9 years ago
Just proves the point that we are not there yet, this beautiful, natural function is unfortunately still taboo. We need to normalize breastfeeding! <3
Load More Replies...
Melina Nastazia (Post author) 9 years ago
Thank you very much Jacqueline! This project is very close to my heart, so it really means a lot!! <3
Load More Replies... Arty 9 years ago
so when you see a nipple it's considered "mature content"?? Still wondering why there is a taboo? Come on Bored Panda!
Melina Nastazia (Post author) 9 years ago
I'm with you Arty! It is meant for babies not mature audiences. :)
Load More Replies... Elizabeth Newton 9 years ago
I don't get why you'd post this story about the beauty of breastfeeding, then put up "mature content" warnings on half of the photo's. Isn't the whole point of this to stop the taboo? This is completely hypocritical
Melina Nastazia (Post author) 9 years ago
I agree the point is to normalize boobies (and nipples) in the context of breastfeeding.
Load More Replies... AnnieLaurie Burke 9 years ago
Will never understand why some people are put off by breastfeeding Moms. The human race would not have survived without them.
Melina Nastazia (Post author) 9 years ago
Thank you so much Bored Panda, for lifting the 'mature content' warnings. Small steps that are so important to normalize breastfeeding!! Happy Mother's Day!! <3
Candice Heinen 9 years ago
This is so beautiful! I am so amazed everyday how women are magical beings! Not only can we create a human life, we can sustain them as well. What a beautiful project to help normalize breastfeeding. I think that some people forgot what the main purpose of breasts are for. I am still unsure why people think its ok to have less than nothing on peoples bodies on music videos, and other sources of media. but think that this is unacceptable. If you as a person are uneasy of breastfeeding. Then look away like you would do to war, or starving children, or any inhumane thing that you deem acceptable.
Melina Nastazia (Post author) 9 years ago
Very eloquently put, Candice! Thank you so much!! <3
Load More Replies... Melina Nastazia (Post author) 9 years ago
Thank you very much Yasmin!!! <3
Load More Replies... Melina Nastazia (Post author) 9 years ago
A bit contradictory, I know... :/
Load More Replies... Sangfroid 9 years ago
So, all you need is to be mature enough to click on 'Mature' content? I'm pretty sure all the 'perverted' people or children, that they are trying to 'protect', are going to click anyway. So f*****g stupid to try and stigmatize a beautiful, natural human function. AND, all it seems they are considering 'mature' content is where the nipple is fully exposed? Bored Panda, you should be ashamed of yourselves.
Melina Nastazia (Post author) 9 years ago
Just proves the point that we are not there yet, this beautiful, natural function is unfortunately still taboo. We need to normalize breastfeeding! <3
Load More Replies... Melina Nastazia (Post author) 9 years ago
Thank you very much Jacqueline! This project is very close to my heart, so it really means a lot!! <3
Load More Replies...
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