more from the nursing portrait project: jo & penny

I've had the pleasure of getting to know Jo Greep during our childbirth educator seminar and reading her blog chronicling her adventures in motherhood. We had a really nice breezy afternoon in the park and Penny was an adorable and very happy participant in these nursing portraits. Thanks Lovely Ladies!

Has there been anything about your breastfeeding experience that has surprised you? 

I went into pregnancy and parenting assuming I would breastfeed, and although I knew it would be an intense experience -- especially at the start when you're nursing almost constantly -- I didn't expect it to be such an emotional one. I love nursing my daughter. I love nourishing her with my body and I love the connection and bond it has created between us. We get to cuddle regularly throughout the day. I get to smell her and feel her skin against mine. I can soothe her when she's upset and help her sleep soundly at night. Now that's she older, her face actually lights up when she realizes it's time to nurse. She'll break into huge smiles and let a giggle escape as I undo my shirt and it just melts my heart every time. We are nursing less with every passing month, as she continues to explore and get nourishment from solid foods, and while it's freeing in some ways, it saddens me to think about the moment when our nursing relationship will end.

What did you do to prepare or educate yourself for breastfeeding before Penny was born? 

I was really worried about breastfeeding before my daughter arrived. Although I'd heard positive things about how rewarding it is and how it's the best thing for the baby, people were also open about their difficulties with it. I heard stories of having a hard time with latching, nipple soreness, infections, plugged ducts, mastitis, thrush, supply issues, etc. and went into it thinking, "It's going to be REALLY hard, but you are going to do it no matter what it takes." With this attitude in mind, I recruited my husband for support and thankfully, he was fully on board. I read a lot of books and he read parts of them as well. We attended a workshop at Real Birth together and we prepared for the worst. Then Penelope arrived and... things were fine. It took us a day or two to figure out the latch (with Tony leaning over the two of us and offering suggestions :)). My nipples were crazy sensitive and took a while to get used to all the activity. From the start, I had major oversupply (the opposite of my worries!), but I quickly learned how to manage it and make it work for the baby and I. We even battled a mild case of thrush. But, in the end, nursing was fun and I never felt more proud than ever at those early doctor's appointments as I watched her weight soar -- and all because of what my body was providing.

Can you handle the cuteness?

I really enjoyed doing these portraits--it's so rare to find moms and babies in such a relaxed and intimate state and I'm so grateful that these kind folks have shared this with me. There are a couple more sets coming, but I'd love to continue encouraging women to photograph their sweet nursing moments. Either with a professional photographer or at home by themselves...the days go by so quickly. Hanging out with these moms and babies made me miss the stages past, but so glad I've been lucky enough to experience them all. 

Comments

[karynne]

I've been following Jo's blog for years, and I love her writing, photography, information, and insight. And I adore the photos of she and Poppy, and your post about them and breastfeeding. Thanks for sharing!