Extreme Breastfeeding Images: 2nd Edition
Perhaps amazing is a better term. Inspiring. Extreme? Maybe to some.
As a busy mom to 2 littles under 3 years of age I can saftely say, that a mom’s gotta do what a mom’s gotta do to get stuff done. That and breastfeeding is hard work for many.
And sometimes? Sometimes it’s not even about having to breastfeed in public out of sheer urgency, (although mostly it is, these babies are HUNGRY I tell you!) The base emotion of it all, what makes some mothers fight so hard for their rights?
Is that they are doing what is completely ageless, instinctively natural and all to do with mother-hood. Nothing to do with exhibitionism.
These, of course, are only my opinions. Of which I am so right about. In January I shared the 1st edition of images I curated for you all to enjoy and be inspired by. It was such a well-received collection that I’ve decided to share some more with y’all. Because the nursing freedom shan’t ever end. Slider after the jump!
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Hiking
Enjoying some rugged terrain and the splendour of the Yosemite, this mama utilizes having her babe in the carrier to nurse in mother-facing position.
Photo Credit: Milk! SF -
Labour Induction!
I've heard of some things. This is a new one. I wonder if it worked!
Photo Credit: The Breastfeeding Project -
Tandem Nursing Twins
Julie Bowen of the TV show Modern Family feeding her twin babes in a classic football hold.
Photo Credit: The Huffington Post -
More Tandem Beauty
This image is pure mama joy. Huge props out to mamas who can breastfeed past 1 year. HUGE.
Photo Credit: Many Hands House -
Political Activisim
Having to feed her babe doesn't stop this mama from speaking to her country's leader. Nor should it. Blue Milk
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Operating Table
This strong mama voiced her right to breastfeed her baby immediately after a C-section while she was still cut open and being stapled back together!
Photo Credit: The Breastfeeding Project -
While Working
Baby-wearing and nursing with one hand to support the latch, while the other hand balances a load of laundry on top of her head. Bravo.
Photo Credit: Persephone Sunset on Tumblr -
20th Century
Breastfeeding circa 1943. Boomshakalaka.
Photo Credit: Historic Photos & Prints of Breastfeeding on Facebook -
Uhm...Danger Bay?
I understand the need for coffee. Oh believe, me - do I ever. This strikes me as slightly unsafe though, what about you?
Photo Credit: The Breastfeeding Project -
A Mother's Love
I find the composition of this photo of taken by Nataly Dauer particularly striking.
Photo Credit: Off Beat Mama -
Hilarious
This may not be a mother and child, but it sure is dang funny.
Photo Credit: Recipe Art -
Here Comes The Bride
Ah, beautiful BTB. A precious moment captured.
Photo Credit: Kora Organics -
Stackers
Of the human kind. Pretty amazing and adorable. All of these tandem nursing mamas are my kind of heroines.
Photo Credit: The Breastfeeding Project -
Newborn Tandem
Quite the snuggly cradle hold. Supported by mama and papa.
Photo Credit:Earth Mama Baby Angel on Facebook -
Hands Full
A mama of 3 young ones certainly has to be dexterous and deft to get the job done!
Photo Credit: Toushstonez -
Kitty Cuddles
It's not just the mamas who can multi-task while breastfeeding! This is one adorable snuggle-fest.
Photo Credit: Belinda Martins on Pinterest -
The Boobie Beanie
Oh interents. Can't say I'd don this while bf'ing, but to each their own. It is rather good for a chuckle.
Photo Credit:Boobie Beanie -
Sibling Meal-Time
Is dope. As is this picture.
Photo Credit: Tulip Girl -
While Shopping
Been there, done that. No biggie. But, apparently to some - it is.
Photo Credit: Niagara Region Breastfeeding Coalition -
Pumping & Nursing
This is something I've attempted before but never really mastered. I suppose I'm not Zen enough. Which is fine. Totally. Doesn't mean this mama doesn't rock hardcore in my books for various reasons. Read the article to find out!
Photo Credit: Adelaide Now -
Wonder Woman
This right here? This is the fabulous Kim of Prairie Mama Designs and Blog. In this photo she is #owning the Handmade Marketplace at Blissdom this past February. She brought her darling baby boy and rocked being a vendor at the show. As seen here taking a custom order, ringing an order through, baby-wearing and nursing. With the biggest grin on her pretty face.
Photo Credit: Moi on Instagram.
Find all of your nursing and bottle feeding essentials at Baby Zone!
More on the Babbles …
10 Tips For Breastfeeding Mamas
Momfessions: On Breastfeeding & Body Image
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THese are so inspiring! I’m currently nursing-at-keyboard with my 10-month-old son, but that’s not nearly as cool as these ladies. Thanks for posting!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the little guy and the statue
Love how this turned out!
Thanks for featuring me!!
What amazing images! I’m double-pumping at my desk right now. Gotta have the bottles full for daycare tomorrow! I love the operating table pic, I had a c-sect and didn’t get to hold my baby for over an hour and once I finally did, she had been held and passed around by all 4 grandparents, aunts and uncles, and lots of nurses. Next time, I’m insisting on skin-to-skin nursing in the O.R.
It took me a long time to master pumping while feeding. Mainly because I don’t pump that often, so all I have is a manual pump, so the positioning on the pump side is finicky. For the longest time, all I managed was a football hold on the coach (a hold I’ve never favoured) and even though it was awkward, it was worth it because the let down was so good that pumping was really quick+-. That way, I did a bottle a day for 8 months for my first.
It is only with my third babe, that I found a better way because a fellow mom, who spotted my Trekker, mentioned that she nursed her babies in hers. At first I couldn’t imagine how that would work but then I lowered the waist band to lower the baby’s head and it worked. Not only that, but now my hands were free to pump. And the trekker’s straps blocked the baby’s view of the pump so he doesn’t try to play with it. Magic.
Lemme sum up: Maybe you could master nursing and pumping if you use one of your baby carriers/wraps/whathaveyou.
is it just me or are some of these kids a little… i mean way tooo old…. for this
These are awesome pics. I remember folks at the hospital looking at me in a combo of admiration and disbelief as I demanded my child to nurse in the hallway of the maternity floor. They were preparing my room for me after recovery after my repeat c-section. The latch was tough at first since i could get proper position and I had some blisters and bleeding but we perservered. I am so glad and blessed that i was able to provide two children with breast milk well into their toddler years.
Thanks for sharing these awesome images!
Ooof, nursing and pumping. Every morning and evening before and after work from about 5 months through 9 months. I do NOT miss that!!
Arent people NOT supposed to be drinking coffee and breast feeding in the first place?
There is nothing wrong with a woman breast feeding her baby!! It is natural and that is the reason we have breasts. If it is wrong , why do the animals do it. no one thinks it is gross when watching a dog or cat or cow nurse their young!! I guess some people just have to find something to grip about!!
Breastfeeding is the most beautiful and naturel thing i really miss nursing my baby enjoy it while you can because time goes by so fast
I can not wait to master breast feeding in general. My baby is only a month old and I admit that even though he is only 9lbs now, that I just do not have the upper body strength to hold him with out the aid of a arm chair or pillows. But I am confident that once we both get the hang of it that I will be able to multi-task and get up and mobile while nursing
Thanks for featuring my photo! (I’m the operating table Mom) Let your voice be heard Moms. Demand to feed your newborn right away C-section or not.
that kid looks 3 yrs old.i think he should have been onto a cup by now..strange to me
I believe a quote is in order to sum up my feelings about a few of these pictures
Friend 1 (to breastfeeding mother and father) “Your son is so cute… How old is he?”
Embarrassed father “…forty-eight monthsss…”
Friend 2 “that’s four”
Father “…yahh…”
The child nursing looks like he could get milk from the frig.
Can’t these women find a room! And as for the older kids, dear God how long is the mother going to keep her kid a baby? Those images of the older kids make me nauseated. Sex is “natural” too, but most of us don’t do it in public!
Mother of 5 speaks: Of course mothers are PROUD that they are able to breastfeed. Of course, it is natural! But in close quarters, why not be discreet and observe modesty for others? My best friends breast fed their babies, while covering their shoulders and part of babys’s eyes…this quiet cosy way is charming and so-o- feminine (sensitive, and is never about exhibitionism. Collecting lovely scarves and shawls carries you through with beauty and grace!!
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with breastfeeding toddlers :/
love love love it, so good to know that others see breastfeeding as so normal and beautiful.
Precious photos! Brings back wonderful memories. Oldest one breastfed until age 5, next one to age 4, last one to age 2 1/2.
I miss my babies…I breast fed everywhere…once, leaning over a car seat while on a road trip not photos though…:(
Everyone calm down about the show of flesh. Just look at the paintings or statues from several hundred years ago of mother’s nursing their children. Lots of boob on show and it’s not a problem then so why now? Because we are an over-sexualised society that can’t seperate nursing from a woman showing off her bits.
Also, those children are not too old to be breastfed. The natural weaning age of humans is 2.5 to 7 years old. And why not? We easily grow to be 70 or 80 so what’s 3 years of being nurtured like that? The World Health Organisation recommends a minimum of 2 years breastfeeding. The world average is actually at 4years. So calm down everyone and fulfill your children’s needs!
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i beleave in breastfeeding and im 100% for it but if you have to be out where people can see you do it PLEASE COVER IT UP!! they make baby blankets and other things for you to cover yourself and baby. please do so. i have a son that is now 11 but when he was about 4we seen a woman walking in wal-mart with her breast out and baby hooked to it… no cover, blanket nothing. it made me wanna say something to her! and the reason is because i then had to explain to my 4 yr old what that woman was doing and why. he my only child so he wasnt exposed to anything like that. PLEASE BREASTFEEDING MOMS, KEEP THIS IN MIND WHEN YOU HAVE TO FEED YOUR BABY WHERE PEOPLE CAN SEE YOU. think about if you had to explain sex to your 3 or 4 yr old you wouldnt like it and neather did i when having to explain to me son what that woman was doing! thanks
I don’t get your point Dona? Was that woman having sex? Sounds to me like she was just doing a very natural thing, I.e. nursing her baby. Why not just say that to your boy? No need to explain where babies come from and even if… but then I’m just a liberal European mum. ;o)
Two things to the “cover it up” folks… first, do you enjoy eating with *your* face covered up? Yeah, didn’t think so. Second, babies don’t read internet comments. Both of my babies refused to be covered up, just flat-out refused. The choices were hide somewhere, and why would I want to do that when I was wanting to be out & about, or subject everyone to a screaming, hungry, frustrated baby, or breastfeed in public. If you don’t like it, look somewhere else!
This is beautiful, and breastfeeding toddlers are beautiful and their mothers are beautiful.
I LOVE IT CAUSE IT IS A NATURAL THING TO DO..I JUST THINK YOU SHOULD SHOW A LITTLE MODESTY.
I find these pictures incredibly disturbing. Your breasts are yours. For you, your husband and your bra to cover up. Sure breast feed in public, but cover up or go to the nursing stations that malls are now providing. I’m a mother of 2 and I still feel this is just wrong. Especially breastfeeding once a child can walk or talk. That’s pushing it. If you want to pump and give it to your kid, sure. But after age 1, it’s just plain disturbing to have your child on your breast.
I am a proud mom of 4, & I loved my breastfeeding bonding experiences! I usually find tht most people tht have problems with breastfeeding are jealous bc they didn’t do what was best for their babies by giving them the milk God made for them. For the mom tht compared breastfeeding to sex, come on, tht is jst WRONG!! How do u explain to your child what is happening when a puppy is nursing or etc. I hope u dnt say tht its “sex”? Me, personally, felt like it was “my” time/ experience with my baby, but there was the occasion where I had to feed my hungry baby in public, & I did still try to be discrete abt it. But tht was me, I feel to each is their own & they are responsible for their own experience! & we shldnt judge. Bc its not “nasty” its the way the Good Lord meant for us to feed our children, people tht try to make it sexual have issues tht go far beyond breastfeeding! “BREASTFEEDING- a beautiful, natural experience!” You go moms, more power
I am a proud mom of 4, & I loved my breastfeeding bonding experiences! I usually find tht most people tht have problems with breastfeeding are jealous bc they didn’t do what was best for their babies by giving them the milk God made for them. For the mom tht compared breastfeeding to sex, come on, tht is jst WRONG!! How do u explain to your child what is happening when a puppy is nursing or etc. I hope u dnt say tht its “sex”? Me, personally, felt like it was “my” time/ experience with my baby, but there was the occasion where I had to feed my hungry baby in public, & I did still try to be discrete abt it. But tht was me, I feel to each is their own & they are responsible for their own experience! & we shldnt judge. Bc its not “nasty” its the way the Good Lord meant for us to feed our children, people tht try to make it sexual have issues tht go far beyond breastfeeding! “BREASTFEEDING- a beautiful, natural experience!” You go breastfeeding-moms, more power to u!!
Beautiful!!!
I only saw one that showed any more skin than a bathing suit would and this is a lot more natural than showing cleavage at the beach. No one is making you stare or look at these pictures. Also most states explicity exempt breastfeeding from any public nudity or indecency laws because it is not sexual, it is natural and it is decent.
Also, there is absolutely nothing wrong with nursing toddlers, no one is telling you that YOU have to, it’s not your place to judge others, especially when the medical recommendation is 2+ years with no upper limit.
Some of the comments are a bit much. Why should a mom have to cover up while feeding her child if she doesn’t want to? If someone else doesn’t like it, they don’t have to look. If you are uncomfortable, that’s really your issue and it’s sad that you have it. And what on earth is so hard about explaining to a four-year-old what a nursing mother is doing? How about “She’s feeding her baby.” As far as kids being “too old,” that’s just silly. There is absolutely nothing wrong with nursing a toddler – people do it all over the world. The WHO recommends nursing until ago 2 at a minimum. Especially with all the research showing a long between breastmilk consumption and lowered rates of obesity, why would you be in a hurry to get the baby weaned because it’s “not proper”? Given how fat this country is getting, we should be breastfeeding for as long as possible! Glad that my home state of MA acted to protect the rights of nursing moms from harassment – but sad that they needed to.
I nursed 4 children, from 1981 to ’87, an avg of 1 yr each. It wasn’t terribly popular at the time; I got many glares from passersby who figured out what was happening under the blanket as I sat feeding my baby on bench or rock (hiking). Going to the movies with an infant was wonderful; we always brought a pillow and never had a noisy baby. And we had only to carry a diaper bag. The most cherished memory of those years were the peaceful times where my child(ren) and I were together in that intimate embrace, unencumbered by other stressors. Feeding time didn’t include be bolstered against a counter while I poured coffee, being jostled around while shopping, and certainly not sitting on my kitchen floor and pumping while my child fed. If I were forced to feed, say, in a restaurant, it was quiet and modest. I tried to make our “bonding time” as stress-free as possible. I believe that if a mother’s life is so busy that she cannot take time to share a quiet moment with her nursing baby, perhaps she is too busy to have children. I also pumped milk at work during my breaks, but never as my child nursed. PS, I had a friend who was sexually stimulated by breast feeding. I have no doubt she is not the only one out there. Couple that with exhibitionist types, and many of the objections to some of the foregoing pictures are surely justified..
This is advice for mothers awaiting birth and planning to breast feed: Use a rough (air-dried) wash cloth to rub across your nipples a few times a day for as long as you can stand it (maybe 5-10 minutes at a time). Do this for a couple of weeks before your due date. It will help prepare your nipples for nursing and will alleviate some of the discomfort that comes with new breast feeding.
Some of these comments make me want to breast feed with out a cover. I mean seriously people.. “COVER UP” blah blah blah… but you have no problem with showing massive cleavage? I’m feeding my child, I’m not showing off my boobs. Those who think it’s gross or whatever, that’s cool, your opinion but people need to get a grip. You can see animals do it and it’s not an issue but a human mother and her child and it becomes a problem?
And I love to spend time with my son while nursing. But I do have other kids so walking in a store or around a park and nursing (covered up, so don’t get your panties in a bunch) doesn’t mean I don’t have enough time for my child or I shouldn’t have kids because I have shit to do. I’m sure back in the 80′s you were more restricted as to where you could go and what you could do, times have changed.
To the lady who said, that she now has to tell her son that a lady is breast feeding.. OH I’m sorry for making you do your job as a mom. If he saw two people of the same sex kissing would that be an issue as well? Get over yourself. It’s not like he asked about how the baby was created and all the sexual parts.. geeze. She’s feeding her baby.. is the simple answer.
I don’t get all the issues when there are more pressing issues in the world. I cover up because usually, it’s sunny and it bothers my son but why is it that adults act like seeing a piece of a breast is so gross. Maybe because they are not comfortable with their bodies? And it’s not like it’s their husbands sucking on them. It’s a baby who needs nourishment. Everyone needs to mind their business and do what’s best for their child. If you don’t want to encounter that, or have your kid encounter that, stay home.
I am all for breastfeeding. I breastfed my kids. It is the most natural thing in the world. But not one time did I have to do it public. I knew my babies schedule and chose not to go grocery shopping at that time. I was always able to schedule my day and do the things that needed to get done without standing in the middle of Walmart with my breast out. It’s nothing about showing skin, or embarrassed who will see. It’s a personal moment between you and your child that can be done in private. The bond between mother and child doesn’t need to be shared with fellow shoppers or restuarant patrons. I also like to bond with my husband, and its perfectly natural, but not something I’m going to in public, nor do I want to see others bonding.
Mary, come off it. It’s attitudes like yours why people are turned off by breastfeeding nazis like you. I have news for you formula fed babies can and are just as healthy as BF babies. Your boob juice is not that special.
Breast feeding is natural. Im all for breast feeding, but I don’t think it has to take place in public. I didnt let my kids carry their McDonalds Happy Meals while they walked around the mall, they were expected to sit at the table, and eat until they were finished, then we went about our business. I never fed my kids by breast or with a bottle in a public place.
When my babies started drinking out of a cup, and eating with a spoon, I put the boob away.
It’s a beautiful thing.
My first child was born in 1972. Breastfeeding was definitely NOT encouraged-even by the pediatrician-especially when he found out that I would be returning to work when she was only 5 weeks old. The ‘doc’ told me it would never work. He was totally wrong, of course. After my success, every other pg woman on my staff decided to nurse, as well. It is wonderful to see breastfeeding so universally encouraged.
As for public nursing, hungry infants need to be fed. I always had to use a cover of some sort because my kids were way too interested in the world around them, even if they were starving. After teeth arrived, that hurt! My four children all self weaned between 1 1/2 and 3 years. All four of my children put themselves through at least four years of college and way beyond, (masters and an MD)-independent, productive individuals.
My three daughters are now moms. All have nursed my grandchildren. We call it “the family gift.” My son tells me that when he decides to marry, he will make sure his children are breastfed.
I SO LOVE these pictures! only in America it would seem to be a strange thing or sight.my Mother had 6 of us & she had to be MOM, WIFE, HOUSE KEEPER ETC. so YUP, she breast fed all over the place! OK, in public she would cover with a blanket. but still, anymore it’s not such the big deal it once was. But i’d still like it that Woman can be more open in feed a child! AND i’d like it if we would get away from the . butch-dyke (business, military) or soft Woman (needing men’s protection). ideas! Women can be Tough as Nails & still be Soft! if you’d read the REAL west stories Women were NOT wussy’s. Women fought rustlers, indians & mountain lions.they could ride & they could shoot.the men farmed & guess what the Women Farmed RIGHT BESIDE THEM! guess who stood watch when it was needed? guess who tended the ranch while hubby was out tending the cattle or horses on the back 40? when hubby went on a cattle drive or into town for supplies, guess who ran the ranch or farm? and any ideas who ran the ranch or farm workers while hubby was away? that LITTLE WOMAN DID! and for you women who are offended. grow up! to you men offended. you need to grow up as well!
i’d like to offer a different perspective. it has nothing to do with a woman breastfeeding and everything to do with a childs right to eat in public. no one else has to cover up while they’re eating. in fact, eating in public is one of america’s favorite things to do. the vegitarians eat in the same room as the carnivors, the breastfed should have the same freedom as the bottlefed. America has over sexualized breasts. isn’t it interesting that breasts are at they’re largest and most perky when they are full of milk?
Breast feeding in public is more about politics than what it is supposed to be – a private time of bonding between mother and child. Some mothers, who have nothing more to do than to seach and pick outrageous places in which to breatfeed their child, simply are not busy enough. They have entirely too much time on their hands. Try going to work everyday AND finding the time in which to breatfeed your child, and I guarantee there won’t be enough time to find outrageous places to make a statement about breatfeeding. It won’t happen because you’ll be too damned tired.
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As a man, I think its a great thing. But dont give guys a nasty glare if we look over and you dont cover up. Just saying.
Whatever with the breastfeeding. This is the least user friendly site on the internet.
I find this quiet titillating!
Using the restroom, taking a shower, rubbing lotion on my chest, are all natural, but I don’t intend to share it with other people. Just because breastfeeding is natural and normal, it does not mean your breasts should be seen by men other than the baby’s father. How ridiculous for you all to even suggest it. The modesty of women has been allowed to go away. I wonder why? Just because special breast groups and some people tell women to go topless and breastfeed with the breast in view of other men, guess what, women buy into it and say OKayyyyy. It’s sad how women don’t keep anything sacred anymore. And don’t give me the excuse that the breasts are natural. Well so are testicles, but you will never see men showing theirs!!!
thank you so much for featuring me – i am #’s 2 and 13. i love all of these pictures!!
(and yes, him nursing did help to start random contractions to induce labor after my water broke spontaneously, but he didn’t nurse long enough to keep them regular – a good long walk in the hilly park finished what my nursing preschooler started!)
the timing of me finding this article is perfect, as my 5th and final child is just starting the final leg of his journey to self-weaning. i just posted this on my FB page tonight:
“here we go – the beginning of the end.
‘lou has been nursing once every day or every other day for weeks now. he just went 3 days w/out asking and then wanted to nurse tonight. for the 1st time, he told me he can’t get any milk.
he’s 5 yrs and 24 days. after 12 3/4 years of non-stop breastfeeding, i’m almost done. if you spaced out how many years each kid nursed for consecutively instead of concurrently (due to tandem and triandem nursing), i normal- fed my small children 23 1/2 years of human milk.
my youngest weaner was 3.5 and my oldest was 5 yrs and 7 mos.
it was hard. it was uncomfortable. it was not always approved of or understood. but it was my duty and privilege to provide for my babies and i can look at the end of the road with fierce pride that i did it for as long as they needed it. i will never ever regret not giving them their best, most essentially necessary start in life.
i especially love knowing they nursed to an age that they will always r/m it. i hope it is one of their most enduring memories of me all of their lives. never were we all as in sync, bonded, content and still enough to look into each other’s souls as when they were nursing.”