Motherhood and the real truth about Mothers breastfeeding

My natural motherhood sessions are open and honest and capture and explore Motherhood in all its raw and intimate beauty. I'm a London Portrait Photographer focusing on families, children and close connections. I also photograph Mothers with breastfeeding babies and children of any age.

Many mums tend to breastfeed their children up to a few months old or a year in the UK. However, the worldwide average is 3-4 years old, and in some parts of the world, mothers will nurse their children up until five years old for bonding and health reasons.

Even though the medical evidence shows that breastfeeding protects babies from infection and improves their mental and physical development, The UK has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates worldwide.

Understandably, one aspect that affects the UK's low rates is that some mothers find breastfeeding doesn't work for them and opt to bottle feed. Aside from this, another huge reason that prevents mothers from breastfeeding their children is social attitudes.

Experts say that social attitudes that deter women from breastfeeding for more than a few weeks in the UK need to change in the interest of babies' health.

This post isn't about criticising mums who choose not to breastfeed. It's about empowering new and expecting mums with joy and anticipation that it will be wonderful. It's about them feeling comfortable at home, with their partners, in public and so on.

What's happening is mums are worrying and fearful that it won't work and that they'll fail. Changing attitudes towards mothers breastfeeding so that women can feel more confident and comfortable with making choices they're happy with is where they need to start.

I'm pro-breastfeeding, but that doesn't make me anti-formula feeding - not at all. That being said, if a mum wants to breastfeed her child, I take my hat off to her. It takes/took real effort and persistence from so many people, including me.

And this is why I love to photograph intimate portraits of mum and child. Mother and Child Photography is unique and extraordinary, and Mum needs to be comfortable doing a lot of skin-to-skin in front of the camera, trying out this and that.

I'm Samantha, a London-based Portrait Photographer, Content Marketer, and Educator. I've been capturing the essence of adults, children, and babies since 2012.

I aim to help individuals, families, and brands forge meaningful connections with themselves and their audiences.

I'm a soulful creative and a purposeful storyteller. My art is an extension of who I am, rooted in values of connection and creativity.

And yes, I'm always up for a bit of worldwide adventuring with my work.