Motherhood and the real truth about Mothers breastfeeding
A gentle, honest look at a journey that often feels more complicated than it needs to be.
Why Breastfeeding Can Feel Complicated (But Doesn’t Have to Be)
My motherhood sessions are open, honest, and rooted in real connection — the quiet, cinematic kind that unfolds naturally.
As a London family and portrait photographer, I often document mothers breastfeeding their babies, whether they’re newborns or toddlers — and one thing I’ve learnt is this:
Breastfeeding is never just a feeding choice.
It’s emotional, cultural, personal, and deeply human.
How Long People Breastfeed Around the World
In the UK, many mothers stop breastfeeding within the first few months, some by their baby’s first birthday.
Worldwide? Three to four years is the average.
In some cultures, children breastfeed until age five.
Same act.
Different stories.
Different expectations.
And that’s why so many mothers here feel conflicted. This post isn’t about promoting one “right” way — it’s about helping mothers feel supported, seen, and less alone.
Whether you breastfeed for one week or several years, you deserve a narrative that honours your experience.
The Quiet Fear of “Not Getting It Right”
Almost every new mum I meet has whispered at least one of these fears:
What if I can’t do it?
What if it hurts?
What if people judge me?
What if my body doesn’t work the way it should?
It’s heartbreaking how much pressure women carry before they’ve even begun.
So here’s a gentle reframe:
What if it works beautifully?
What if it becomes a moment you look back on with softness?
What if the experience is allowed to unfold — without expectation, without comparison?
Breastfeeding in the UK: A Social Story We Don’t Talk About Enough
Medical evidence tells us breastfeeding supports a baby’s immune system, development, and wellbeing.
But here’s the truth:
In the UK, the struggle is rarely just physical.
It’s cultural. Social. Emotional.
Many mums feel watched. Judged. Unsure where they “fit.”
Breastfeeding in public can still feel uncomfortable — not because mothers are doing anything wrong, but because our society hasn’t normalised it enough.
The more we soften these attitudes, the more supported new mothers will feel.
The Real Truth: Breastfeeding Is a Journey, Not a Test
I’m pro-breastfeeding — and also pro-mother.
Those things must live together.
I breastfed my first for only a few weeks. I breastfed my second for six months, and if I could whisper anything to my past self, it would be this:
Take it one feed at a time.
It doesn’t have to look perfect.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
Here’s what I want every mum to know:
• It’s not all or nothing.
Even a short period of breastfeeding has benefits.
• It often gets easier.
Those early days are the steepest hill.
• Support changes everything.
A lactation consultant, a midwife, a friend — one person can make the difference between giving up and finding your rhythm.
Why I Love Photographing Breastfeeding Portraits
Breastfeeding portraits aren’t really about breastfeeding.
They’re about:
• connection
• grounding
• presence
• the quiet tether between you and your child
These images feel cinematic, intimate, and deeply human — the kind that capture not just a moment, but a bond.
If documenting this season is something you’d love, I’d be honoured to create something meaningful for you.
These moments don’t need a dedicated “breastfeeding session” — they naturally unfold within my maternity and motherhood work, and I always approach them with sensitivity, privacy, and care.
Helpful Resources & Links
I’m Samantha — a London-based newborn, maternity, and family photographer creating natural, emotionally honest, in-home sessions. I’ve been photographing babies and families since 2012, blending intuition, storytelling, and a quiet cinematic sensibility into work that feels warm, real, and deeply personal.
My art is an extension of who I am — thoughtful, soulful, and rooted in connection. And yes, I’ll happily travel wherever your story takes me.