The socially distanced photoshoot was a collaboration between an Irish lactation consultant and a Wicklow photographer.
They say when women support women amazing things can happen. Well when women support breastfeeding women it's positively stunning. Last week a tribe of Irish women joined forces in Wicklow to create a beautiful image to celebrate world breastfeeding week.
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The photoshoot took place in a beautiful meadow in Wicklow and was completely in line with social distancing rules and regulations. Facemasks were manditory and numbers were strictly limited to adhere with the current rules. The result was a breathtaking set of photos showing Irish women breastfeeding their children.
The photography project was organized within 24 hours as a way to round off another successful World Breastfeeding Week. Lactation consultant Kitty wanted to create a powerful visual representation of breastfeeding in Ireland. There were mothers of all ages and stages feeding children of all ages and stages. I think you'll agree that it is beautiful.
The incredible photographer on the day was Amanda Hatten (yourstory_photography) who gave up her time and was delighted to be involved in the project. Speaking on her own Instagram she spoke about the significance of this photoshoot happening merely weeks after her own breastfeeding journey came to an end.
"I was so blessed with a huge community throughout all my feeding journeys and today reminded me of that and filled me with joy".
Amanda kindly extended her services and took a number of individual shots of mothers feeding their children. Photos and memories that will last a lifetime.
Lactation consultant Kitty was overwhelmed by the event which was a dream come true for her.
"In less than 24 hours we came together on this grey drizzly day to celebrate world breastfeeding week. The event has truly brought me to tears. Every day I see women's struggles with feeding their babies".
"I see you mummas. No matter how long or short your journey. Today and this week is about you".
World Breastfeeding Week has now come to an end but what a beautiful way to capture the event. Kitty wanted to leave us with some lovely information about breastfeeding that many people may not know. We are fascinated.
Breastmilk Is Personalised Medicine
There are numerous antiviral and antibacterial properties in breast milk that protect a baby from infection. These infection-fighting properties are being continually updated in response to the mother and baby's environment.
When a mother's body encounters a new germ, her mature immune system will deploy millions of white blood cells to fight it off and quickly pass them on to her baby via her milk.
Over 95% Of Women Can Produce All The Milk Their Baby Needs
The vast majority of women can make all the milk their baby needs, and contrary to popular belief, the size of a woman's breasts doesn't impact the volume of milk she can produce.
Milk production depends entirely on supply and demand. In the early months milk needs to be removed effectively from both of her breasts at least eight times in twenty four hours for a mother's supply to be established and maintained. By far the most common reason for low milk supply is under stimulation of a mother's breasts, either because her baby isn't feeding frequently enough or isn't removing milk effectively.
Breastfeeding Acts As A Natural Painkiller
Breastmilk contains natural painkillers called endocannabinoids. Breastfeeding before and during vaccination injections has been shown to reduce pain in babies.
