Ali’s Story ~ Breastfeeding Photography, Spokane, WA

For World Breastfeeding Week, I met with a few different moms to help them capture their breastfeeding relationship, and to hear a little about their breastfeeding journey. Meet Ali, sweet mama to Phineas and Auden…

Phineas and I had a rough start to our breastfeeding relationship. For me, it wasn’t a lack of support, but rather my pride that kept me from seeking the help we needed. Admitting that I needed help was a humbling experience, and my first lesson as a mother. It is truly magical to have a remedy for every bump and tumble, to be someone’s home base, and a source of nutrition. Nursing through Auden’s pregnancy was challenging but strengthened our relationship with the discussion of limits and boundaries. Now that Phin has a little brother, they bond over “booyahyah,” sharing giggles and holding hands. Phin even suggests I nurse Auden when he is feeling sad. I love breastfeeding because I love the closeness it has given me with my boys.

I don’t feel very comfortable nursing Phin in public anymore, or even in front of family members, although occasionally they are there during one of his times of day (he nurses morning, nap time, and bedtime). I think part of my ambivalence stems from my body’s slight aversion to nursing him as he moves towards weaning, and partly because of casual remarks I heard family members make about extended breastfeeding. He was a baby when time magazine ran the iconic cover of the preschooler standing on a stool nursing. My family has always seemed really supportive of breastfeeding otherwise. I hope that I can pave the way for others in my family and friend circle to breastfeed beyond babyhood. I’m really happy to have made it this far with phin despite our rocky start, and I hope to do the same with Auden.

Esther Edith is a mama-centric Photographer and Birth Doula, serving Spokane, WA, Coeur d’Alene, ID and the surrounding areas.
I specialize in maternity, birth, newborn lifestyle, breastfeeding, and babywearing photography. If you are interested in inviting me to capture your story in timeless images, please connect with me to envision together and reserve your session.

Spokane WA and Coeur d’Alene ID Maternity, Birth, Newborn, Babywearing, Breastfeeding, and Couple’s Photography
Eastern Washington and Coeur d’Alene Idaho, Professional Photography and Birth Doula Services

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