Have you ever experienced something so profound it changed the very way you see the world?
For me, this happened back in 2006, far away from my comfort zone, in a small rural village in Malawi. It wasn’t an exotic holiday or a dreamy escape; instead, it was a trip that shifted something deep within me, planting the seed for the work I do today as a motherhood photographer.
In Malawi, life was a vibrant tapestry woven with resilience, joy, and an extraordinary sense of community despite extreme poverty. Every day, I found myself amazed by mothers who carried their babies close, breastfeeding openly and naturally, without a hint of shame or discomfort. It was simple, yet powerful. Essential. Life-giving.
Back home, breastfeeding was invisible, hidden behind closed doors and shrouded in secrecy and shame. I grew up not seeing women openly feeding their babies, believing breasts were something to hide rather than celebrate. It wasn’t until I saw the mothers of Malawi that I truly understood how beautiful and vital breastfeeding is, not only as an act of nourishment but as a powerful connection between mother and child, woman and community. I often wish I had taken photos of those moments, but at the time, it wasn’t something I was used to. I held back, not wanting to intrude or offend.
Related article: How It All Began: My Journey into Motherhood Photography
My Own Struggles with Breastfeeding
Fast-forward to becoming a mum myself, and suddenly, breastfeeding was no longer a distant, idealised scene. It was hard, really hard. Hidden behind closed doors, I struggled in silence, battling feelings of isolation, guilt, and inadequacy. I constantly questioned myself: “Am I doing this right? Why isn’t this easier? Why does it hurt so much?” I longed for the open-hearted, supportive community I’d witnessed in Malawi, where women sat together, nursing and sharing stories or chats. Instead, I was alone, hiding my struggles out of embarrassment. Years later, I discovered I wasn’t alone at all. My feelings and challenges echoed in the experiences of so many other mothers.
This revelation brought clarity to my long-standing question: “What can I do to make a difference?” I realised that the answer had been planted years before in Malawi. The seed was growing. I needed to create a safe space for women to be seen, heard, and supported in their breastfeeding journeys.
Breastfeeding Stories: The Heart of the Book
And so, this breastfeeding book was born – Milk Tales: A Journey of Motherhood and Breastfeeding. A labour of love inspired by the mothers of Malawi and fuelled by my own experiences and the ones of many others. It’s my small contribution toward a massive, much-needed change. Through honest, raw, and powerful images, I’ve captured breastfeeding stories from a variety of women, each with their own unique journey of strength, vulnerability, and love.
My hope is that this breastfeeding book becomes more than just a collection of photographs. I want it to be a sanctuary for mothers navigating their own paths, a place where their stories matter and where they see themselves reflected and celebrated. It’s a call to break the silence, to share openly, and to reclaim breastfeeding as a source of pride and connection, not shame.
Why I Wrote This Book
Why did I write this breastfeeding book? Because stories hold power. Stories break barriers, build bridges, and inspire courage. I wrote it to honour every mother who has ever felt alone, every mother who has quietly wondered if she was enough. You are.
Related post: The Power of Breastfeeding Stories: How Sharing Your Journey Helps Others
Let’s share our stories boldly, loudly, lovingly. Together, we can change the conversation around breastfeeding, one powerful, beautiful story at a time.
