Beautiful blooming Motherhood shoots to gorgeous newborn snuggles. I love watching your family grow as I capture you on your journey.
Sophie and I connected on instagram and through mutual friends, naturally I was so happy for her and Matt when they announced her pregnancy if anyone deserves this, it is Sophie. They almost instantly booked me as their Maternity and Newborn Photographer Devon and I couldn’t wait to capture them.
We had an amazing maternity session at Whitsand bay in November and I’m sure you agree, what an absolute goddess she is! Sophie was 33 weeks in these images and she was truly in bloom. There is something magical about a baby bump.
Back for Newborn cuddles
It was a pleasure to connect back with Sophie and Matt and their gorgeous dog Lottie at their home in Ivybridge, Devon to welcome Baby Billy to the world. There is nothing like being welcomed into someone’s space in those precious still days of endless nappies. Oh the milky snuggles and blurry days of a newborn.
Even though many of us talk so wistfully about those days, they can be incredibly isolating and hard for new parents. Sophie was determined to breastfeed Billy, determined to “get it right”. I’m so in awe of her and Mothers like her for their perseverance. What warriors!
Breastfeeding – for those who choose to (or are able to) – is such a hugely emotive part of the motherhood journey. It can be exhausting, painful, difficult but oh so rewarding. And such a bonding experience.
As my social media followers will know, I am a huge advocate for taking time out, for being in the present, and for capturing those moments with your babies. My maternal sessions are all about the raw connection, the neverending love between you and your child and to celebrate motherhood in all its forms.
There is no shame in how a baby is fed, having that time with your little one – whether it’s feeding them via breast or bottle – is such a bonding experience – but there is still so much hidden shame and fear around breastfeeding and I love helping Mums celebrate their journey. Whether they feed for one week or one year. Whether they combi-feed or exclusively breastfeed. It’s a fleeting time and one that is so precious.
World Breastfeeding Week is a time for Mums. To help them navigate the often emotional journey of breastfeeding. To provide them with much needed support and guidance. In light of that, I wanted to share Sophie’s story with you all. It’s raw, honest, and emotional. It’s such an important part of her parenting journey and one I am honoured to have documented.
Sophie shared with me in her own words her breastfeeding experience during lockdown mark II.
Words By Sophie
Seven months of breastfeeding.
Sleep deprivation, hours of cluster feeding, the struggles, and all that pain!
“I dreaded every feed in those early months because it hurt so much. I watched late-night YouTube videos over and over, desperately trying to figure out ‘pain-free latching’. Wondered why something that always looked so natural wasn’t coming naturally to me. The countless Zoom calls with lactation specialists always ended in tears because I felt like a failure. And all because the Covid pandemic meant zero face to face support. No ‘latch on’ groups to meet other breastfeeding Mums.
In all honesty, I found the first few months so daunting and, while we remained in a national lockdown, incredibly lonely. Although, the days snuggled at home meant I was more determined than ever to keep going. It’s been just him and I in the middle of the night, in the silence, sharing my body night after night. It’s been the best thing ever but also incredibly demanding. Breastfeeding really is a journey, a beautiful journey. I’ll miss the closeness so much when we finally stop. But I won’t miss the doubt that comes with it and the learning to ignore the comments and questions from others. No, I won’t miss that.
It’s the moments of pure peace when they’re fast asleep in the warmth of your arms and nothing in the world matters. It’s so emotional and exhausting all at the same time. But oh so rewarding. It’s all day. (And night!) Again and again. But it’s the most determined I’ve ever been, and I couldn’t be prouder of him and me. Because one day it will all be gone, and I’ll wonder how I could’ve resented even a single moment of it.”
Sophie, and Mother’s like you. You are amazing humans.
It’s so so important to capture these special times and I’m delighted to be able to do this for you. If you are expecting a baby looking for a Maternity and Newborn Photographer Devon and Cornwall based then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
