Breastfeeding Journal ~ Mary and Miles

I had the very special privilege to photography Mary and Miles and to hear about their journey of successful breasfeeding despite medical difficulties.  You would never have thought that Miles had congenital heart defects (CHD).  I think he could give my kids a run for their money.  Here is their story below:

 

 

Miles is 16 months & was our 4th baby. He was a home water born VBAC  baby, born at 42 weeks 3 days.  His heart defects were discovered at 14 days old. He has atrioventricular canal defect, a secondary Atrial Septal Defect, a secondary Ventricular Septal Defect, and a mitral valve cleft. He was repaired by an 8 hour open heart surgery at 22 weeks old. We have been so fortunate to nurse his entire lifetime. Most babies with congenital heart defects (CHD) aren’t able to nurse. Miles persevered, but we had to watch carefully as his oxygen level dropped considerably whenever he nursed. A nursing session lasted less time, had less milk transfer, and it was compared to running a marathon for the stress that his heart was under. He continued to gain weight and thrive, so we were given the okay to breastfeed exclusively. That was a miracle! Again, most CHD babies have to supplement or depending on their CHD, they are tube fed because of the stress of the heart. Miles is currently stable, growing, & doing his best to keep up with his 3 big brothers!

 

Congratulations to Mary and Miles for making it to 16 months and nursing despite his CHD. Thanks again for your support in my project.  #mommymilk #breasfeedingproject

 

Breastfeeding Journal ~ Jeanine

Jeanine is a super breastfeeding mom.  Since her first child was born in July, 6 years ago, she has been nursing one or two kids at the same time.  She is amazing!  Her sweet babies, just know what's good for them and want to keep up with the mommy milk. 

Currently she is nursing her 11 1/2 month old son and her 3 year old daughter.  She is still doing a fantastic job and has enjoyed her nursing experience.  But even she thought is surprised that she has gone this long without a break.  She would not have "pegged" herself as a breastfeeding mom before having children, and look what she has accomplished. 

She does credit her amazing sister for all of her support and encouragement to continue on her breastfeeding journey. Great job Jeanine! #mommymilk #breastfeedingproject

 

Breastfeeding Photographic Journey

Photo courtesy of Melissa Belter Photography

I am excited to announce that I’m going to be working on a project to help support, promote and demonstrate Breastfeeding. As a mother of five, all who I breastfed, I feel that it is important to help women succeed and get past the “booby traps” of nursing no matter how she accomplishes this goal.

I am looking for breastfeeding mothers who exclusively breastfeed, pump and bottle feed, use a supplemental nursing system or any combination to breastfed their child. All breastfeeding sessions will include a free 8x10 or 5x7 print of their favorite image. I would also like to collect your story at the time of the session so that I can feature your journey. I know that all journeys are not created equal, and it’s important to show that to future moms and current moms.

Here are the details; we can do a formal, fancy session, or just an everyday style session. Formal sessions can be done in studio or on location. Everyday sessions will most likely be on location, unless you want to hang out at my house to feed your little one. We can meet pretty much anywhere to create your images. Each mother will need to sign a model/media release form, so that I can use your story and images.

Talk to your friends; pass this along to breastfeeding mothers that you know. I’m so excited about the journey and can hardly wait to share the images we create and the stories of nursing mothers. If you do not want to share your story that’s fine too, we’ll let the images speak for themselves. Images will be available to purchase, but not required.

My end goal is to one day create a breastfeeding book with images and stories of mothers and babies.  I also think that a gallery showing would be a great way to show support and promote the project.  I know that will take a while to complete but with your help we can make it happen.

To schedule your session please give me at call at 214-455-5736 or drop by the website www.sevenarchesphotography.com and send me an e-mail.

Thank you so much for your support on this photographic journey!

Allison