I have been blessed with two sweet, rambunctious and healthy children. Both are well past those quiet, intimate moments of breastfeeding and I have exactly two pictures that celebrate the amazing but all-too-brief times we shared together. Breastfeeding did NOT come naturally for me. I had many bouts of mastitis and cracked nipples... not just with one but with both my children. I was so very grateful to get the help I needed from the Montreal Nourri Source program that runs out of the many CLSC's across Montreal. So grateful, in fact, that I am now a volunteer who gets to give back and support moms who are having a less-than awesome experience with breastfeeding. Some woman just cannot breastfeed. Although it is a small percentage, it does happen that a woman's breasts just don't produce enough milk to sustain feedings. Other woman choose not to breastfeed for a variety of reasons and I am not passing any judgement on those who decide to formula feed their babies. It is a choice and whatever the situation or choice made, I am just pleased to see that the trend towards breastfeeding is growing again and being encouraged.

We have come a long way since I was born. No one was breastfed in my family. I was shocked to learn that my early newborn 'nutritional needs' were met with home-made formula ... a concoction made up of milk, powdered milk and corn syrup. Yes ladies and gentlemen, corn syrup!!! In the 50's, 60's and early 70's the trend in breastfeeding, like the birth process itself, was turing clinical. Mother's didn't know best and were being told and sold on 'benefits' of feeding your child formula.  Now breastfeeding is being embraced as the amazing and awesome super food that it is. I love that breastfeeding is finally getting the attention and respect it deserves. I am thrilled when I see the 'Breast Feeding Friendly" signs on store doors and cafe walls. I wholeheartedly support choice and in no way want to 'shame' mothers who choose not to or are unable to breastfeed. I am simply content that, with much trial and error, I was able to choose breastfeeding.

Breastfed baby # 2TanisSaucierPhotography

Breastfed Baby # 1

These two images are the 'proof' that my children continued to benefit from my direct nourishment. They both self-weaned around the 15 month mark and with little more than a passing fancy to shove a tiny hand down my top, it was over. The freedom I felt was only slightly overshadowed with the twinge of nostalgia for those close, quiet moments that belonged only between us. A truly magical event.

The dark and very pixelated image to the left was taken by my partner with our very low quality point & shoot camera. Oscar was all but 3 tiny months here. It is far from clear, perfect or technically sound but it is all that I have to remember our breastfeeding time together and I adore it. Rowan, in the image above, was a mere 13 weeks and although it was taken with my DSLR camera, it is also the only image I have of her at my breast. I cherish these images because they capture a part of who I was as a mother. A very important part that I am so very proud of.

I want to give this opportunity to all breastfeeding moms so I am announcing my Maternity & Nursing Mini Sessions Event! On May 1st I will be holding studio-style mini sessions at Melons and Clementines for moms-to-be and nursing moms who want gorgeous images that will tell a part of your story as a mother.

If you are expecting and will be 7 months pregnant or more on May 1st or if you are a mother who enjoys the breastfeeding experience, I welcome you to celebrate these milestones with a portrait session. The session appointments are limited to 8 so don't delay in getting your spot today! Give me a call at 514-935-7266, email me at [email protected] or click HERE to send me a message.

Maternity & Nursing Mini Portrait Session Event

Enjoy the view!

Tanis