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Stunning Photo Series Aims to Normalize Breastfeeding Toddlers
If you’ve ever nursed a toddler, you know it feels as natural as breathing. To mothers, breastfeeding their little ones as they grow older is simply a tender moment of connection and nourishment, akin to a child snuggling up with a favorite blanket or thumb-sucking. However, the world outside often has a different perspective.
For those unfamiliar with extended breastfeeding, the comments can range from bewildered to downright judgmental. You may hear, “Isn’t he a bit too old for that?” or “Why not just pump and use a cup?” These misconceptions can hit hard, especially for new mothers who might start to doubt their choices. The pressure can turn what should be a beautiful experience into a source of anxiety, leading some moms to keep their nursing habits private.
That’s where photographer Mia Johnson comes in. Inspired by the need to challenge these stigmas, she launched a breathtaking photo series titled Breastfeeding Beyond Infancy: A Love Story. This project is a part of her broader initiative, The Real Body Project, which aims to spotlight the diverse experiences of women and dismantle body shaming. In addition to her work on toddler nursing, Mia has previously explored themes around bottle-feeding, C-section experiences, and the journeys of women facing infertility.
As Mia explains on her website, “The Real Body Project was designed to empower women to embrace their bodies and their stories. I capture the essence of these incredible women and invite them to share their experiences from the heart.” Her latest series certainly does just that. Set against a dramatic black backdrop, these striking black-and-white images feature mothers of various shapes and sizes lovingly breastfeeding their toddlers and even older children. Each photograph is accompanied by the mother’s candid reflections on their nursing journey.
More than anything, this series showcases that breastfeeding toddlers is simply a natural expression of love between a mother and her child. In an interview, Mia expressed her desire to dismantle stereotypes and raise awareness about the normalcy of extended breastfeeding, both in the U.S. and globally. “In many other countries, no one bats an eye at a mother nursing her toddler,” she notes. “But here, the judgment can be harsh, making mothers feel like they’re doing something wrong.”
Mia highlights that the World Health Organization supports breastfeeding for two years or more, and for many mothers, continuing to nurse beyond infancy feels like a seamless transition from what began at birth. “I hope that sharing these stories and images opens more eyes,” she adds.
While Mia has generally received positive feedback about her work, she acknowledges the prevalence of negative comments surrounding toddler breastfeeding. These reactions highlight the need for more visibility and understanding around this topic. “People often judge what they don’t understand,” she states. “The more we normalize extended nursing, the easier it will be for mothers to embrace it.”
To those who remain skeptical, Mia offers a gentle nudge: “I encourage them to let go of their judgments and recognize how natural this really is. The more we talk about it, the more accepted it will become.” Here’s to the amazing mothers and children featured in her series, who are bravely helping to shift perceptions about nursing past infancy.
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In summary, Mia Johnson’s photography series aims to normalize breastfeeding toddlers, challenging societal stigmas and showcasing the beauty of this natural bond between mothers and their children.