For mothers who continue to breastfeed their toddlers, the experience feels entirely natural. Nursing becomes a cherished part of daily life, characterized by intimate moments of bonding, love, and nourishment. Toddlers, despite being more mobile and vocal, remain our little ones, and nursing them can feel as instinctive as a child curling up for a cuddle or nursing on a favorite blanket.
However, societal perceptions often differ. Those unfamiliar with extended breastfeeding may react with surprise or criticism, leading to comments like, “Isn’t he too old for that?” or “Why not just use a cup?” Such remarks, often expressed directly to mothers, can be disheartening, particularly for new moms who may start to question their choices about nursing a 2-, 3-, or even 4-year-old. These judgments can create anxiety, making some mothers hesitant to nurse in public or to openly discuss their experiences.
Photographer Emily Johnson has taken a stand against this stigma through her inspiring photo series, “Nursing Our Toddlers: A Full Term Breastfeeding Series.” Recently showcased on her website and social media, this project is both beautiful and groundbreaking.
Part of Johnson’s initiative, The Real Body Project, it celebrates the diversity of women’s experiences and bodies, aiming to end body shaming and provide a platform for sharing personal stories. Previously, Johnson has also explored topics like bottle-feeding, C-section experiences, and the challenges of infertility.
As she describes on her site, “The Real Body Project was founded to empower women to embrace their bodies and their stories.” The toddler nursing series is a powerful extension of this mission. Against a minimalist black backdrop, these black-and-white images capture mothers of various shapes and sizes nursing their toddlers and older children. Each photograph is accompanied by the mother’s heartfelt reflections about her nursing journey.
The series powerfully illustrates that breastfeeding toddlers and older children can be a simple expression of love between mother and child. Johnson aims to dismantle stereotypes and broaden understanding of the normalcy of breastfeeding, both in the U.S. and globally.
“In many cultures, nursing a toddler is commonplace,” Johnson shares. “Yet here in America, mothers often feel judged and misunderstood.” She emphasizes that organizations like the World Health Organization advocate for breastfeeding for two years or longer, highlighting that for many mothers, extended breastfeeding is just an extension of their nurturing journey.
While Johnson typically receives positive feedback about her work, she recognizes the prevalence of negative comments related to breastfeeding toddlers. Such reactions only reinforce the need for increased awareness and visibility, making projects like hers vital. “People often judge what they don’t understand,” she notes, encouraging those with reservations to reconsider their perspectives on this natural act.
To those who struggle to accept the reality of breastfeeding beyond infancy, Johnson advises, “Be open-minded and recognize how natural it truly is. My hope is that as more people learn about and witness extended nursing, it will become more widely accepted.”
Here’s to the remarkable mothers and children featured in this series, who are helping to challenge and change the narrative surrounding breastfeeding.
For more insights on home insemination, check out our related post on intracervical insemination. If you’re looking for authoritative information on the topic, visit Make a Mom for expert advice. Additionally, the CDC provides excellent resources regarding pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, Emily Johnson’s photo series serves as a powerful reminder that breastfeeding toddlers is a loving and natural act. By sharing these stories and images, she hopes to foster a more accepting environment for nursing mothers everywhere.