A Mothers Honest Selfie Shows The Not-So-Glamorous Side Of Breastfeeding

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Breastfeeding is probably one of the most natural things a woman can do, but the topic is always a sensitive subject. Whether it’s where you can do it, whether you should do it or even how you do it – everyone seems to have an opinion about it.

The image in many peoples’ minds is that breastfeeding is just an easy, natural and serene experience which instantly bonds women with their babies.

Remember this picture when supermodel Gisele Bunchden posted a photo of herself breastfeeding, looking gorgeous and serene, as her glam squad made her look even more beautiful?

That photo hit a nerve with so many mothers, who say nursing a baby isn’t usually that glamorous. Or painless or easy.

Now, a brave new mom has shared some refreshingly honest selfies which show that the reality of breastfeeding can look a lot different than the idealized image.

In honor of National Breastfeeding Week, mom and photographer Angela Burzo shared the snap below on July 30.

In the caption, she wrote: “Trying to tackle this breastfeeding life. Serious power to the women who can and to the women who have the power to walk away.”
Real talk.

“This is my reality right now,” Burzo wrote on her post from Aug. 8. “This is real & as much as I want to stay strong and be the soldier I feel I can be I cannot hide the struggle that is BREASTFEEDING. Whether she is not latching on properly, whether I am not producing enough milk to keep up with her demand, whether my nipples might not be adequate, whether we confused her with having to give her a bottle after pumping . . . whatever it may be it has been an emotional & painful struggle.”

The post has since received over 7,000 likes and thousands of supportive comments. Clearly, many new Mothers can relate to Burzo’s struggle.

It’s also easy to forget that breastfeeding isn’t easy or even possible for everyone, as we mostly only hear about the controversial matters around it rather than the struggles many Moms go through.

According to the CDC’s latest figures, about 8 in 10 mothers begin breastfeeding their babies after birth. That number drops to 51.8 percent by the time the baby reaches 6 months old. Why?

Some mothers experience low supply, improper latching and/or painful feedings, and for some women it’s a lifestyle choice not to breastfeed and for others, it’s a decision that is forced upon them by other life demands like work and family.

According to the CDC, what women need to help them continue breastfeeding is community support:
“Many mothers begin breastfeeding but need community support to help them overcome challenges they may face in the hospital, when they go home, or after they return to work. This support might include breastfeeding education programs, improved maternity care practices in hospitals, peer and professional support for moms; and adequate space and equipment to breastfeed or express breast milk in workplaces and childcare centers.”

They say that it takes a village to raise a child, and the same could be said for helping a new Mother stay the course on breastfeeding her child, if she chooses to do so.

So llet’s be kind to all new mothers, whether they’re nursing or not.

As for Burzo, she shared a more recent Instagram of herself nursing her baby. And in it, she’s smiling and tear-free, and the caption reads: “No tears! #winning But I’m still not sure if she is getting enough from the boobs. “