What does breastfeeding truly look like? This is the question that inspired photographer Mia Johnson to embark on her latest documentary project. She aimed to provide an honest portrayal of nursing, inviting women to share their unique experiences, even when the moments are less than glamorous.
Mia, an artist based in Sydney, Australia, expressed her frustration with the typical, idealized representations of breastfeeding often seen in media. “While I appreciate celebrities like Emma Stone promoting breastfeeding, it’s essential for everyday women to have a space to share their own stories,” she explains. “We need to show the reality of breastfeeding, not just the polished images.”
To launch the project, Mia shared a self-portrait of herself breastfeeding her daughter Lily, showcasing the raw beauty of the act. She reached out on social media, inviting other mothers to participate, and was met with an overwhelming response. “I asked mothers about their usual breastfeeding locations, and they often mentioned home—whether on the sofa or bed. It may seem ordinary, but that’s the reality for many,” Mia shares.
Some sessions have stood out for their humor. “I recall a shoot where a toddler was running around while mom nursed her baby, and it added a funny twist to the moment,” she recalls, chuckling at the memory of a not-quite-potty-trained child causing chaos nearby.
Thus far, Mia’s project has remained local, primarily featuring mothers from Sydney. Many participants share a common motivation: they have faced challenges in their breastfeeding journeys, and capturing these moments provides a sense of empowerment. “Most of the women I’ve photographed have overcome obstacles and arrived at a place of fulfillment,” she notes. For those with multiple children, it’s also about embracing their newfound confidence.
Ultimately, Mia aims to present breastfeeding in all its beautiful messiness. “Some women have been surprised by how they look in the photos, feeling they don’t appear perfect. But that’s precisely the point of this project: to embrace the imperfections,” she adds.
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In summary, Mia Johnson’s photography project aims to reveal the unfiltered reality of breastfeeding, celebrating its challenges and joys and inviting mothers to share their stories in a uniquely empowering way.
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