World Breastfeeding Week, which comes to a close today, is a time to honor every woman’s unique breastfeeding experience, no matter how long or short. Whether you nursed for two weeks or two years, we celebrate your journey. Whether you had a full supply, a partial one, or exclusively pumped, you are a champion and we applaud you. And let’s be clear: even if you chose not to breastfeed for any reason, you still deserve recognition because motherhood is all about choice—the choice to use your body for feeding your baby… or not, if that’s what works best for you.
Can I get a round of applause?
Reflecting on my own struggles with breastfeeding, what kept me motivated were the relatable and uplifting stories shared by other moms. Stories of women who faced challenges, balanced work and breastfeeding with grace, found supportive communities, and stood up to critics. This year has been filled with such empowering tales, from everyday mothers inspiring those around them to celebrities using their platforms to highlight the realities of breastfeeding.
Here are five of the most impactful breastfeeding stories of the year so far:
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The #LoveByGapBody Campaign
The Gap took a bold step to normalize breastfeeding with their latest ad campaign for the Love by GapBody line. Featuring model Lila Johnson and her 20-month-old son, Max, the shoot captured a beautiful moment when Max wanted to nurse. The team embraced the moment, showcasing an image of Lila breastfeeding right on set. “I feel completely at ease nursing my son anywhere,” she shared. Major kudos to The Gap for showcasing the naturalness of breastfeeding and reminding us that when a baby is hungry, it’s time to eat. -
Lily Adams vs. Internet Trolls
Lily Adams has become a beloved figure for her unapologetic honesty. Recently, she faced backlash after posting a photo of herself nursing her son, Ben, while her daughter Sophie looked on, asking if she could nurse her doll too (so cute!). One critic commented, “Menstruation and childbirth are natural too, but I don’t want to see those images.” Lily’s response? “I don’t want to see poorly taken selfies of fireworks, but I let people live.” You tell ’em, Lily! -
Modeling While Nursing
Life doesn’t pause just because a baby needs to eat. How many of us can say we’ve nursed our child while strutting down a runway? Enter model Tara Evans, who received accolades for nursing her five-month-old son during the Sports Illustrated Swim Search. She effortlessly combined modeling with motherhood, showing that breastfeeding is perfectly normal and should be celebrated. -
Hockey Player Jodie Smith’s Mid-Game Nursing
It’s not just the glamorous who balance work and breastfeeding. Meet Jodie Smith, a 24-year-old teacher and hockey player from Ontario, who shared a powerful moment nursing her eight-week-old daughter, Ella, between game periods. The genuine and raw photo quickly went viral. Jodie expressed her realization of how amazing our bodies are: “You can do what you love and breastfeed. You don’t have to choose one over the other.” Thank you, Jodie, for your authenticity and strength! -
The Incredible Healing Properties of Breastmilk
We’ve all heard about the miraculous capabilities of breastmilk, but seeing it in action is awe-inspiring. In February, mom Sarah Thompson highlighted this when she shared two images of her pumped milk—one during her daughter Lily’s healthy days and another during her illness. The difference in color was striking, with the milk during illness appearing a deeper yellow. As lactation consultant Jenna Lee explained, “When our babies are sick, our bodies adapt to ensure they’re getting the support they need.” Truly remarkable!
So here’s to all the breastfeeding mothers out there, pushing through challenges, multitasking like pros, and pouring love into their children with every feed. Breastfeeding may not be easy, but those of us who do it know the benefits are immense. To all the moms who have persevered and those still facing hurdles—know that you are supported, and you’ve got this!
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Summary:
This article highlights five inspiring breastfeeding stories shared during World Breastfeeding Week, showcasing the strength and resilience of mothers across various backgrounds. From public figures to everyday heroes, these narratives celebrate the diverse experiences of breastfeeding and reinforce the importance of choice in motherhood.
Keyphrase: breastfeeding stories
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