Photos Of Moms Breastfeeding In Hawaii Are As Gorgeous As You’d Expect
There are few things more natural and beautiful than a mother nurturing her child, which is why There are few things more natural and beautiful than a mother nurturing her child, which is why There are few things more natural and beautiful than a mother nurturing her child, which is why There are few things more natural and beautiful than a mother nurturing her child, which is why birth and breastfeeding photographer Sophia Costa 
The Oahu-based photographer is a mother of two herself and knows the scrutiny that can accompany nursing in public
Costa’s collection is part of the Public Breastfeeding Awareness Project
“In that first six months, it’s so crucial for the child to get breast milk from the mom,” Costa said. “And for the mom to feel comfortable to go out in public and not be locked up in her home, afraid.”
Each of Costa’s photos is accompanied by a quote from the mother, describing her unique experience with breastfeeding.
“Without a cover,” one mother said, “I can see his beautiful face and connect with him. I love his milky smiles and grins. I hope that when I breastfeed in public without hiding that I am emboldening other women to do the same.”
The feedback for the project has been “99.9% positive,” Costa says. Even when a negative comment appeared on Facebook, Costa said the resulting support made up for it.
“A bunch of mothers saw it and came to the defense of the mother in the picture,” she told HuffPost. “What works for one mother doesn’t necessarily work for other mothers. It would be awesome if women just supported each other in whatever decisions we make.”
Below, a sample of Costa’s powerful work. Follow the hashtag Below, a sample of Costa’s powerful work. Follow the hashtag Below, a sample of Costa’s powerful work. Follow the hashtag Below, a sample of Costa’s powerful work. Follow the hashtag #PBAP2015
Sophia Costas
“Breastfeeding my daughter has been such an amazing experience. I am glad I stuck it out through the pain and long hours. It does get better. Wouldn’t change the ‘free’ food for my daughter at all.”
Sophia Costa
“I’m so happy that I ditched the breastfeeding cover! There’s no shame in breastfeeding. I’m providing my child with the healthiest food source around, milk that’s formulated for his specific needs! Without a cover I can see his beautiful face and connect with him. I love his milky smiles and grins. I hope that when I breastfeed in public without hiding that I am emboldening other women to do the same.”
Sophia Costa
“I am so grateful I’ve been able to breastfeed my three children. I’ve grown from using a cover and being embarrassed, to openly feeding my child whenever she’s hungry or needs nurturing anywhere in public.
The breastfeeding bond is so amazing; every mother should get the opportunity to freely breastfeed their child.”
Sophia Costa
“Breastfeeding in public has been the most empowering decision I have ever made. I am doing exactly what my body was meant to do and providing my child with what they need most, without concerning myself with other people’s opinions.”
Sophia Costa
“I don’t breastfeed to offend people. I breastfeed to nourish my baby the best way I know how to.”
Sophia Costa
Sophia Costa
“To know my body can not only bring another human being into this world, but that I can actually produce and feed my baby with my own milk puts me in a state of awe each time I think of it. There’s nothing better or more natural. It’s a beautiful thing, one of the most beautiful things that exists. Nothing to be ashamed or bashful for feeding your baby in public.”
Sophia Costa
Sophia Costa
“I had a hard start to breastfeeding when they forced formula on me in the hospital. I wouldn’t have been able to get through those first few months if it hadn’t been for a local breastfeeding community. Find support from people who will continue to push you through those tough spots. My son is now 18 months and I believe we have a very strong bond because of the breastfeeding. It’s an important part of motherhood to me.”
Sophia Costa
“At first I was so nervous about breastfeeding my baby in public. It wasn’t until I fully understood that my baby needed my milk, not the public’s opinion.”
Sophia Costa
This article is part of HuffPost Parents’ World Breastfeeding Week coverage. Read more here.Â
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