In a stunning and completely honest image of motherhood, this woman’s story of nursing her son while fighting breast cancer has resonated with women everywhere.
‘When I was diagnosed, I was afraid this moment would never come. That I’d never hold my child, feed him in my arms from my body,’ the mother tells.
‘Now, I hope that some woman who is just being told sees this and knows…. there’s hope.’
Baby Rose Photography posted the inspirational photo on their Instagram account sharing the mothers journey during the five months she got to spend nursing her baby.
‘I’m so honored to have met this amazing mother and her sweet family,’ the photographer captioned the picture.
‘I spent a quiet morning with them about a week ago in Amelia Island and I’m still searching for the words, the way to express this feeling.’
In the image, the mother lovingly gazes at her son as she feeds him from her left breast, while her right depicts a mastectomy scar.
‘This powerful mama waited 7 years for this miracle child, she kept one breast so that when he arrived, she could feed him,’ the photographer explained.
‘She’ll return to the medication keeping her cancer at bay in 2 weeks, giving up this precious time nursing her child. Was the 5 months worth it? Of course it was.’ ⠀
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‘Women are warriors; women fight and nurture. Women grind their teeth, tuck their chins and lean into the storm. Women have it in their hearts and bones to continue; we must and so we will.’
While it is possible for many women to breastfeed after having cancer surgery, the Australian Breastfeeding Association recommends that women should seek out professional advice before doing so.
