A Texas-based family photographer named Mae Burke was recently in the middle of a photoshoot when she had the chance to capture a very powerful, poignant image of a mother and her two daughters. Considering her job description, this is nothing new; however, what Burke managed to capture on camera was candid, and simply put—stunning.
What she caught on camera was mother Chelsea Craig, and her two daughters (ages 3 & 8 months) sharing a moment that mothers everywhere will cherish. In the photo, Chelsea can be seen breastfeeding both of her daughters at the same time.
During the photoshoot Craig's daughters began to act up and become frustrated with the long process of the photoshoot. Craig's motherly instincts kicked in and she knew how to resolve the problem and satisfy her young children: by breastfeeding them.
In an interview with People Magazine, photographer Mae Burke said, "I take pictures that are very candid moments, and if their children happen to want or need to breastfeed then I just keep taking pictures like I normally would."
The impactful photos were shared on the internet and since then, there have been mixed reactions from internet users. In an email with The Huffington Post, Craig said,“The responses from everyone who knows me has been overwhelmingly positive. As can be expected, the responses from the masses have been mixed. I learned very quickly that I should not read the comments. Many people assume I am seeking out attention and that is why I had these published. Truth is, these pictures where never planned. It was an organic moment in a motherhood shoot that has memorialized a beautiful moment between my daughters and I. Like I have said, I am not nursing for any purpose than to meet the needs (first nutritionally and now emotionally) of my daughters.”
Here's a look at some of the photos from the beautiful photoshoot:
Source: Mae Burke
Source: Mae Burke
“I truly think it is a shame that we as a society find it so easy to criticize each other, especially as mothers ... I believe the vast majority of us are doing what we believe to be best for our children, and that is what is most important. I am confident in my choices, and as I have said, I do not think they are best for everyone, but they work for us. Some women have found strength and confidence in their choices as a result of these photos and the conversations that have spurred. For that, I am grateful. We should be lifting each other up, and I am happy to have taken part in that.”
Craig and Burke's photos are a great example of how to support women and their need as a mother to breastfeed their children. These powerful images certainly do a fair share of expressing the beauty and importance of breastfeeding.
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