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Breastfeeding is Beautiful and Normal: Images From Our Past

Melanie Mayo
By: Melanie Mayo
Posted 02/28/11 • Last updated 10/22/12 • 6713 views • 62 comments

Beautiful breastfeeding photos from our collective past. Tell us which one is your favorite.


 


Inuit Woman Breast-feeding Baby, c1908, Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-104388


The cornstock madonna, woman breastfeeding

"The Cornstock Madonna," c1916, Illinois, Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-137707


Woman Breastfeeding

"A free lunch," c1890, New York, Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-103644



Melanie Mayo-Laakso

About

Melanie Mayo-Laakso is the Content Manager for Mothering.com. Mothering is the birthplace of natural family living and attachment parenting. We celebrate the experience of parenthood as worthy of one's best efforts and are at once fierce advocates for children and gentle supporters of parents.

 


Posted by: Melanie Mayo-Laakso

Comments (62)

Sara Jane 2/28/11 at 12:26pm
I love the Cornstalk Madonna. It's really a lovely photo. I would hang a print of it up in my house.
karma613 2/28/11 at 12:26pm
I love them all. What a beautiful glimpse into the past. I would love to see more of these kinds of pictures.
Tina Kauffman 2/28/11 at 12:31pm
I love them all, but my favorite is also the Cornstalk Madonna.
DASHmom 2/28/11 at 12:35pm
I love them all but the third makes me want to know more about what's going on in the picture.
PhilsBabyMama 2/28/11 at 12:35pm
I love them all, but there's something about Inuit Woman Breast-Feeding Baby. My husband says it's because that baby reminds me of our son. Looking at it from that perspective, I noticed that that "baby" is definitely the oldest of the bunch. Maybe he's right as I'm still nursing my 3 year old and identify the most with that woman at the moment. :)
leeseebelle 2/28/11 at 12:41pm
Definitely the "Cornstalk Madonna"- absolutely beautiful. They are all amazing photos!
Tamara 2/28/11 at 12:42pm
I love the first photo. A toddler nursing! Just beautiful.
Amy Tingen 2/28/11 at 12:42pm
o my you mean we didnt always give babies fake milk. lol. <3 it
Janety 2/28/11 at 12:42pm
Cornstalk Madonna. Post more! These are all great. I'm a nursing mom without a community. Need more pix!
Jacquelyn 2/28/11 at 12:44pm
Oh these are all so gorgeous! I second Sarah in that these would make beautiful prints to hang upon the wall.
Crystal Clark 2/28/11 at 12:46pm
I absolutely love the Cornstalk one... It is captivating to look at and share a little part of their sweet relationship.
3rdtymcharm 2/28/11 at 12:50pm
Oh how I love these, the babies are so right looking.
allfrog68 2/28/11 at 1:08pm
I like the Free Lunch picture. The mom looks pretty content and relaxed. Just like I felt when I sat down and fed my children.
Crystal 2/28/11 at 1:14pm
Love them all! .... I alsomlove that they are in natural environments.
dixie 2/28/11 at 1:23pm
Cornstalk Madonna
pamela 2/28/11 at 1:32pm
I love how robust & healthy these babies are!
Sharon Sarles 2/28/11 at 1:40pm
Yes, beautiful. How strange a society we are that we have paraded porn and shut away such wholesomeness, goodness, and life.
Robin 2/28/11 at 1:45pm
It would be great to have a book published with these images! I'd have it out as my "coffee table" book!
Becky 2/28/11 at 1:49pm
Cornstalk Madonna....probably because my current (3rd) nursling is about the age of the baby in this photo. They are all beautiful! Please post more photos :-)
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