While Barbara was on maternity leave, she didn’t want this special project to be left behind. So, she shared a breastfeeding photoshoot from months ago—featuring me!—on her social media. As her close friend and the writer of this blog, being part of it was truly special. 

NATALIA ❥ JULIA


“Large breasts, flat nipple, breastfeeding. Words that always caused a knot inside me. On my 1st pregnancy, I knew I wanted to breastfeed, I educated myself, and thought I was prepared… Little did I know! Olivia was born small, it was like her mouth couldn’t fit the nipple. I had plenty of colostrum, but she couldn’t latch. And when she did, the pain was absurd.

At the hospital, they suggested the silicone nipple shield. It worked, and soon I couldn’t breastfeed without it. Silicone shield + baby’s incorrect latch + breast without proper stimulation = challenging nursing and little milk supply. I tried to find help, and Rafa, a breastfeeding consultant, assisted me online.

She helped as best she could, but I was already traumatized by the pain, drying milk, and a hungry, crying baby. I returned to work when Olivia was 4 months old. The milk dried up right away, ending my breastfeeding journey. For sure breastfeeding wasn’t for me.

With my 2nd daughter, with no expectations, I was surprised! On the 1st try, Julia latched onto my breast and nursed. I cried tears of joy! She didn’t mind my flat nipple, and just adapted. I felt like I was in a different world, realizing I didn’t know what breastfeeding truly was. Still, I thought about giving up due to intense pain that started on my 2nd day of nursing.

Breastfeeding was my greatest dream, but it also required a lot of sacrifice. I felt pain as the milk descended in my breast, the baby suckling, clothes touching the nipple (sometimes I couldn’t wear a bra or blouse). My doctor suggested formula and medication to stop milk production, but I found strength to keep going. I cried at each feeding.

After 2 months, the pain disappeared, like magic! Breastfeeding became joyful, but I noticed my milk decreasing. They said it was stabilizing, but I knew Julia’s desperate crying was hunger. That’s when quitting seemed the most sensible option.

Barbara encouraged me to continue a little longer. I doubled water intake, tea, breastfeeding supplements, and used the pump for stimulation. It worked! I can’t believe Julia is 14 months old now, and I’m still breastfeeding her. It’s a wonderful connection!”


Writen by Natalia Ferro

Posted on Instagram @barbaracrepaldiphoto on September 2, 2024.

Low key dramatic portrait of a figure in black lingerie against dark background in moody lighting.
A moody and intimate breastfeeding moment captured in dark lighting with a baby looking up during nursing.
Moody dark portrait with hands touching in shadow against blurred dark background with soft lighting.
Intimate low-key portrait of mother nursing baby in dark moody setting with soft natural lighting.
A tender breastfeeding moment captured in moody low-key lighting with dark shadows and intimate atmosphere.

≫ These images are part of the “Breastfeeding Moment” project by photographer Barbara Crepaldi, with the support of doula Marcela Rios. The goal of this project is to share valuable information and create beautiful memories for the featured mothers. Every two months, Barbara Crepaldi Photography will host a raffle for subscribed women. The winner will receive a studio breastfeeding shoot, and her photos and story will be featured on Instagram and here.

For more information on how to participate, please visit the instagram page @BarbaraCrepaldiPhoto.