Where is my Village?: BREASTFEEDING JOURNEYS

By Olivia Brown

Can you imagine going completely blind overnight? Now imagine your baby is just six weeks old… Well, that’s exactly the situation I was in.

As a photographer, that was the scariest thing that has ever happened to me.

After 6 months of rest and recovery, and enjoying my baby, (whom has always been a terrible sleeper and w

• Language: English
• Publisher: Olivia Brown Photographer
• Release date: Sep 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9780646598628

Olivia Brown

Hi!!! I'm Olivia, I am a full-time photographer with a Batchelor of Fine Art's majoring in Visual Communication. I'm also mum to two boys, Hunter and Remington. When I'm not being a mum I spend my days creating family heirlooms that can be cherished for generations. I live by the beach in Hobart, Tasmania, which is the perfect match for my busy lifestyle. I love to go swimming, and I enjoy gardening and living the simple life. Spending time outside with Hunter and Remi is one of my favourite things to do. I can watch them all day exploring nature. And funnily enough it's my children that brought Where is my Village? to life. When my youngest son Remi was 6 weeks old I had an auto-immune response that caused me to go 100 percent blind in one eye. I was feeling isolated and alone with a baby that just didn't sleep and was feeding around the clock. It was after this experience that I knew I needed to do something to bring mums together so we all know we're not alone in our parenting journeys - that we're not failing even in our unique struggles, and we're definitely not alone. I hope Where is My Village? can offer solace, hope and inspiration to every mum on her best and her worst days. If you would like to read more about my story it is the first one in the book. And If you'd like a copy of Where is My Village? for yourself or you know a mum who needs some extra support you can get a copy here www.allthatvisualstuff.com/whereismyvillage You can also check out my wedding and family portraiture here www.allthatvisualstuff.com

Book preview

OLIVIA BROWN PHOTOGRAPHER

something to bring mums together so we all know we’re not alone in our parenting journeys - that we’re not failing even in our unique struggles, and we’re definitely not alone.

I hope Where is My Village? can offer solace, hope and inspiration to every mum on her best and her worst days. If you would like to read more about my story it is the first one in the book.

And If you’d like a copy of Where is My Village? for yourself or you know a mum who needs some extra support you can get a copy here www.allthatvisualstuff.com/whereismyvillage

You can also check out my wedding and family portraiture here www.allthatvisualstuff.com

Olivia x

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Hi!!! I’m Olivia,

I am a full-time photographer with a Batchelor of Fine Art’s majoring in Visual Communication. I’m also mum to two boys, Hunter and Remington. When I’m not being a mum I spend my days creating family heirlooms that can be cherished for generations.

I live by the beach in Hobart, Tasmania, which is the perfect match for my busy lifestyle. I love to go swimming, and I enjoy gardening and living the simple life. Spending time outside with Hunter and Remi is one of my favourite things to do. I can watch them all day exploring nature.

And funnily enough it’s my children that brought Where is my Village? to life. When my youngest son Remi was 6 weeks old I had an auto-immune response that caused me to go 100 percent blind in one eye. I was feeling isolated and alone with a baby that just didn’t sleep and was feeding around the clock.

It was after this experience that I knew I needed to do

Where is my Village

BREASTFEEDING JOURNEYS

OLIVIA BROWN AUTHOR + PHOTOGRAPHER

"If you are cold, tea will warm you;

If you are too heated, it will cool you;

If you are depressed, it will cheer you;

If you are excited, it will calm you."

— William Ewart Gladstone

This book is dedicated to.

To all the beautiful mums whom participated - without you all, this project wouldn’t have existed. You all opened up and shared a little part of your own journeys: the joy and the struggles. By sharing your journey, you have all helped a mother. One whom may be having a rough day, one whom might be struggling. You have helped them understand that ‘this won’t last.’ Your maternal motivation inspires me.

To all the beautiful mums reading and maybe struggling – don’t give up. Don’t give in. You’re going to be OK.

To Bec, my beautiful friend, thank you for spending countless hours proof reading.

In loving memory of a dear friend who passed away after a fight with breast cancer. You left a part of you in me which I will treasure forever. You were brave, kind and caring. A gorgeous mother and wife. The photos that I have captured over the past few years, of you and your family, is a beautiful reminder about just how important photos are. They will be cherished forever. I have my bulb, which I will plant and have as a beautiful reminder of you.

When I am cold, I will drink a cup of tea. It will warm me. When I am hot, it will cool me... And when I drink a cup of tea, I will be reminded of you and your strength and courage.

Forever in our hearts.

Love Olivia x

Author: Olivia Brown

Graphic Designer: Olivia Brown

Photographer: Olivia Brown

Editorial contributors: Foreword by Sue Cox

Proofing: Rebecca Nichols

General enquiries: 0407 947 672

Orders: www.allthatvisualstuff.com/whereismyvillage

Sales: [e-mail]

ABN: 78 630 411 074

ISBN: 978-0-646-99333-1

ISBN: 978-0-646-59862-8 (e-book)

First published in 2018

Copyright © Olivia Brown 2018

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronically mechanically, through re photography, digital transmission, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher.

Where is my Village, Breastfeeding Journeys edition is published in 2018.

Disclaimer:

These are stories from individual women based on personal experiences. The views and opinions expressed in this book are the sole responsibility of each individual expressing them, and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the author and/or publisher.

The book is in no way intended to replace specific professional medical advice for you and your baby. The author and publisher specifically refute any liability arising from the application of information in this book. Readers are encouraged to seek advice from a medical professional as they deem necessary.

While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that all information in this book is true and fair, no responsibility can be accepted by the author nor publisher for incorrect information or submissions by individuals.

Contents

Foreword

Welcome

Meet the Mums and Bubs

Olivia + Remington

Bronwyn + Gracie

Angela + Alexander

Alicia + franklin

Deven + Neeva

Kellie + Willow

Elise + Maple

Jess + Eve

Kim + Blair

Kylie + Sadie

Ashleigh + Blake + Nate

Lauren + Harper

Amelia + Reid

Chrystal + Elliott

Kayley + Elias

Arianne + Maysen

Lee + Charlie

Suling + Connor

Ashleigh + Lenny

Rebekah + Lillian

Andrea + Ava

Shennae + Cooper

Bindi + Angus

Larissa + Blake

Bianca + Giacomo

Rebecca + Otto

Sarah + Odyn

Meg + Beth

Victoria + Oscar

Dominique + Mireya

Madeline + Oliver

Carmel + Oxley

Bonnie + Tamati

Emily + Abiageal

Louisa + Hugh

Jacki + Cooper

Molly + Stella

Ilke + Mack

Mel + Arli

Sarah + Keira

Rebecca + Zachariah

Duanne + Samara

Renee + Emmaline

Rachelle + Django

Kelly + Noah

Lauren + Theodore

Hannah + Dorothy

Rebecca + Holly

Bec + Darcy

Lauren + Banjo

Bianka + Edith

Carrie + Micah

Emily + Mason

Kelly + Jack

Daniella + Sophie

Sarah + Lewis

Trudy + River

Tracy + Lola

Renee + Scout

Alanah + Franklin

Amy + Sagan

Bec + Frankie

Jess + Maxi

Beck + Cecilia

Claire + Eddie

Jess + Walter

Kate + Max

Julia + Esther

Laura + Emilia

Gracie + Aila

Erin + Genevieve

Marlyce + Maeve

Antoinette + Sebastian

Megan + Hugo + Billie

Tamieka + Adele

Sarah + Meghan

Eris + Kioma

Patience + Caleb + Robin

Kaylee + Oliver

Jenna + Willow + Rory

Melissa + Harrison

Makayla + Charlotte

Katherine + Alexander

Naleea + Aylenna

Stephanie + Nora

Kellie + Banjo

Kayla + Caleb

Skye + Lottie

Lorinda + Harlene

Tiarna + Kobe

Sam + Mahalia

Susan + Amia

Sarah + Ryan

Sarah + Jasper

Scarlet + Anita

Eva + Rorie

Nikki + Zaylee

Lillie + Grace

foreword

The African adage that it takes a whole village to raise a child is borne out in cultures throughout the world. From our indigenous sisters throughout Australia, to the Kung! in the Kalahari, to the red tent of Mesopotamia, women gathered together to teach and support new mothers on the way to start a child’s life. In the meantime the men cared for the other children and taught them life lessons.

Now we are in an age in which for the first time in human history children are being raised by a single or two parents.

Olivia’s beautifully created book is a cry from the heart to us about the early struggles of new mothers and their need for community. Of the many books that I have read based on early parenting and breastfeeding I have found this the most poignant and inspiring.

Olivia’s timely book brings to life the life of women through their quotes of who their village was as they journeyed into motherhood.

Sue Cox AM

June 2018

Welcome

Welcome to what has become my baby. I had a lady visit my exhibition and say ‘wow, look at how many grandchildren you have!’, and I thought that, that was a very lovely compliment.

The project started as a photographic quest, and, as I talked and talked, (and, well if you know me, I talked some more), I soon realised just how powerful these stories were and that I had to share them with a wider audience.

The aim of the book was always for expectant mothers and brand-new mothers. However, I soon discovered that the book was for and about ALL women and their babies. I come across women of all ages, some even 90, who love to tell me about their own journey into motherhood; the struggles and the triumphant moments. I enjoy listening to them and watching their faces light up whilst they’re remembering the moments as if they were yesterday.

Recently, I met with a lady who was trying to get things done around her house and she was finding it impossible. So, I offered to sit with the baby for a while and entertained him. She instantly felt a sense of relief that she could get a few things done around the house. This little gesture made her day! She even messaged me later and said, ‘I wish I had met you 5 months ago’, and ‘can I call you from time to time? As you made me feel at ease about a few things’. That warmed my heart to think that by simply giving her a tiny bit of breathing space (even though she was only 10m away in her own house!), and by listening to her and giving her encouraging support, that I re-energised her.

The book is not meant to be read from cover to cover. It’s more for the sporadic desperation, or a need to connect to someone who has had it as tough or tougher than you, to make you feel that you’re not isolated, nor alone. Pick it up and read a few stories at home or in a waiting room.

The 100 journeys are all unique, just as the babies and situations are. Sometimes we forget that these beautiful ‘little time wasters’ and the cycle of motherhood (feeding, changing, burping, washing, feeding, changing, trying to get them to sleep, and then trying again…), goes on and on, so it is important to have support and reach out when needed. Follow your instincts. Remember to try and make time to drink your tea while it’s hot (it never happens, but it’s worth a try!), and simply remind your support person to get you a glass of water when your feeding.

Enjoy the little moments

Olivia xx

Olivia + Remington

8 MONTHS

I lay in bed with my eyes closed, with a beautiful, curly haired, 2-year-old boy resting on my shoulder (who’s breathing heavily), whilst having the sounds of The Cranberries’ song Zombie... ‘Ahh ohhh yeahhaahh...’ coming from his beautiful mouth.

It’s quite hilarious when I think, that because of many sleepless nights trying to get my boy to sleep, he has remembered parts of songs I’ve played, and created his own little mash-up! After so many sleepless nights, I’ve woken up and felt like I was a zombie. The sleepless nights… The anxiety... And having a newborn baby. It is very isolating and exhausting.

I met with a friend today, and we were talking about how, when a mother has a baby, it feels as if all friends and family forget about her. They only see the baby. They ask about the baby. They want to hold the baby. People forget about the mum, and fuss over the baby. Don’t forget to hold the new mum, pamper her, love her and be a shoulder for her to cry on. I know I was fragile and an emotional wreck. I still am (but that’s another story).

Being a mum can feel very isolating at times. The first 8 weeks can be so full-on. I think ‘a zombie’ is a really good analogy! No one can really prepare you for some of the challenges you will experience. I know for me, my body was filled with overwhelming love; joy; anxiety; exhaustion; pain (literal pain - from childbirth: haemorrhoids, cracked nipples and full breasts), and sometimes all those feelings at the same time!

2 years ago, my whole world was turned upside down. When I reflect – life really has been a rollercoaster. And still is.

Throughout this book, I’m going to share with you, my personal journey as a mum, a breastfeeding mother, and as a human. I’ll hopefully shed some light on the topic of breastfeeding by sharing some beautiful words from 100 inspirational women, who have all had their challenges. I believe the most difficult time for a mum, is the first 8 weeks... It can be a blurry haze and unfortunately my blurry haze was a little bit more literal. There’s nothing truer than the old adage ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’

Being a mother in the 21st century definitely has its benefits, but also a lot of challenges. My grandmother passed away on Monday, she was 90. I think back to what it would’ve been like when she was raising her children. There is a lot of pressure on women in society today – We have to raise our children, go to work, keep up with the housework. It’s bloody hard.

As I was saying, two years ago, when my little baby Remi was only 6 weeks old – my world changed. I had recently had the whooping cough vaccine and had begun taking the mini pill. I was sitting in a restaurant in Hobart with a friend of mine, Annie, complaining of a headache