Powerful image shows one mum’s determination to breastfeed after cancer
It had always been this mum’s dream to nurse her baby. But when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she feared it would never become a reality.
Still, she remained determined, and after battling the disease for seven years she finally welcomed her “miracle child” to the world.
“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,” she admitted in an Instagram post.
“Now, I hope that some woman who is just being told sees this and knows… there’s hope.”
In a black and white snap shared to Baby Rose Photography’s account followers can see the anonymous mother gazing down and her son as he feeds from her right breast - while her left shows a scar from a single mastectomy.
“She kept one breast so that when he arrived, she could feed him,” the photographer explained in the caption.
“She’ll return to the medication keeping her cancer at bay in two weeks, giving up this precious time nursing her child.”
And were the five months worth it? "Of course they were,” she added.
“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.”
The powerful image has resonated with more than 8,000 people since it was first posted, with many commending the woman for her bravery.
“This is so beautiful! Crying my eyes out with happiness,” one user wrote.
“Incredible mama!! Nursing is such a blessing and even more so in this case, wow,” added another.
This article originally appeared on Women's Health.
