Before we jump in here, just a heads up that this blog (and session) are a little bit different than my norm. It may be a bit more personal, a bit more vulnerable.

As someone who benefitted from having the love and support of many female friends cheering me on as I started Sheri Lynn Photography, it is my honor to be able to do the same for others. Leaps of faith in starting a small business, let alone during the trials and chaos of a global pandemic, are not taken lightly. It takes a lot of work, hustling, behind the scenes grinding, and simply can’t be done alone. Women supporting women is huge to me. So it is my pleasure to bring to you this session, featuring my dear friend Ashley and her team who have brought to life an incredible service for nursing mothers, Birth & Lactation Connection.

After such a long induction involving plenty of pumping of fluids between the epidurals and bolstering and blood pressure medicine and whatever else happened in that whirlwind, I was finally and officially a mama. I thought for sure I was now on the flip side of things and all those seemingly natural, biological processes of motherhood would begin, including nursing.

See, Ashley has a passion for mothers and babies, and a heart for compassionately helping others. I am not one to be vulnerable (or literally “exposed” for that matter) in front of others, but Ashley brings such a calm and safe presence that I let down my guard so she could help me nurse my son confidently and pain-free, and sat with me answering my questions and providing insight to this whole world of breastfeeding that I was absolutely clueless about. That hour or two sitting with Ashley as I nursed my son helped me to be a better mother. Not just because of the nourishment she was able to assist me in providing, but because it was a huge moment of realizing that I had a tribe of women behind me and cheering me on in this new chapter of life. I didn’t realize how much I needed that.

Which brings me to this headshot session for Birth & Lactation Connection! Ashley, Gemma, and Cindy are all passionate, caring, nurses who are knowledgable IBCLC’s (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant). They each have such a peaceful, encouraging, and loving presence that it is easy to see that they are doing exactly what they are meant to do on this earth. Taking care of mamas and babies, and cheering them on in that crazy journey of motherhood.

When Ashley reached out to me about grabbing headshots of each of them, it truly was my honor to do so.

You can tell how much these ladies enjoy each other and how joyful they are, right? They are so sweet and kind, full of personality and laughter. They are beautiful souls who also to their core believe in the importance of women supporting women.

And together (with their powers combined) they are Birth & Lactation Connection, here to support you in your breastfeeding and motherhood journey.

As someone who benefitted so much from the type of services they offer, I can’t tell you enough how great it is to have a team like this available to utilize! You can learn all about their services by checking out their website or Facebook page. In a Covid world, they are currently offering virtual consultation, but will offer in home service once they are able to safely do so!

We captured their headshots and group images this past fall, prior to their official launching. The cool thing about being with them during that time period is that exciting and nervous buzz of pre-launch. The deep breath before the leap.

I now get to follow along their journey and support them, much like Ashley did for me! I can’t praise Cindy, Gemma, and Ashley enough for what they are providing the community, women, and mothers by taking this leap of faith to launch Birth & Lactation Connection. I am so excited to see their success, and the joy and peace they will bring to new mothers in our region! Women supporting women. You’re empowering new mothers in ways that are immeasurable and I am so excited for you all!

And yes, I’m excited for you too, Kerry….