Milk on ice: picture of hockey player breastfeeding is super empowering

Mums are superstars and this picture can prove it.

New mum Serah Small, was playing a hockey match with her local team in Alberta, Canada. Her 8 week old baby was hungry, so she started to breastfeed her. She had forgotten her breast pump at home so had no choice but to feed during an intermission. 

A proud team mate captured the stunning moment, and we're so glad they did. 

At first, Serah writes that she was nervous about posting the picture. 

"I have been so scared to post this photo that I absolutely adore. Why? Because society has made breast sexual." 

After sharing the picture with her lactation consultant, she realised that it was a beautiful thing that should be celebrated, not hidden away.

"I have a really hard time feeding Ellie covered and have chose not to cover her at all. Although at times I feel the burn of judgemental eyes I feel more empowered than anything to be able to meet my babies needs the way my body intended." 

An avid hockey player, Serah admits that she has had a tough time readjusting to her new postpartum body.

"I have really struggled with accepting my new body as I have always had that athletic build. I have played hockey my whole life and when I found out I was pregnant I signed up to play in two tournaments in March trusting that my body would just "bounce back".

"Well this weekend I played 4 games with a short bench and really learnt how different my body really is I felt slower and lost at first on the ice. My body wasn't doing the things my brain thought it could. But I have never been more proud of myself and my body.

She continued to say that balancing hockey and mothering has given her a whole new appreciation for her body. 

"Being a mum is absolutely amazing and I'm so happy I got to do something I absolutely love while still meeting my babies needs. Our bodies are amazing and this weekend was the first time I truly appreciated mine." 

Her lactation consultants, Milky Way Lactation Services, also shared a picture of the empowering moment to help normalize breastfeeding. 

Mums and dads from all over are loving this gorgeous picture: 

We love it! Mum's really an do anything they set their minds to!