The amazing Aubrey Corona and Nolan (1)

Aubrey wasn't certain she ever wanted to have children and when she conceived via a casual relationship wasn't sure what she wanted to do. After weighing her options she decided to move forward with the pregnancy but eventually began to doubt if she could do it. She wasn't sure she had maternal instinct within her but slowly learned to trust herself and soak up all she could without doubting or second guessing herself.

The father of Aubrey's baby decided that he wanted to coparent with her and throughout her pregnancy they became partners and eventually moved in together just before Nolan was born. Pregnancy was uncomplicated and much easier than Aubrey had imagined. Her birth followed suit with labor progressing rapidly and Nolan arriving quickly but without complication. She was so shocked when he was arrived that she didn't have that immediate emotional connection that some parents speak of. Thankfully, she had a comforting nurse who reassured her that was just fine.

Though she had planned to try breastfeeding, Aubrey developed a serious aversion once they arrived home which led to her feeling angry and agitated when Nolan would latch. The first time she was alone with him she reached out to her mother after having intrusive thoughts and decided to feed him formula while she attempted to pump. They soon switched to full formula feeds and Aubrey is grateful that she had the support and resources to make the choice that was best for her.

Aubrey discovered this movement via Instagram late in her pregnancy and says, "I was amazed by the strong women/mothers you showcased and empathizing with their stories. I read about amazing journeys to motherhood and wondered if I deserved this journey. Then I quickly realized, that this is everything I never knew I needed. I found more comfort in your project, knowing that a lot of mothers in the same boat as I are incredible human beings despite our flaws. I wanted to represent my growth by doing this. I honestly had no clue that being a mother would bring me so much comfort and stability in life. Coming from where I was before I conceived, I am an entirely new woman, one who loves herself wholly and sometimes doesn't even recognize the girl before this awakening role of motherhood."

Ashley Williams and Garth (19 months)

When I was first pregnant in 2007 I remember a family member suggesting that using bottles of formula once baby came would help my husband bond with the baby. I remember the samples being sent from companies and the two cans of formula being given to me at the hospital.

I had my baby, I became a mother. A home visit a few weeks later, my doula asked if she could donate all the free formula I had to her local WIC and I truly believe that moment was pivotal for our successfully nursing, I say "successful" reluctantly as I, in no way find supplemental forms of nourishment a failure. I remember holding my brand new baby, the one who made me a mom and then I remember him latching on successfully. I remember the bond my husband and I shared with him waking with me to hand me a hungry baby and get me drink of water , a snack or a pillow or whatever support I needed.

I nursed my first son Michael until he was 22 months and I was in my second trimester with my second pregnancy.

My second son, Spaulding, I nursed for 30 months. I had nursing aversions with him for months before we weaned. I was almost resenting of it at times and found the support of nursing a toddler almost more important and meaningful than the much needed support and encouragement of nursing a newborn. I also in this time of my life learned how important it is to be empathic and non judgmental of my fellow peers with babies to feed.

My nursling in the image Ashlee Wells Jackson captured is my third son, my sweet Garth. Now the third time having little issues other than the first few weeks of "learning the ropes". We have been nursing for 19 months and although we nurse less and less we will wean gradually at a mutual pace until we are done.

Breastfeeding can be challenging even without issues such as tongue ties , inverted nipples, social stigmas and lack of support. Of all the benefits of breastfeeding, the most meaningful to me is that I have three boys who wouldn't bat an eye at a child being fed, whether it be by breast, by bottle or out of a cup. Because a hungry child is the only thing that should make someone uncomfortable.