Skates, Hockey Pads and Breastfeeding: a Canadian Combination

Serah Small of Grande Prairie, Alberta, is a teacher, a hockey player and now an inspiration to women around the world. This week, she shared a photo of her breastfeeding her 8 week old daughter… in the change room, in her hockey gear, between periods.

Here’s the story behind the photo:

“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. Forgetting my pump created all new challenges for me as well. I felt my milk come in and leak as I played and between periods I would strip down to feed my 8 week old babe.”

She loved the photo but was afraid to post it online because “society has made breast sexual”(sic). But, after talking to the lactation consultant who helped her and he daughter Ellie, she realised this was something she should be proud of.

She says:

“Being a mom 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.” (emphasis added)

People from all over are commenting on the photos. Of course, as the photos spread, the negative trolls popped in to call the photo inappropriate and even ‘porn’. But, for the most part, people are supportive:

And some people just wanted to know… did they win the game?

I love this photo and I’m happy she shared it.

Sometimes, as a breastfeeding mum, you can feel isolated. Successful breastfeeding, especially in the first couple months, requires frequent and consistent feedings. It’s not so easy to just go out and leave the baby. Pumping is sometimes an option but I can tell you, as first time mum, I didn’t feel comfortable with pumping and leaving the baby until almost 6 months (I did it sooner with my son but he didn’t like the bottle). And, sometime, like Serah, you might forget the pump!

I’m glad she showed that you can still do what you love while choosing to breastfeed your baby.

Our bodies are amazing. And when you have a child, that fact comes even more into focus.