Group Breastfeeding Photoshoot at Spetchley Park Gardens, Worcestershire
- Karina O'Neill
- Aug 14
- 4 min read
July 2025 – A Celebration of Love, Strength & Connection
It’s official – the group breastfeeding photoshoot is now a tradition. After last year’s magical gathering at National Trust Croome Court, I just knew we had to do it again. So in July 2025, surrounded by ancient trees, the scent of roses, and the calm waters of the lake at Spetchley Park Gardens, fifteen beautiful mums and their children joined me to celebrate the beauty of breastfeeding - in all its forms.
And once again, it was more than just a photoshoot. It was a motherhood gathering. A safe, nurturing space to connect, share, and simply be.
A morning filled with connection
The day couldn’t have been more perfect...
Warm morning, a bit of sunshine, blooming flowers, birds singing - everything felt peaceful, right, and almost sacred. As we spread our blankets beneath the old cedar tree, little ones explored, cuddled, or drifted off for a nap in their mums’ arms.
A few mums from last year’s event came again, how amazing is that they continued to breastfeed for another wole year? Others I met for the first time. But just like before, the energy was pure unity, love, and understanding.
We shared stories, laughed, cuddled our babies, wiped away a few tears, and supported each other in that quiet, knowing way only mothers can. It was honest, warm, and full of heart.
A team of wonderful women and ex-breastfeeding mothers
💛 Zoe Meachem – pregnancy yoga, hypnobirthing and baby massage teacher
Zoe led us through a calming meditation to begin the morning, helping everyone slow down and breathe. It was gentle and grounding - a moment of stillness before the laughter and chatter began. Her words, reminding us that breastfeeding is a physical expression of love, “liquid love”, will stay with me for a long time.
Website: https://www.zoemyoga.com/
💛 Anna Branch – infant feeding midwife, lactation consultant and tongue-tie practitioner
Anna joined us to offer informal support and encouragement, answering questions and celebrating every mum for the incredible work they’re doing - whatever their breastfeeding journey looks like.
💛 Charly – artist and breastfeeding mum behind ResinLoveArt
Charly creates stunning keepsake jewellery using breastmilk, a truly unique way of preserving the memories of this chapter of motherhood. She brought so much light and warmth to the morning, chatting with mums and sharing her own experiences.
From left: Me (Karina), Anna, Charly + daughter, Zoe
The location – Spetchley Park Gardens
If you’ve never been to Spetchley Park Gardens, put it on your list! It’s one of Worcester’s hidden gems - 4,500 acres of gardens, meadows, lakes, and ancient trees. The Spetchley team were so welcoming and supportive, giving us permission to hold our gathering under the cedar tree, right beside the rose garden.
Every participating mum & child received a free day pass to explore the gardens afterwards, and many stayed for lunch or cake at the café (obviously cake was involved - this is me we’re talking about 😄).
The setting couldn’t have been more perfect: peaceful, green, and bursting with life.
The meaning behind the free group breastfeeding photoshoot
What started last year as “just a photoshoot” has turned into something much deeper - a space for connection, empowerment, and sisterhood.
Each mum’s story is unique - full of courage, patience, and love. Some faced challenges, some found ease, some are feeding toddlers while others are just beginning. Every journey deserves to be seen and celebrated.
As an ex breastfeeding mother and an ex breastfeeding volunteer myself, I know how powerful it can be to feel seen. To be surrounded by women who understand. To know you’re not alone. That’s what these gatherings are all about.
The photos, of course, are beautiful, but the real magic happens in the hugs, the laughter, the little glances of recognition between mums.
The photos reinforce the message behind 2025 World Breastfeeding Week: "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures."
My heart is full
Every year, I leave these events with a full heart, tears in my eyes, and a camera full of love.
Thank you to everyone who joined - for showing up on your day off, or taking a day off work, for trusting me with your stories, for bringing your calm, your kindness, and your beautiful energy.
Thank you Zoe, Anna, and Charly - for your time, kindness, and help.
And thank you Spetchley Park Gardens for opening your gates to us.
This event is a gift from my heart - something I want to continue each July to honour
breastfeeding, motherhood, and the quiet strength we carry within us every single day.
Until next year, Mamas.
Keep feeding whenever, wherever, and however it feels right for you.
You are doing an incredible job.
You are seen.
You are celebrated.
With love,
Karina
Photographer, mum, and forever advocate for “liquid love” 🤱💛
Here's a link to 2024 event: https://www.karinaoneillphoto.co.uk/post/free-group-breastfeeding-photoshoot-at-national-trust-croome-court-worcestershire
2026 event
Would you like to take part in 2026 event? Sign up to my mailing list to be the first to know. 90% of spaces this year went to breastfeeding mums on my mailing list. Email 'BREASTFEEDING' to hello@karinaoneillphoto.co.uk
Did You Know…?
I always try to capture breastfeeding moments during my in-home newborn photoshoots too - those quiet, love-filled moments between you and your baby that mean so much but pass so quickly. If you’d like to see what these sessions look like, have a peek at my website for more about my natural, relaxed newborn and baby photoshoots in Worcester:👉 https://www.karinaoneillphoto.co.uk/newborn-and-baby-photo-shoots-in-worcestershire
