Hearts Full Of Hope, painting by Katie m. Berggren
Judith Beaulieu, Founder of FEMTIQUE and Associates, and I connected several months ago when she was browsing for breastfeeding images online. She came across the mother and child paintings on my website and we had a wonderful conversation via telephone.
Hearts Full Of Hope painting in process by Katie m. Berggren
FEMTIQUE provides Health Coaches who offer knowledge, resources and services for women and their families who are seeking solutions to health care needs, and an optimal level of wellness. FEMTIQUE nurses believe that despite many realities in health care today, the future of health care is full of positive potential and possibility. Health coaching is a modern model for health and wellness care. It enables people to take charge of aspects of their own health under carefully trained professionals known as Health Coaches. Today’s Health Coach works with the client and often with the client’s physician or other health care professional to deliver a plan to achieve a customized wellness goal for the client.
Judith also works with her community to provide handmade Amish quilts to mothers, as well as supporting mothers throughout her community and the State of Pennsylvania to continue breastfeeding their babies for as long as possible, ideally for at least 6 months.
Together, Judith and I decided to create a painting that would capture the unspoken bond between mother and child, the eye contact and the story of breastfeeding, thus care and nurturing. As well as incorporating the warmth and sacredness that a lovely handmade gifted quilt could provide to a nursing mother in need, and her child.
Judith and I discussed the opportunity to create a piece that would speak of FEMTIQUE’s urge to educate mothers and the community as to the value of breastfeeding at least through the child’s first 6 months, and it was hard for me to not feel inspired! As we talked, the image for Hearts Full Of Hope began to materialize in my mind. Hearts Full Of Hope was born soon after, working its way onto the canvas with a purpose to inspire hope, connection and nurturing.
I believe that Judith and FEMTIQUE will have such positive impact on her community and the State of Pennsylvania. My hope is that Hearts Full Of Hope can help to serve as a visual vehicle for Judith on her journey. An image that can help to get a message across when there isn’t time or space for words. My hope is that this image, with its painted bond and story between mother and child, will educate and inspire others, and mothers, to focus on their breastfeeding experience. To reach for the joy and connection that breastfeeding can provide between the mother and child couple.
Hearts Full Of Hope, painting in process by Katie m. Berggren
My own thoughts: Breastfeeding is a cherished way for a mother and child to bond, and breast milk is such a gift for a growing baby. I had the honor of nursing my two sons until they were eating solid food, then on through their 15th month. I love the space, time, passion and peace that the breastfeeding relationship offers to both the child and the mother.
You can help, too. 10% from the purchase of any sized print of Hearts Full Of Hope goes directly to FEMTIQUE and Associates to help them educate and share the value of breastfeeding to mothers of babies, and also to train and certify Lactation Consultants.
Get Your Print of Hearts Full Of Hope, here.
- Hearts Full Of Hope, painting by Katie m. Berggren
