Heartbeat: Emotive breastfeeding artwork features in maternity department

March 19, 2021

City Hospital was selected to display a portrait of a mum breastfeeding her newborn as part of a campaign by the artist to normalise the method.

Our Trust exhibited the artwork artist Leanne Pearce, who is gifting another 12 paintings to NHS organisations. She needed to raise £1,000 per painting to cover costs incurred and delivery with the piece Izzy and Evie is earmarked for the Trust.

Louise Thompson, Infant Feeding Coordinator, said: “We are delighted that City Hospital was chosen to receive this beautiful work of art and thankful to members of the community for nominating us.”

Leanne added: “I feel passionate about showcasing breastfeeding in a positive light, inspired by my own experiences of breastfeeding both my children.

“I began to paint portraits which brought breastfeeding to the fore, and the project is self-initiated. I’ve had an overwhelming response to the work, which I have taken across the UK to multiple venues. Some women have said they breastfed for longer after seeing the exhibition.

“I now feel it is vital that all the breastfeed portraits are displayed on a long term basis where more people can be exposed to this natural act to help normalise it, as well as starting conversations around it.”