Angelica Svanström
Connectedness
For many years Swedish photographer Angelica Svanström – aka Angelica Picture – has been a good friend of us, and from the very beginning we have admired her approach to motherhood as well as her insistence on doing things her own way. Angelica is the mother of 4-year-old Lova and 1-year-old Rio.
On your Instagram profile you often share moments without the typical filter – like when you open your messy closet and transform it into a tidy one with help from your little one, show your baby bum after giving birth or when breastfeeding your kids after their toddler age. Why is it important for you to share moments like this?
“I don’t know if important is the right word. It comes very naturally to me; it’s my life and I love sharing it with you.”
“To be honest I never thought breastfeeding was a thing before I had Lova. But I soon found out. I’ve gotten so many messages from people all over the world questioning the whole thing, wondering, and asking how I manage to do it. Or even why I do it. ”
Since you got children, breastfeeding has been a topic on your Instagram profile as you keep breastfeeding your children after many others have quit (we love that). Why is this an important topic to you?
“To be honest I never thought breastfeeding was a thing before I had Lova. But I soon found out. I’ve gotten so many messages from people all over the world questioning the whole thing, wondering, and asking how I manage to do it. Or even why I do it. In real life too but I couldn’t care less. I also get so many beautiful messages from mothers saying that it is so inspiring and helpful, and that somehow gave me a purpose here, to continue sharing it wide open to normalize such a natural thing for all those mothers who stop breastfeeding because of someone else and even more for all those people still questioning it.”
In general, it seems like you prefer to follow your own path, not sticking to the norm – can you elaborate on that?
“I want to live my life on my own terms. I want to be free and don’t compare myself with others. I would never filter my soul to fit a mold.”
And what do you wish to pass on to your children?
“Love – and the rest will come, I am sure. Raising children is all about connectedness, I think.”
How to be the best version of yourself as a mother – any recommendations? (mothers are always sooo busy).
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. Take a deep breath and go out and have fun now and then. How I zoom out, really depends on the season. But I always put on music! I love trying out nice outfits, or just lay down breathing in our garden, cook really nice food and sometimes going out with friends for wine and to catch up. But most important to be present with my husband Tom, doing nothing, just cuddling, and talking.
When do you feel the most connected with your children?
“When breastfeeding. Definitely. It is such a peaceful moment – just the two of us.”
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