When photographer Helen Carmina uploaded a photograph she took of her friend to her Facebook page, she never imagined within days it would have been viewed by over 8 million people. However, such was the power, intensity and ‘realness’ of the image she shared.
Helen, who is eight months pregnant herself, photographed an unnamed new mother whose baby lay cradled below her still raw and healing c-section scar.
The story behind the image is what has resonated with thousands of women around the world, as it showed a reality of childbirth so rarely celebrated.
The unnamed mother in the photograph, Helen explained, was “terrified” of having a c-section instead of a “natural birth”. However, due to unexpected complications, she was forced to have an emergency caesarean.
“I photographed this mama’s pregnancy a while back and she was telling me how terrified she was of having a c-section. Well last week she went into labor but had to have an emergency c-section after complications. She asked me to come over this morning and shoot this particular image as her worst nightmare proved to be what saved her and her child’s lives,” Helen wrote on her Facebook page.
At three and a half days old, the serenity with which the healthy baby lays safe and nestled up with mum, has reaffirmed that no matter how a child comes into the world what is important is that mum and bub stay safe.
Women from around the world, many made to feel ashamed about their ‘unconventional’ birth, celebrated the image.
“I had an emergency c sect too… I think this image is incredible, beautiful and extremely powerful. I love it.. It just touched my heart,” Nina Nassour Ibrahim said.
“I’m pregnant with my first baby and I’m absolutely terrified of having to have a c-section. After seeing this beautiful photo, it brought me so much comfort. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. You’re absolutely beautiful,” Jennifer Farris agreed.
The photographer told HuffPost UK Parents: “To me it’s a beautiful image that shows both a struggle and something beautiful.
“I have received so so many stories from c-section mums saying how it has changed the way they look at their scars.
“I can’t believe the amount of women that are ashamed of their scars and are made to feel like they haven’t done the job properly because they didn’t give birth naturally. In fact I am stunned.
“I feel proud that an image I created has allowed so many people to open up about their experiences and change the way they feel about something they should only feel pride for.
“Giving life shouldn’t be a competition of how you did it.”
We could not agree more. Bravo to all mums who brought life into this world– no matter how much or how little medical intervention was required.
