Mamas, let's chat.
As a birth photographer I have seen a fair share of births. Hard, strenuous, and even some downright alarming births. I have also seen beautiful births. Actually, every single one of the births I have witnessed has been beautiful in its own way. Truly.
Being a part of the birth industry (as well as being a new mama again) surrounds me with both birth professionals and new moms on a regular basis. And I've noticed a growing trend that makes me happy happy!
Women are beginning to believe birth is beautiful.
I am so glad to see this trend rising... because it's true. But... and this is a big BUT. There is a misconception about what a beautiful birth looks like.
Women are imagining a beautiful birth in ways that are not as common as you'd think.
Peaceful
Calm
Serene
Pretty
And sure... every now and then a birth experience does look like that. But, in my experience, it is a bit uncommon.
Mamas are believing and hoping for a peaceful, calm, serene and pretty birth. Naturally! And then labor happens. Once it is over, they quickly reflect on it and often feel as though it wasn't beautiful... that, in fact, it was downright angry and ugly and hard. So, so hard.
And maybe they did something wrong.
They don't see the beauty. Where is the beauty in being angry and frustrated with the pain? Where is the beauty in scars and tears?
Mamas... the beauty is abstract.
The beauty is the fact that you did it.
You surrendered.
You did this pregnancy and maybe you were miserable every day. But you did it. You labored hard and you delivered a baby. But maybe not without some curse words and tears. You carried and grew a human for months and then went through a major surgery... you did it.
And THEN... motherhood fell upon you immediately. Wether you were graceful or a little rough around the edges those first few days... you took on your role. You did it because you had to.
That surrender... that strength. Mamas... that is what is beautiful about birth.
