Sometimes we forget that the day we become mothers is a day full of courage. The miracle of life comes to full fruition when women, at the cusp of motherhood, summon our strength and might to bring forth a child or say yes to and call a child our own. And from then on, we arm ourselves with courage daily to raise our children: the courage to face the unknown, the courage to dream for a better future, to courage not to let our demons plague our precious ones. The courage to let go. Motherhood is journey that demands courage.
Below are the finalists, out of thousands of entries, from Smart Parenting's Motherhood 100 Photo Contest in celebration of Mother's Day under the category of courage. Each tells a unique story of how a mother rises above her fears—from giving birth in the middle of a Covid surge, to a young widow taking night shifts to provide for and support her child during the day, to the last stretch of pregnancy when a mother's body is crying out for relief. See different depictions of a mother's daily act of courage in these photos and know that you, Mama, are stronger than you think.
Smart Parenting Motherhood 100 Photo Contest Finalists: Courage
"A Mother’s Silent Cry"
By Geomar Triño
Featuring Mary Joy Triño
"Joy at 24 weeks taking her shower me-time, she seems lost in thought, perhaps grappling with the weight of impending motherhood."
"Baby’s Out"
By Dr. Loralee Reyes Vicente
Featuring Franz Marie Florentino
"We never really know what will happen with our pregnancy. I had my son via Emergency CS because I was already 40 weeks due. When I had my last checkup, there's not enough placenta anymore and I was 4 cm dilated already, However, I did not feel any pain or contractions and my baby wasn't ready to come out yet. They monitored us and they were surprised that my baby and I were having a tachycardia (fast heart rate). The doctor told us that my baby was also big, (3.8kg). I also had a previous health issue with my ovaries and I needed major surgery. They found a 21 cm cyst in my right ovary and took it out in 2019. That's why the OB-GYN decided that I should have the emergency CS for us to have a successful delivery. I was half-awake that moment and I was very emotional when I first heard my son's cry. Every labor and delivery has a different story and I wouldn't change it for anything. I thank God for everything."
"Blooming Belly"
By Shaheen R. Mipanga
Featuring Monique Mipanga
"Stretch marks from pregnancy are a service of love."
"Mother’s Sanctuary"
By Aldrin D. Dominguez
Featuring Jennifer De-Aro
"The only time that a mother can rest is when her children are sleeping. It doesn't matter if the space is not big enough for them but all that matters is that they are together. A mother's sanctuary is not whenever she's resting, but whenever they are together."
Giving Birth At The Height Of COVID Pandemic: “A Birth Of A Strong Mother”
By Kirkamon A. Cabello
Featuring Danilyn Joy S. Cabello
"It was April 11, 2020 when our precious son was born, almost a month after the COVID lockdown. Strict measures left and right, we did not know what to expect. Nobody does. I was not there to hold her hands while she was in labor, as she endured all the pain to give the life of our dear son. But one thing is for sure, she did not simply give birth--she also birthed a strong mother within her. This photo was taken hours after giving birth--our son’s first latch, I wonder how she did it all despite the body aches. I just couldn't let that moment pass without capturing the glorious journey."
"Giving Birth In Time of COVID Surge"
By Dra. Catherine Remollino
Featuring Love Cosio
"At a time when lives end each day because of COVID, a new life begins. Life continues. No you are not in outer space, you are giving birth at a time of COVID Surge."
"Loving Every Stripe"
By Mhariecon Gayle S. Balanta
Featuring Demz C. Cueto
"Embracing motherhood in all its form. Momma stripes is something to be proud of."
"Night Shift Mama"
By Danica Reguera
Featuring Danica Reguera
"I’ve been on night shift since I started working. I’m a solo mom after my husband died of cancer in 2021. At night, I have to go to work and leave my daughter while she’s asleep. We will then meet in the morning, help her prepare, and drive her to school. That’s been our routine for years until the pandemic came. We cherished our time together as a family. Now that pandemic is over, I’m back to working the night shift again."
"Proud CS Momma"
By Hermie Jun Toledo
Featuring Medalin Teves-Toledo
"These are the raw shots secretly taken by my husband during my first week post-pregnancy with our first born. I am a first time mother at the age of 37 who has been praying and longing to hold a child of her own. True enough, God hears our prayers. We are humbled and blessed to be given the best gift a couple can have."
"Ready to Pop!"
By Joey Gatmaitan
Featuring Ericka Gatmaitan
"The last month of pregnancy brings a lot of emotions, aches, and pains. But here I am, ready to pop in a few hours. I can’t wait to see our little sunshine."
"The Birth Of A Baby And A Mother"
By Mark O. Montances
Featuring Anna Maria Concepcion T. Montances
"The Day I First Met You"
By Jan Melcher Velasco
Featuring Jetrina Velasco
"The most awaited moment of an expectant mother is meeting her baby for the first time. After giving birth to my firstborn I went through three miscarriages, thousands of needles for treatment, and two days of labor before meeting my second son. After rounds of treatment again, I finally gave birth to my youngest. It was long and tiring. I cried buckets of tears. It was a painful, financially draining journey worth doing. Just to meet you my three boys, I would go through the same path again, no questions asked."
"The Scars of Blessing"
By Ivan C. Villegas
Featuring Leah Montecalbo Villegas
"My wife's first bump."
"Unang Yakap"
By Jessica May Agliam
Featuring Geraldine Domingo
"Wala nang hihigit pa sa ligaya ng isang ina sa oras ng unang yakap nila ng kaniyang anak."
"Watching Him Sleeping"
By Evelyn A. Tudtud
Featuring Evelyn A. Tudtud
"Waterbirth"
By Bryan Mallare Gagahina
Featuring Venus Keizyl AG
"My dream birth. My greatest achievement. Everything about motherhood begins with a mindset and the rest follows. Had my dream birth in 2020 despite the government restrictions due to the pandemic. Baby out after 42 hours of labor! Unmedicated water birth unlocked!"
"Yakap"
By Chrysthel Azucena
Featuring Chrysthel Azucena
"Motherhood is about embracing the pain, ugliness, sacrifices and yet still be able to love unconditionally."
"You are Safe, Mama is Here"
By Dina Pagdilao
Featuring Dina Pagdilao
"Our family is the greatest gift of God. The journey of motherhood may be tough and full of challenges, but the joy and love each child brings makes it all so worth it. Each child is a blessing from the Author above, and it is a privilege to be able to experience both the highs and lows of motherhood. There is beauty in the mundane, ordinary days. A child should not have to earn their parent's love, he/she should rest in it."
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Photos are arranged in alphabetical order.
See the other photos under the following categories: Devotion, Self-Love, and Kindness.
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Produced by: Iza Cuyos-Santos, Mika Presillas, and Marie Bilgera
Art Director: Maria Stephanie Ocampo
Edited by Judy Santiago Aladin
Social Media: Zen Arganda
Video Producer: Cherrie Julian
Video Editor: Olan Pingco
Special thanks to: Riyalyn Grace Pasimio, Roi Boado, Keana del Rosario, Anny Marino, and Thea Alberto-Masakayan
