'Sharing Birthing Photos Helps Other Pregnant Moms Feel Less Alone'

Last March 2024, we asked our readers to submit photos capturing the raw and unfiltered moments of parenthood. Out of thousands of entries, 50 best motherhood moments were selected and announced on Mother's Day This article is part of a series that delves into the stories behind the 10 winning photos of the Smart Parenting Parenthood 100 photo contest.

 "A father stands with full of of emotion watching at the back. Tears of pure joy streaming down his face as he gazes upon his newborn child for the very first time. With trembling hands, he wipes away tears, unable to contain the overwhelming love and happiness swelling in his heart. It's a scene of raw, unfiltered emotion, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. In that tear-stained smile, you see the indescribable magic of fatherhood unfolding."

This was how photographer Cherry Abusmas described the photo she entered to the Smart Parenting Parenthood 100 photo contest. It was a birthing photo of her clients, Jessica Dy and Francis Dy, when they first met their child, Coco.

^{"Tears of Joy" by Cherry Anne Abusmas, one of the winning photos of Smart Parenting's Parenthood 100 photo contest}

"It is a scene of raw, unfiltered emotion of a mother with a tear-stained smile surrounded by her supportive birthing team and her loving husband in the delivery room. Tears of pure joy streamed down her face as she gazed upon her newborn child for the very first time as she held him close to her chest. Mommy Jessica was the epitome of a strong woman who endured a 2-week long early labor, 4 days of active labor, and 3 hours of pushing," she told Smart Parenting.

"The moment she saw him, she knew that every moment of pain and struggle had been worth it. Her husband was by her side all throughout the labor and witnessed the birth of their son. With trembling hands, he wipes away his tears, unable to contain the overwhelming love and happiness in his heart. He had been a pillar of support throughout the labor, holding her hand, saying prayers, and offering words of encouragement," she continued.

Why sharing your birth story is important

To be hired to document a birthing story is more than a job for Cherry, but an opportunity to preserve these memories that are life's treasured moments.  More than that, she says, it not only allows mommy Jessica to relive the moment of her labor and delivery in vivid detail, but also for her to inspire and empower fellow pregnant women who may be anxious or uncertain about childbirth.

"By sharing her birthing story images, whether her birth was straightforward, challenging, medicated, unmedicated, vaginal, or via Caesarean section, sharing these diverse experiences can help other pregnant women feel less alone and more prepared for the unpredictable nature of labor. Every birth story is unique, and by sharing both the highs and lows of her birthing journey, including the lessons learned from her birthing experience, she can help others to have a positive mindset," she said.

Behind the photo is a story that needs to be told. Cherry shared that Jessica and Francis planned and prepared for a natural and unmedicated water birth for their first child. However, the mother had complications that did not allow for a smooth birthing experience.

Jessica told her that she can't recall how many times she wanted to give up but through God's grace and the whole birthing team's hope and encouragement, especially her husband, she was able to gather enough strength to endure.

"Though their birthing story did not go as planned, surely it was the most rewarding life experience for them," Cherry said.

Message to parents

Cherry shared the message she wants to impart to parents through her photo, "I witnessed not just the miracle of a new life but also the strength of a mother whose love knows no bounds and a great father who was a pillar of support and unwavering love."

"Truly, it is a celebration of life's beauty, new beginnings, and wonderful blessings! In this image, we witness not just the birth of a child but the birth of a family, united by love, strengthened by hope, and forever bound by the precious gift of life. May this photograph serve as a timeless reminder of a mother's love, the greatness of a father, and how amazing God is."