Photographer Helen Aller’s candid photograph of a newborn baby resting beneath his mother’s C-section scar tells a story of fear and triumph.
“I photographed this mama’s pregnancy a while back, and she was telling me how terrified she was of having a C-section,” Aller wrote on Facebook, adding, “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.”
“[She] wanted something to show that her biggest fear was what in the end saved both of them. I think she will see that scar and appreciate the life they were given.”
Despite complaints, the majority of people have supported the photo on Facebook:
Guesrney-based Aller told HuffPost: ”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.” She added: “Giving life shouldn’t be a competition of how you did it.”
See more of Aller’s photography on her website.