Many believe that facing your fears is an effective way to overcome them. And that is exactly what one new mother did.
In the weeks before she gave birth, she had been in conversation with family photographer, Helen Aller. The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed huge fears about the prospect of a caesarean, and was determined not to have one.
Alas when she went into labour, complications suddenly arose. In order to save both her baby's life, and that of her own, she had to have an emergency c-section.
Days later, she rang Aller and invited her to come round to take some photographs. She wanted visual proof – evidence – of the fact she had faced her fears. The woman had an idea for the image she wanted, but was uncertain whether or not to use a modesty-protector blanket underneath her stomach.
In the end, she decided to go natural. Her sleeping baby was placed on her naked lap, directly beneath her scar, and in mere minutes Aller had captured the picture.
Soon after, Aller realised she had taken an extraordinary image. She had never intended to do anything with it originally, but further to getting the green light from the mother – and also a photography group – Aller posted the image on Facebook.
As she later wrote in The Independent, 'My posts are usually seen by no more than 100 people, but the next morning it had been seen by 20,000. It has now been seen by 12.5 million people worldwide. Thousands have shared their stories.'
The response has been unprecedented. Mothers all over the world have got in touch with Aller, to commend her on the photograph, describing it as 'inspirational', and 'a beautiful symbol of the magic of new life'.
A number of the women also shared their own experiences of caesareans, some referencing the shame they felt at the belief they had 'failed' not giving birth the 'natural' way. 'I was shocked and saddened to read the stories,' Aller wrote.
Whilst she has also received some negative feedback – some, ridiculously, labelling the image 'pornographic' – overwhelmingly, the response has been positive. 'I like to see the opinions both good and bad,' Aller said, 'art is subjective and if it didn't stir feelings in the viewer it would be just another photo.'
One thing is for certain, it is definitely not 'just another photo'.
It is a compelling testament to one woman's bravery, and by extension, the bravery of all women who give birth – however they choose to do it.