Birth is an extraordinary and life-changing event, yet it seems not everyone appreciates its beauty. One photographer is taking a stand after Instagram removed her birth photo, claiming it violated their “community guidelines.” Photographer Mia Johnson, known for her work at Tiny Moments Photography, recently shared a breathtaking image captured during a home birth in Portland, Oregon. The photo depicts a mother on all fours, with the baby’s head emerging, showcasing the “real and raw” essence of childbirth.
Worried about potential censorship, Johnson cropped the image to focus on the baby’s face and the midwife’s hands. She recalls, “I shared the image four weeks ago, captioned, ‘Look at this beautiful baby halfway into the world, with amniotic fluid glistening.’ I hoped that by cropping, it wouldn’t offend anyone.” Despite receiving hundreds of likes and heartwarming comments—some even saying they showed it to their kids—the post was reported and deemed inappropriate. To her shock, Instagram locked her account with a notice stating, “We removed your post because it doesn’t follow our community guidelines.”
“I was furious,” Johnson expressed. “How could anyone be offended by this image? It was disheartening and felt so personal.” Having become a mother at a young age, Johnson is passionate about sharing birth photography to empower women. “I was terrified of birth myself,” she explained. “The only references I had were dramatized Hollywood portrayals. I want others to see the strength and beauty in real birth images that normalize this natural process.”
Determined to share her vision, Johnson uploaded the image again. However, after gaining over 800 likes, it was taken down once more. She firmly believes there’s “no way” her photo violated Instagram’s guidelines and has reached out for clarification but has yet to receive a response. “My image was respectful, contained no nudity, and fostered meaningful connections,” she stated. “I genuinely think that sharing these types of images helps dismantle the stigma around birth culture in our society.”
In a third attempt, Johnson uploaded the photo once again, and it has remained up for a week so far. But the question lingers: why is there such a stigma surrounding birth images? Birth photography isn’t sexual in nature and rarely includes elements that could be considered inappropriate. It raises eyebrows when celebrities share racy images, yet empowering depictions of childbirth face censorship.
While it’s understandable that some may find birth images uncomfortable, it shouldn’t prevent others from sharing these significant moments. The ongoing challenge illustrates how skewed our perspectives on women’s bodies and reproductive functions can be. There’s much work to be done in reshaping societal views on the beauty of childbirth and motherhood. For more insights on navigating the journey of pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource for family-building options. If you’re interested in tools that support at-home insemination, consider visiting this reputable online retailer of at-home insemination syringe kits.
In summary, Mia Johnson’s experience with Instagram highlights the ongoing challenges faced by birth photographers in a society that often stigmatizes the natural beauty of childbirth. Despite setbacks, her dedication to normalizing birth images continues to inspire others to embrace the beauty of motherhood.
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