This Stunning Photo Celebrates Every Woman Who’s Had a C-Section

Most pregnant women are freaked out at the idea of having a C-section and hate the scaring that can come with it. But one new mom celebrated her C-section with a sweet photo that’s gone viral.

The black-and-white pic, which was posted on Facebook by photographer Helen Aller, features the mother’s C-section scar next to her three-day-old baby.

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Aller photographed the pregnancy of the woman (who wishes to remain anonymous), who told her how terrified she was of having a C-section, Aller explained in a Facebook post, per Yahoo Parenting.

The woman was forced to have an emergency C-section due to complications during the labor and asked Aller to shoot this image “as her worst nightmare proved to be what saved her and her child’s lives,” Aller says.

The photo was viewed more than 15 million times and received more than 200,000 likes before it was removed by Facebook without an explanation. (Aller posted it again.)

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“As a photographer, I go into every situation to capture the love and strength of each new family,” Aller wrote on her Facebook page. “I never thought my image would become such a big deal around the world.”

Aller’s page has been flooded with positive comments.

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“Us C-section moms should not have to feel inferior because of our birth outcome,” one wrote.  “I had 3 caesars and wish I had photos like this,” said another.

There was even one from a man who said, “I have yet to meet or hear from a guy that says, ‘Oh, gross, C-section scars are disgusting’ or horrible. We also see the beauty in giving birth to a child, no matter how it happens.”

Had a C-section and have the scar to prove it? It’s worth taking a new look at what it means. As this photo shows, it can be beautiful.