Beautifully Intimate Photos Show Women On Their First Day As Mums

Nothing can compare to that first day as a parent. Suddenly you have a tiny human being to look after, care for and protect – it’s an amazing feeling, not to mention a life-changing 24 hours.  

It’s so special that photographer Jenny Lewis wanted to capture it on camera for the world to enjoy. And whether you’re a parent or not, they’re incredibly resonating pictures.

From new mums looking anxious, to protective, to happily exhausted, each photo shows a different woman cradling her newb

orn.

But what’s lovely is there are no flat tums and no excesses of make-up – the photos are simply a natural and pure “celebration of what it means to be a mother,” says Lewis.

Lewis’ photos, which feature her new book ‘One Day Young’ (Hoxton Mini Press, £12.95) aim to pass on a powerful message – that childbirth is a positive experience and nothing to be feared.

Lewis has devoted the last five years to the project, photographing Hackney mums and their newborn babies and selected her favourite 40 to include in her book.

None of the mothers were chosen for their looks, age, race or class and all were photographed in their own homes, giving a fascinating and personal backdrop to each portrait.

“My aim was to capture the extraordinary bonding, warmth and strength between mother and infant,” says Lewis. “In fact the whole range of amazing emotions felt at that time, as the mothering instant kicks in.

“I find the collection of images defiant and beautiful, challenging the expected vision of those first twenty-four hours, a pure celebration of what it means to be a mother.”

Which photo is your favourite? Let us know in the comments box below.

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