an intimate look at childbirth across the world - me, a camera, and 6 new lives
You know that moment when a new life is born & all is right with the world? Does that moment happen for everyone-those in rural areas, the third world, or cloaked in religious traditions? I want to document a birth in 6 nations worldwide.
The birth of a child is arguably the single most incredible miracle we get to witness while on Earth. And yet, the way it happens and how the mother feels about it vary greatly across the world...even varying greatly within a single small town.
My dream is to follow six women from across the globe as they prepare for the birth of their first child, through their labor, delivery, and in the moments that follow.
How does a woman in a rural African village experience this miracle? Are there people gathered to help, does she have a doctor, and resources to feed and clothe the babe?
And how is it different from a Peruvian woman who lives high in the mountains? Is there a greater sense of birth as a religious experience?
Is a women in a first world country like, Germany, aware of how lucky she is? Does the prenatal care she receives affect the birth process?
How does the required modesty of women in the middle east factor into the birth experience? Is the father a part of the birth experience and what things are put into place to protect her modesty?
And finally, what about our own backyard...we have access to top-notch medical care and some of the world's best doctors, but what is different about the birth experience for a woman living in a homeless shelter or on the streets of America's toughest cities?
I want to experience the intimate details of childbirth with woman living lives very different from my own, in hopes of sharing their stories...
Ultimately, I'd like this journey to result in a book of images that weave an amazing tale of love, labor, and birth...with proceeds benefiting causes working to provide better prenatal care to some of the poorest areas of the world.
Thank you for considering my journey...
90 Comments
thank you!
Melissa - this is just beautiful - I can see it in my mind - and can't wait until I can have this book on my shelf!
What a wonderful idea!!
dana, thank you so much...God put this on my heart so long ago, I can just see it all in my head - I can't wait for the chance to create it!
Good Luck!!!!
good luck Melissa!
What a beautiful idea... I hope your dream comes true!
I love this. I can't wait to get one for myself!
I love this Melissa! Good luck, I voted as well!
GL Melissa! what an awesome dream!!
what a fabulous idea!!!
Very neat idea. I have often wondered about this and how it's approached in other countries. Good luck!!
good luck, melissa!!!
Melissa- I just voted for you and I am telling everyone I know to do the same. This is a fantastic idea and I hope it comes true for you!
Good luck Melissa!!!
Good Luck Melissa!!!! :)
Melissa - you will capture the glorious moments in a babies life with your photos. Good luck girl.
Good Luck Melissa! You will be great!
You all are amazing - thank you so much for believing in me!
You go girl wonderful
What a great idea!
Your dream is beautiful Melissa! I can't wait to see it come true. Good luck!
Thank you!! :)
The life He gives to each of us, and the lives that live with Him surround us. they watch over our daily lives. Having a NICU child ourselves, this is the most wonderful idea. My prayers are with you that He will allow your dream to come true in His time. God bless you and all of yours! Camille
Great idea!
Melissa,
What an incredible dream and great humanitarian documentary! Best of luck to you - I hope you win!
Cathy
We are all rooting for you!!
Sweetie,
This dream sums you up totally, and dreams do come true for those that are deserving!!! And that YOU are. I am so proud of all you do!
"To the MOON"
Mama
nice. i also want my assignment to be published into a book when it's done. my idea is to help others by bringing awareness and unity for non-profits worldwide: http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com/the-ideas/jenmay/unity-through-community/
I picked it!!! =)
You guys are amazing! Thank you so much for the support! xx
What an amazing idea!!
Melis, hope you get this, way to go.
BJ
thanks BJ!! I hope I get this too!
I am rooting and praying for you! <3
thanks Krysten! :)
This book would be something i would buy. this sounds like a great project and i think we could all start to understand other women in a different light!
fabulous idea! Best wishes!!!!
awesome idea!
Thank you!! :)
What a beautiful idea, good luck!
Good luck Melissa! This is an awesome idea and I'd love to see your journey through your lens.
Rachelle and Shay I really appreciate it! :)
I like your idea!
Will you vote for me? Let's do this and see how it turns out. Let's help each other!
Good luck!
I love this! I'm pushing for ya!
Melissa,
You deserve this! You are such an awesome person..I love you kid.
Wendy
Thank you!! You all are amazing!
How do I vote?
click on the pic it button next to the title of my dream, then register and confirm your email address
Thanks!
Great Idea! I hope you win!
good luck-courtney
Hey Melissa,
Great idea and I think your DAD is really proud of you.
Hope all your apgars are 10s.
Much luck,
JT
634
Interesting idea. Check out my photo idea too, and good luck!
just voted love and passed it along too! love the idea and your passion for motherhood. love you so much!!! miss you and good luck :)
I love this idea. Good luck to you!
What an amazing idea and journey. Best wishes!
Thank you all again...I'm hanging in there...hopefully I can stay in the top 20!!
If anyone can get something like this accomplished you can. I will be sure that my friends will agree. (GUNTHER)
Good luck Melissa. This would be beautiful. I hope you get to do it. You deserve it more than anyone I know.
Gunther - thank you so much!! :) Love to Cindy and Sue!
Thanks Jodie...I'd be lying if Rylan wasn't part of my inspiration for this...
Melissa, Such a complex subject. One child born into wealth, another seperated only by miles and culture born into poverty. Yet in each case, a child is born. Both with an unknown future.Good luck Malissa, I will spread your story to everyone I know. I'm certain you have made your Father very proud.
Melissa, good luck to you. I hope your dream comes true!
I hope your dream comes true! You have such an amazing gift that I hope you get this chance to show the world.
GOOD LUCK MELISSA!!!
"If you can dream it, you can do it"
-Walt Disney
Thanks everyone...
"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
Fantastic idea. There's so much aspects of human unity and in the same time uniqueness you can show in such a project... Good luck.
love this Melissa! Awesome Idea!
Wow, Melissa, I am amazed and inspired! I believe in you and your incredible dream!! You got my vote 100 times over!! Go Melissa Go!!
you've got my vote! love the idea...if i was a 1st time mom - would LOVE to be your guinea pig! good luck!!!
I just voted and fowarded the idea to people on my email list! I am so impressed with the clarity of your vision and I am moved by the subject matter. If you're just visiting: IT IS WORTH REGISTERING TO VOTE FOR THIS IDEA.
Thank you all so much! And Kristie and Sarah, thank you for passing it along! I really appreciate it!
I love this idea. You're on the cusp...I hope you make the cut!
Unite against the “network” that is scheming votes. Support ideas that are “lost” due to unworthy ideas using low tactics. “Insulin” is not the best idea. Something is wrong here and many fantastic ideas are getting lost due to the “network.” If you like my idea on “Vanishing Cultures,” vote for it.
Good Luck Sissy, luv ya
Way cool, my friend! I know you could do fabulous things with this project!
I love this idea! check out mine and Pic it if youd like! Congo here I come...
Encourage by Kristie Serra's blog and your lovely idea, here's my vote
I like it!
Lovely idea!!. I just pic'd you. I hope you'll be kind enought to come check me out, and lend your vote! Thanks!
Great idea- good luck!
here my vote, good luck
please check my dream too
You have my vote! Can't wait to see the pictures!
thank you all!
This is the most lovely idea!
Great lovely journey! Voted.
Check out my idea on covering the new engineering and innovation designed at alleviating poverty and hunger and protecting the environment. Also check out my portfolio http://maclellanimages.com/blog1/galleries/
great! save the placenta...it's good for the skin. Pic Pic Pic! how do you fancy my dream?
most of the projects here are documentary assignments, and most of the judges are documentary photographs. I believe in my project, but I don't think I have a chance, coz my project is more conceptual. Anyways.. good luck with yours!
Looks Like a great Project ! I voted for you, please check my project too..
www.hemaliphotography.com/fineart.html
love this idea, Melissa, hope you get it through either with this contest or some other way :)