As a parent and caregiver myself, I know what the most valuable gift is for a new family. Spoiler alert: it’s not the tiny little onesies, classic books or soothing stuffies. Don’t get me wrong, I loved those too, but the most valuable gift I received when I was pregnant and postpartum, was the gift of support.
I felt trapped by my condition, and I hit rock bottom. After a pep talk from my husband, I picked up my entry level DSLR and learned it inside out, carried it with me on my doctor-prescribed daily walks, and kept my creative juices flowing and my mind fresh by offering quick photoshoots for friends. I started assisting and second shooting with other photographers so I could learn more. My camera became my therapy— physically and emotionally.
Somewhere near the end of my first pregnancy, my friends threw me a baby shower—a gesture I appreciated living away from my family and the pomp I may have been lavished by them. They wrote motivational messages on tiny baby diapers while I ate confetti cake from a plate balanced on my rounded belly. I unwrapped a soft organic cotton baby swaddle; a three-pack of glass (no BPA, here) baby bottles; and a couple of plant-dyed baby onesies.
We work and live on the unceded and occupied territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. Since time immemorial, the original peoples of these lands have cared for their families and communities. We are committed to honouring their teachings, legacy and their sovereignty.
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