In a world where birth is celebrated as a miraculous event, it seems that not everyone shares this sentiment. A photographer recently voiced her frustration after Instagram removed a birth image not once, but twice, for allegedly violating their “community guidelines.”
Photographer Mia Hart, known for her work at Tiny Moments Photography, captured a breathtaking moment during a home birth in Hobart, Tasmania, a few years ago. The full image depicted a birthing mother on all fours, with her baby’s head emerging. Intent on showcasing the “genuine, raw” beauty of childbirth, Hart was apprehensive about potential censorship. To mitigate this, she cropped the photo to focus solely on the baby’s face and the midwife’s hands.
In her own words, Hart explained, “I posted the image with the caption, ‘Look at this beautiful, squishy baby emerging, with amniotic fluid visible.’” Despite receiving hundreds of likes and encouraging comments—including some from viewers who shared it with their children—the photo was reported and deemed inappropriate for social media. Shortly after, Hart found herself locked out of her Instagram account with a notification stating, “We removed your post because it doesn’t comply with our community guidelines. Please review our guidelines to understand what is acceptable content.”
Reflecting on the situation, Hart expressed her anger and confusion: “How could someone find offense in this image? Why would anyone report it? It felt personal.” Having become a mother at 17, Hart is passionate about birth photography as a means of empowering women. “As a young mom, I was terrified of childbirth,” she shared. “I only had exposure to unrealistic portrayals in movies. I want people to see authentic images of birth that reflect strength and normalize the experience.”
Undeterred, Hart uploaded the image again, and after amassing over 800 likes, it was removed once more. She firmly believes the photo did not breach Instagram’s guidelines and has sought clarification from the platform, yet two weeks later, she has received no response.
“My image was my own work,” Hart asserted. “It didn’t depict any sexual content, nudity, or violence. It encouraged meaningful discussions and was respectful. Sharing images like mine is vital in dismantling the stigma around birth culture.”
After a third attempt, the photo remained up for a week, but its long-term status is uncertain. Hart’s experience is not isolated; many photographers have faced similar challenges with social media censorship regarding birth images. This situation raises an important question: why is there such a stigma surrounding images of childbirth?
While some may find birth graphic, it should not inhibit others from sharing empowering imagery on their social media. The contrast is stark when compared to celebrities who share nude photos without issue, yet images meant to uplift women are censored. This disparity illustrates the skewed perceptions of women’s bodies and reproductive functions, highlighting the need for societal change in how we view the beauty of childbirth and motherhood.
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In summary, the ongoing censorship of birth photos on Instagram reflects deeper societal issues regarding the perception of childbirth. While some may find these images graphic, they hold significant meaning for many and deserve a place in our collective consciousness.