The moment a mother and her surrogate welcomed the birth of her baby has been caught on camera – and it’s a beautifully powerful shot.
Mum Chelsea and her surrogate Jen were captured by birth photographer Erin Shepley, who wrote on Facebook: “There was so much emotion when Arrow Atlas arrived, it was such an amazing thing to witness.”
The photo shows Jen holding the mother’s face, shortly after the baby is placed on her chest. And Chelsea looks overcome with happiness.
[Read More: This Is What It’s Like To Give Birth As A Surrogate]
Shepley said the dynamic of the room was “incredible” during the birth.
“Everyone was right there with her the whole time,” she told Popsugar. “The moment baby was born was something I’ll never forget. Chelsea was overwhelmed with emotion when she saw her son and immediately looked to Jen and said thank you over and over again through many happy tears.
“I was also crying during this moment as it was truly one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever witnessed. Jen had told me previously that... when you’ve given the gift of family to another couple, it’s everything.”