A new photography exhibition celebrating diversity and individuality in maternity has opened at Thackray Museum of Medicine, in collaboration with the maternity service at Leeds Teaching Hospitals (LTHT) and Lens Lab Project, a non-profit arts organisation who are based locally in Burmantofts.
The photos were taken at Maternal Journal art classes last summer, which enabled pregnant women to come together, share their experiences, and express themselves through creative activities including bump casting, painting and collage making.
The classes were organised by the Maternity Health Equity team, whose work aims to address disparities and health inequalities for those accessing maternity care in Leeds. Maternal Journal classes brought women from diverse communities together, in collaboration with midwives, to share important information and discuss maternity related topics.
Classes were held every week in Chapeltown, helping women living in the nearby communities to take part close to home in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Many participants highlighted the sense of safety and trust they felt, which encouraged them to openly discuss their feelings and challenges during pregnancy. The classes were run by qualified midwives at no cost, thanks to funding from Leeds Hospitals Charity.
Natalya, who is a midwife in Leeds and also attended Maternal Journal classes is featured in the exhibition with her daughter Zoya. She said: “The maternal journal sessions created a safe and judgement free space where we could explore the joys and difficulties of being a parent through a creative outlet. As a mother, I’m grateful that I was able to attend these sessions and experience first-hand how beneficial creative journaling can be for mental health and wellbeing. As a midwife, I’m really proud to work for a trust that has provided this opportunity for so many women and birthing people in the community! It’s a privilege to be part of this exhibition and stand with this amazing group of mothers who reflect the strength, beauty and individuality of our maternity community here in Leeds.”
Bianca, who gave birth earlier this year, is also featured. She said: “Maternal Journal provided me with a beautiful lifeline at a time that can prove challenging and lonely. Being a creative soul – I am a singer/songwriter, musician and a Yoga facilitator – I yearned for a sense of sisterhood and community during this journey of pregnancy. Being able to find that in this space whilst channelling my inner artist is a memory and experience I will cherish forever. Nada, the course facilitator, brought the vibrance and creative support, and my fellow course mates – the love and fulfilment. Thank you for this wonderful offering, I hope funding flows to this initiative, and it continues.”
Using photography was a powerful way to capture stories and identities, and engage and interact with some of the people who are currently using or have recently used Leeds Maternity Services.
The outcome of this project has been a rich and varied collection of imagery which highlights empowerment, difference, identity, culture and choice – all powerful themes that maternity professionals consider when planning holistic, safe and compassionate care.
The exhibition formed part of a health equity education event in November which was organised by the maternity team in collaboration with Leeds Maternit