GUILHERME BERGAMINI

Contractions

In Brazil eighty-five percent of childbirths are caesarean sections and fifteen percent are vaginal births, which is the opposite of what the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends. The cesarean-section-for-profit culture tears down the woman's ability to give birth in the way that she wishes. I was privileged enough to experience what happens when women are afforded the agency to give birth in their own homes. After thirty hours of contractions (a display of indescribable strength and endurance on the part of her mother), our daughter Malu was born in our room on June 29, 2015. From June 19th to July 10th, I went to the post office to send a postcards to Malu, a simple and childlike dialogue to make official and materialize this moment. In a cardboard box, the leading magazines and newspapers on June 29, 2015 are stored with the postcards that will be delivered to her on June 29, 2030, at 8:35 am. Below each postcard, you will find an English-language translation of the message I inscribed.


*27/06*

Malu, today your mother went with the obstetrician nurse to the clinic and
arrived safely. You already weigh 3 kg, 50 cm tall and occupy almost the
entire uterus. Your mother spent all day feeling you physically, that you
are getting closer and closer.

We love you, Mommy and Daddy!


*29/06*

Malu you were born today: June 29, 2015 at 8:35hs, weighing 3,250 kg,
measuring 49 centimeters. Your birth was wonderful in our room, after 30
hours of contraction!

We love you, Mommy and Daddy!


*30/06*

Malu, it is indescribably the sensation and the feeling of the way you came
into our life. All your gestation was perfect, always quiet and serene.
Your mother had contractions at 2:00 a.m on Saturday and at 8:43 a.m on
Monday. In our home, you appeared with all strength and health. A gift from
God in our lives. Be very welcome in our lives.

We love you, Mommy and Daddy!


*01/07*

Malu you have arrived in a very special way. You wanted to born at home!
Your grandmother Susana was bewildered! We will never forget this moment.

We love you, Mommy and Daddy!


*02/07*

Malu, your mother is wonderful, a woman of attitude, strength
and determination, providing a beautiful gestation. I could see in your
gaze how much you are wanted and desired.

We love you, Mommy and Daddy!

GUILHERME BERGAMINI is a Brazilian reporter and visual artist. For more than two decades, he has developed projects that combine photography with various narrative possibilities. His work represents a dialogue between memory and social political criticism. He believes in photography as the aesthetic potential and transforative agent of society. Awarded in national and international competitions, Bergamini has participated in collective exhibitions in twenty-eight countries.