The first 12 weeks postpartum are stressful for new parents, especially for new mothers.

“It’s not something that’s really talked about,” said WBEZ photojournalist Manuel Martinez. He took dozens of powerful photographs of new mothers for the WBEZ multimedia series The First 12 Weeks, which is now a free interactive photo exhibit on Navy Pier through Nov. 30.

In this episode, Martinez explains his process for taking photos during such an intimate time in a person’s life, as well as how he and his wife handled this totally unique part of human life.

“We went through the pregnancy feeling like there were a lot of hands involved in making sure that she was going to be safe and the pregnancy was going to be successful,” Martinez said, “and then you go through the birth and you bring this baby home and nobody’s there. Everybody’s gone.”

A photo exhibit on Navy Pier highlights the joy and pain of being a new mom 17:16 Share

The Rundown | Chicago News

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A photo exhibit on Navy Pier highlights the joy and pain of being a new mom