Recent photographs capturing the birth of Milo have touched the hearts of people around the world, all thanks to the talented photographer Lindsay Foster. Known for her skill in capturing newborn sessions and births, Foster beautifully documented the heartwarming occasion that unfolded on July 28 for the jubilant parents, BJ Barone, 34, and Frankie Nelson, 44, who reside in Toronto, Canada.
The images that portray the parents’ overwhelming emotions upon welcoming their newborn child on July 27 quickly became a sensation on social media. Each photograph is brimming with raw and intense emotions, and one particular image stands out—the one that shows the couple holding their precious newborn son close to their chests, a tender technique known as “skin-to-skin,” designed to provide comfort to the infant.
In Kingston, Ontario, just moments before the arrival of their son, a midwife enthusiastically exclaimed, “Shirts off!” This call was meant to prepare the new fathers, Frank Nelson and BJ Barone, for the profound moment of skin-to-skin bonding with their baby. Photographer Lindsay Foster was there to document the birth as a heartfelt gift for the couple’s surrogate, Kathy Frenette. Even before Milo took his first breath, Foster captured the extraordinary moment when he was first cradled by his loving fathers.
In the poignant photographs, a shirtless Nelson, aged 44, holds Milo tenderly against his chest, while Barone, aged 34, wraps his arms around both of them. Tears of joy stream down the faces of these new fathers. Foster’s photographs brilliantly capture the essence of unconditional love and sheer happiness.
This particular photo has garnered over nine thousand shares and fifty thousand likes so far, and the comments overflow with positivity, offering well-wishes for the new family’s health and happiness. In response to the overwhelming reaction, the photographer expressed her hopes that these photographs would convey the profound love and admiration felt by everyone for the surrogate and the new parents, who are undoubtedly destined to be exceptional parents.
Frankie also shared the heartwarming image on her Facebook page, accompanied by a heartfelt caption. “This photograph is our favorite! It encompasses everyone who made the birth of our son so memorable. On the right are two midwives, while on the left are our surrogate mother and her spouse. Kathy had just given birth, and the umbilical cord was still attached. Definitely a day I’ll never forget!”
On the photographer’s Facebook page, the educator expressed gratitude for the comments and conveyed that both he and her spouse, BJ, respect diverse perspectives. They also celebrated the special moment they are currently experiencing. In a thoughtful manner, they mentioned that Milo will be taught to respect everyone, including those with opposing views.
“Thank you to everyone who liked, commented on, and shared our photo!” the couple expressed their appreciation. “This genuinely was an incredible period in our lives, which Lindsay Foster’s beautiful photography has captured for all time. We were so fortunate to have a handsome, robust baby son! All posted comments are respected, and while we may not concur with some of them, the positives outweigh the negatives. Everyone has the right to his or her own opinion. This is a time of unconditional affection and acceptance. Milo is surrounded by unconditional affection, and he will learn to embrace all kinds of families as he grows up (including intolerant people). Milo was conceived during LGBT Pride Week worldwide. The image represents all aspects of pride. Love has no color, no gender, and no sexual preference. Love is without conditions. Again, thank you from the depths of our souls!”
This heartwarming story and the powerful photographs serve as a testament to the enduring power of love, acceptance, and family in all its beautiful forms.