Maternity Shoot in the Time of Covid

Toronto Mother Salima Esmail is simply glowing in this maternity shoot captured by photographer Tara Noelle, directed by Saira Hussain.

“This new beautiful gift of life suddenly becomes your entire world even before they are born,” says Salima. “And when you finally meet them you then know you would do anything and everything for them.”

Like most mothers, Salima is overcome with love of her little one. His tiny smiles bring tears to her eyes. The feeling of holding him skin-to-skin warms her heart. “When you get to first breastfeed and realise you are their world and sustenance,” says Salima.  “it’s is one of the most beautiful experiences of being a mother.”

Since her son Noah Cooper’s late February birth, Salima’s long-distance fiancé has not been able to see their son again because of the flying restrictions associated with Covid. “He flew down for Noah’s birth and had to get back for work,” says Salima. “He was supposed to come in April and we were all supposed to head back in May, but were all in lockdown instead.”

Salima was living in Toronto with her Mom where her son was born, while her fiancé is based in the United Kingdom. The pair plan to marry in August. “We realise that everything is out of our hands so we aren’t letting it get to us too much,” says Salima. “We continue to stay hopeful with the plan to move back to the United Kingdom and finally start our lives as a family.”

Her friend Saira has this to say about the new mother. “Salima has faced many challenged throughout her life, while embracing her courageous confidence and feminine spirit.”

Scroll down to see this magical maternity shoot with new Mom Salima.