Be Still, My Heart

• Photographer
  Marta Giaccone

"Be Still, My Heart" is a documentary project about teenage mothers in the south of Wales, UK. Britain has one of Europe's highest rates of teenage pregnancies and in the eyes of society this is still looked down upon. I was interested to meet young girls and help them tell their stories through photos and interviews. From as early as 16 years old they are already very brave mothers, who fight to defend their dignity with a humbling maturity. Meeting them has given me a very positive insight into this "issue", seemingly perceived as such by everyone save the girls themselves. They are all proud mothers who have generally experienced domestic hardships but nonetheless decided to go through with their pregnancies, even though nearly always advised not to, and who now consider their children their saving grace.