Birth photos capture the wonder and awe that accompanies welcoming a new baby into the world. Denver-based photographer Monet Nicole Moutrie takes her artistry a step further by illustrating just how connected mother and child truly are in her series of photos that highlight the unsung hero of pregnancy: the umbilical cord. This little line not only gives a baby nutrients but connects mama to baby in an essential way. When the umbilical cord is cut, it is the true moment when baby is his or her own being. Therefore, cutting the cord is an experience that is truly emotional. It's a baby's first moment of development now that he or she is earthside, and it comes as no surprise that umbilical cord photography has become its own art.
Or as Moutrie tells CafeMom, "The cord is the baby's life source throughout pregnancy and each is as unique as the baby it sustains. As an artist, I'm fascinated by these differences." No two umbilical have made the same journey, and each is part of a unique child's journey. It's truly amazing what the human body can do, and it's so magical to see these images of not only the miracle of birth but how the baby makes the transition from a mother's womb into the real world.
Take a look at Moutrie's homage to the almighty and sustaining cord and revel in its beauty. We're sure you'll be just as amazed as we are.
BLISSFUL FIRST MOMENTS
Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, those precious seconds when you meet your infant are sacred. Look at this mom gazing at her new bundle of joy. So precious.
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SAY 'AW!'
You can already see the resemblance between mom and baby as each gapes at the other. That cord is so thick, what better way to symbolize the connection they share?
FRESH OUT OF THE WOMB
Look at how perfect this baby is! The way he or she is stretched out like that, it's hard to believe how these babies curl up and fit so neatly in a mother's stomach.
TOGETHER -- AT LAST
"The cord changes rapidly during the first hour of life," Moutrie says. "It goes from blue, thick, and pulsing to white and limp. This transformation is incredible, and it goes to show just how important delayed cord clamping is."
This photo shows the change is already under way.
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WELCOME TO THE WORLD
"I'm lucky that here in Denver most hospitals and midwives practice delayed cord clamping and many will wait one to two hours before cutting the cord," Moutrie explains.
According to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics, delayed cord clamping may prevent iron deficiency in infancy.
FEEL THE CONNECTION
When you look at it up close, it's incredible to think about all the power this cord holds. Only nature could make something this beautiful and functional.
LOOK AT THAT FACE
You can tell this baby will be a hoot at sporting events — look at that big mouth, LOL. And the eyes scrunched so tightly … wait until he or she sees what awaits!
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BLISSFUL
This little pumpkin looks as if he or she were grown right there on that thick vine of a cord. We love how baby's arm almost cradles the chin. Sweet dreams!
AMAZEMENT
Getting a first look at your little one is a once-in-a-lifetime moment you'll savor for the rest of your life. You can see this mom is already enamored with her infant. So sweet.
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WONDERS OF A WATER BIRTH
When you have your own baby, everything happens so fast you may not even notice cord. Or, dad may cut it, but having these photos really lets you appreciate the job it's done for you and baby for the past nine months.
LITTLE HANDS & FEET
It's hard to believe we were once all that small. Look at those perfect little hands and feet.
CONNECTED FOREVER
Nourishing and sustaining baby through the journey of pregnancy, the umbilical cord is an unsung hero in the story of our lives. Thankfully, this talented photographer is there to unobtrusively capture it all.
SPECIAL DELIVERY
Although it was believed for years that early cord clamping decreased the risk of hemorrhage in mothers, research hasn't supported those beliefs and it's become increasingly popular to delay it.
More from CafeMom: 14 Incredible Birth Photos a Mom Took During Her Own Labor
