The umbilical cord is something pregnant women carry around for months and never really get to know — after all, it's cut and discarded shortly after a baby's born. But the stretchy conduit that links a growing baby to the placenta is quite literally the cord of life, delivering nutrients, oxygen, and so much more. Without it, babies wouldn't get what they need to grow and thrive.
Fortunately birth photographers tend to capture images of the cord so Mom can get a look-see at the link that's been keeping baby alive all those months during pregnancy. This series of photos captures all the glorious details up close — from the otherworldly colors to rare instances of cord knots to spiritual rituals that center on the mother-child link. When mothers talk about feeling a special connection to their children, who can quantify what role this physical bond between mom and baby plays in the emotional one that forms?
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Here are some of the most amazing photos that birth photographers have taken of umbilical cords — guaranteed to have all of us seeing these incredible, life-giving elements through new eyes.
A Perfect Twist
As photographer Monet Moutrie says of this photo, "Our bodies do incredible things."
Holding Tight
This little one grabs fast to the cord with little toes. It makes you wonder how the cord looped in and out of little fingers and toes in the womb, doesn't it?
The Whole Picture
Mother. Baby. Life.
Burning
This family practiced the ancient ritual of cord burning, an act that signifies the separation of mom and her new baby.
Looping Over
A little one comes earthside through the water … cord attached!
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Still Connected
Perfectly peaceful!
In a Knot
"As soon as the obstetrician said, 'There's a cord knot,' I moved my camera away from mom and baby and down to the cord!" says photographer Amanda McGhee of this image. "One statistic I found said that a true knot of umbilical cord can occur in approximately 0.3 percent to 2 percent of all births, so being a rare occurrence, I wanted to be sure to capture it for the family!"
Getting a Look
This mom got to take a peek at the cord that had connected her to her son, and Hefferilt Photography captured the moment so she can see it again and again!
Wrapped Around
The magic of a mom and baby still connected.
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At Peace
The cord and the placenta that kept baby alive.
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White
As the cord begins to go limp, it loses the vibrant colors apparent when a baby is first born.
Coming Out for Air
Umbilical cords are surprisingly long — as much as 20 inches or longer on average.
The Process
Slowly but surely, baby arrives, cord coming with the little one into the world.
Perfect Knot
Says photographer Amanda McGhee, "I know that once the blood leaves the cord, it turns white and limp. That gorgeous spiral purple/blue color is only present for a few moments after birth, so it's important to capture it quickly!"
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Knotty
Photographer Megan Babin captured this true knot in the air.
And a Bit of Vernix
"The lifeline between mom and baby. Our bodies are amazing," says photographer Zura Lagarde of this image.
Pulsing With Life
Photographer Laura Fifield says this is her favorite umbilical cord shot to date.
