There are plenty of reasons to choose a water birth — it can be done in a birthing center or at home, and many women find the water soothing and helpful in terms of pain management. Then, of course, there are the photos! Birth photography can make beautiful memories for mom no matter how she delivers, but seeing a baby come into the world through the shimmering water is undoubtedly spectacular.
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Water births are so beautiful. Each baby is pushed out into a warm pool of water, which mimics the experience of being the womb. So the birth experience is a little more gentle and the environment is a little more calm. Expectant moms love that they can be at home or surrounded by their loved ones, instead of in a hospital where it can feel a little more formal. But most of all, water births are special because we can see the deep connection between mama and baby.
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CafeMom asked birth photographers to share some of their most magical water birth photos, and they didn't disappoint. These births truly are the magical alternatives to hospital births and result in some stunning photographs. Check them out!
I'm Coming Out!
This little one was so ready — those hands are out to say hello, world!
Almost There
The photographers from Voice Birth Options labeled this one, "In between his birth and first breath."
Caught by Mama
Floating into the world, and into mama's hands. "I love it when parents are encouraged to catch their baby," says photographer Kendal Blacker. "Not everyone is able to, or wants to, and that's okay too! But for those that want this moment — it's such a special and beautiful way to lay your eyes on your baby for the first time."
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Between Worlds
This little one is just about there.
Wonder Mom
She was already reaching for her mama! (By the way, doesn't this mom look so calm?!)
Holding Tight
Check out baby's little fingers holding tight to her midwife as she makes her entrance into the world.
Scooping Out Her Baby
As photographer Cat Fancote says of this capture, "The look on this beautiful woman's face as she scoops up her baby for the very first time says it all."
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Just Arrived
Canadian photographer Kim of Breathe In Photography captured this little one entering the world.
Breaking Through
And then the moment the little girl broke out of the water!
All Hands on Baby
This mom's 20-hour home birth ended with Daddy helping to catch their baby girl and pull her into the world.
All That Hair!
This little one came into the world with a full head of hair!
Mom's Team
"The entire experience was so empowering, so beautiful and so real," this mama told photographer Katia Grondin.
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We're All Here for the Baby
As photographer Kourtnie of KED Documentary Photography said when she shared this image, "support, love, welcome!"
Just Surfacing
This little one was just about out of the water when photographer Hannah Palamara caught this shot.
Perfect Profile
Oregon photographer Melissa Cate captured this image of a baby going straight into daddy's hands.
