Few experiences in life are as visceral, overwhelming, and unforgettable as going into labor and having a baby. While it may be one of the most ordinary things in the world (babies are literally born every minute of the day), it is also nothing short of a kind of miracle for every family that gets to welcome a new baby. For a lot of moms, including us, hearing labor stories and seeing images of childbirth never gets old. There is always magic in seeing the first moments of life!
This is why we always look forward to the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers's annual photo competition. This competition, which showcases photographers from all over the world, recently shared the award-winning images and nominees from over 1,000 birth photographers who capture everything from moments of loss, to the both tough and tender moments of labor, to the euphoria when a baby is finally held for the first time. We're showcasing some of our favorite images, but with a warning: Some of these images do show the naked and bloody truth of labor and a few deal with pregnancy loss, so take care if that hits too close to home.
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Now I Can Breathe
After the hard work of labor, there finally comes a moment to breathe. This poignant photo has layers of meaning, according to photographer Martha Lerner, who explained: "Breathing sometimes is a luxury. This family and I had long conversations about what bringing a baby of color into today’s day and age looked like. At times in their lives, they each had feared for their safety. They crafted the perfect birth team for them, all persons of color, for a homebirth. When the day came, this first time Mama labored quietly, intently, focused on the task at hand. No one could distract her. It's almost as if she was holding her breath throughout labor. When baby girl finally made it safely Earthside, Mama breathed a giant sigh of relief. Dad was standing by, to let his baby girl she was safe, and all was well. A tribute to George Floyd, whose presence was felt at that moment."
Positive Birth
Photographer Verena Panzitt shared this image of a birthing mother feeling her baby's head for the first time. We love that this shows the exhilaration of birth. Erin S., a mother of one from St. Paul, Minnesota (not the mother in the photo), remarked that this is picture reminded her of the moment of her own labor when she felt, "YES, I am almost done. I CAN DO THIS."
'Brace for Birth'
According to Australian photographer Laura Brink, this award-winning picture from the best delivery category shows a bright-eyed baby from Queensland who came into the world wide awake "ready to make a speedy exit following a fast labour!"
We'll Look Out for Each Other
There are few moments sweeter than seeing a dad (or non-birthing parent) meet their baby for the first time. Photographer Martha Lerner shared: "This Dad (who is an MMA fighter, instructor, and the sweetest soul) was SMITTEN by his 'Baby bear' from the first moment he laid eyes on him. Mom had a C-section, so Dad jumped into the role of Mr. Mom from the get go, and he was a NATURAL. Here, he finally took a moment to sit and just be with him, and they both stared lovingly at each other, speaking unspoken words of promised protection to one another." Awwww!
Done My Little One
This scrunchy-faced newborn from Germany, captured minutes after birth by photographer Susanne Krauss, is an adorable reminder of how big a transition birth is for babies, too! This little one looks like they are still coming to terms with being out evicted out of their cozy womb and aren't too sure about these new digs yet.
Please, Please, Breathe!
The moments between when a baby arrives and when the parents hear the first cry can feel like a lifetime, especially if the parents have already experienced loss. Eva Iguaran, a photographer in Texas, captured that tense moment and explained: "After losing their baby to a miscarriage the year earlier, this couple had a very hard delivery, what begin in the tub had to be finished on the floor because the baby was stuck, the chord was tied, and when delivered the baby would not breathe. That moment of emotional uncertainly, total exhaustion and panic was captured in time through this photograph."
Oh Lord!
While most labors end with a healthy mom and safely delivered babe, there can be scary moments, too. Brazilian photographer Andre Rocha's picture of a husband and father-to-be having to take a moment for prayer during labor is a reminder that even ordinary miracles like a healthy baby are still a kind of miracle.
Proud Father of Two
While the number of twin births has been on the rise thanks to fertility medications, they still make up less than 5% of births in the United States. The proud papa in this picture from Jacinta Lagos just joined a pretty elite club!
Held Forever In Our Hearts
"This family endured the unthinkable at 26 weeks. Amidst heartbreak and heartache, their families rallied around them with open arms," shared Nimsi Williams, a photographer in Waco, Texas. While rates of survival for babies born before 27 weeks have improved, this picture is a moving reminder that loss still happens and grieving parents need support and love.
Life Beneath the Surface
While less than 10% of births in the US are water births, this really cool picture from Florida-based photographer Mary Beliz shows just how peaceful a water birth can be, even when it is happening in the breech position, as shown here.
Into My Sister's Hands
According to Leslie Castleberry: "This was the sweetest, most connected family I've ever worked with. They planned a beautiful at-home birth for the entire pregnancy. The girls never left their mother's side, but labor progressed slowly at home and mom finally decided to transfer for pain relief and much-needed rest. The plan was for the oldest sister to 'catch' at home, and after the transfer the doctor was not on board. It took a lot of tears and a LOT of advocating, but the family was finally able to convince the doctor to allow big sis to catch. It was one of the best moments I've ever witnessed/documented."
Mommy Loves You
We just love the sense of peace and family connection captured by Chicago-based photographer Jacinta Lagos.
Trapped Photographer
As many moms know, sometimes the best-laid birth plans can shift in a hurry. Photographer Lauren Fallon of Honey Brown Photography explains that this birth "started at a serene and beautiful birthing center and quickly changed to a busy, crowded, loud hospital." She added: "The shift was jarring to say the least. I was ushered into the room with the mother and doula and sister. I scouted out an unobtrusive corner so that I could be a silent observer out of the way of the multitude of medical staff in the room. I was then sternly told that I could no longer take pictures until the baby arrived. I was put behind some medical equipment. I snapped this last picture until I was allowed to take pictures after the baby was born (and may have actually taken one or two more when no one was looking)."
Give Me Peace on Earth
"After I gave birth, I just couldn't get enough of touching my baby," is how Becca S. from Tucson, Arizona, described the moments right after birth. "I wanted her on my skin, I wanted to smell her, I was drunk on her face." That isn't Becca in this picture from photographer Nayra Bezerra, but she perfectly captured that emotion.
First Meeting
Is there anything sweeter than the moment a little one gets to meet their sibling for the first time? We don't think so! This tender moment was captured by Courtney Brace of The Motherhood Chronicles.
Assisted Unassisted
Although the American Academy of Pediatrics cautions against unassisted home birth (which is a planned home birth with no medical personnel present), that is a choice some mothers make. Photographer Jacinta Lagos was present for this birth, which happen in the family kitchen without medical assistance.
A Love Bigger Than Africa
According to some research, over 60% of birthing mothers opt to get an epidural or other pain relief during labor. This mother wasn't one of them! Photographer Leslie Castleberry shared: "This was a second-time mama who accomplished her goal of an unmedicated birth. In her words 'I have never felt more powerful and strong than I did with this birth. I had accomplished one of my greatest goals. It was so incredibly difficult, but I did it.' This mama struggles with anxiety and 'letting go' in general. Not only does this moment capture the incredible bond between mother and child, but it also captures how empowering this journey is, and just how much it can/will change you if you allow it to."
First Touch
This Dutch father got to be the first touch outside the womb for his baby. Photographer Settia Tin shares that this was "one push away before the baby is being born safely into daddy’s arms." The photographer noted, "With this picture the mom was able to see this special moment, too."
Ascent
Some babies just want to make a dramatic entrance! Eva Thomassen captured this baby in the Netherlands joining the ranks of the 3 to 4% of babies born in the breech position every year.
Cheesy Breech Baby
Fun fact: that "cheesy" covering on this babe captured by Eva Thomassen is called vernix caseosa. It's fairly common for babies to having varying amounts of it on their skin, with earlier or premature babies typically having a thicker coat of it.
Drop to My Knees To Pray
"Dad hits one knee and places hand on face, sobbing and praying after witnessing the birth of his daughter," explains photographer Andrea Persichette, who is based out of Denver, Colorado.
Time To Push
This picture is a reminder of the challenges of childbirth during the height of the pandemic. According to photographer Leona Darnell: "Both of these people are doctors and save lives every day. They knew all there was to know about birth, yet when their little boy appeared, it was still a miracle."
Her Egg + Her Womb = Their Baby
There are so many beautiful ways to make a family. Washington, DC, photographer Heidi Daniels shared that this couple used one of the mom's eggs and the other mom's womb so they could create their family.
Waking Up at Sunrise
It is always so cool to see photos of babies who are born en caul (still inside their intact amniotic sac), which is an extremely rare way to enter the world. Look at how calm this baby seems in this photo from Paula Beltrão!
All Lines Lead to You
This striking picture from Australian photographer Laura Brink is a good reminder that sometimes a birthing person is going through labor with the goal of being a papa, not a mama. Brink explained what her image shows: "A transgender person labours in the pool as their body undergoes another incredible transformation to bring their baby into the world. The scars from transition are evident and just another part of the story that ultimately leads to becoming Papa."
