19 Stunning Birth Photos That Were Just Named The Best Of 2020
You've never seen birth photos like these. (Warning: graphic images.)
The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers has once again announced the winners of its yearly competition, and its 2021 honorees are the definition of breathtaking:
This moving photo that the judges named the competition's First Place winner.
"Daddy's Girls" is by Canada's Ashley Marston of Ashley Marston Birth Photography.
The association's members also selected this photo as Best in Postpartum.
This incredible shot of a baby emerging from their mother won Best In Category: Birth Details.
“The Origin Of Life” is by Germany's Charlene Foertser of Charlene Foerster Fotografie.
The association's members also selected this photo as Best in Birth Details.
This emotional capture of a mother embracing her newly born baby won Best In Category: Delivery.
“The Greatest Love In The World” is by Brazil's Anne Lucy Silva Barbosa of Anne Lucy Fotografia.
The association's members also selected this photo as Best Overall.
This image of a mother breastfeeding her new baby won Best In Category: Fresh 48.
“Nourish” is by the United States' Jami Edgar of Touch of Hart Photography.
This shot of a woman minutes away from delivering won Best In Category: Labor.
“Reach Down. He's Almost Here.” is by the United States' Dana Jacobs of Dana Jacobs Photography.
And this photo of a mother, her baby, and her placenta in a bowl won Best In Category: Postpartum.
"My Body, My Birth" is by the United States' Hanna Hill of Hanna Hill Photography.
In addition to the judges' selections, the association's members recognized these standouts:
This intimate moment of a laboring woman being supported by her partner won Members’ Choice Best In Category: Labor.
"Primal Shapes of Birth" is by Australia's Laura Brink of Rewild Her.
This moment of calm was selected as The Members' Best In Category: Delivery.
“Grace” is by Germany's Danny Merz of Geburtsreportage.
And this photo of a mother breastfeeding her new baby was named The Members’ Choice Best In Category: Fresh 48.
"Nursing A Newborn" is by the United States' Carey Lippert of Carey Lauren Photos & Film.
Also incredible? The contest's honorable mentions, like this photo of a baby born en caul (still in the amniotic sac).
"The Miracle of Life In Your Hands" is by Argentina's Nora Dalmasso of Nora Dalmasso Fotografia.
This photo of a mother breastfeeding her new twin babies.
"You And You And Me" is by the United States' Brittany Knapik of The Birth Story Collective.
And this photo of a baby entering the world.
"A Mother's Guidance" is by Australia's Cat Fancote of Capturing Birth.
This amazing capture of a woman with lots of support giving birth.
"The Strength Within You Is Greater Than Any Storm" is by the United States' Lisa Phillips of Lisa Phillips Photography.
This touching photo of three generations celebrating the new arrival.
"Birthing Queen" is by Australia's Kate Kennedy of Kate Kennedy Birth Photography.
This shot of a mother expressing colostrum (the differently-colored milk a mother produces after first giving birth) for her newborn.
"A Dose of Mother Nature" is by Australia's Jessica Henderson of Jessica Henderson Photography.
This impressive overhead photo of a woman laboring with support from her partner.
"Of All Our Travels, This Journey Will Be Our Greatest" is by the United States' Dana Jacobs of Dana Jacobs Photography.
And this awe-inspiring photo of a mother mid-water birth.
"Underwater" is by Australia's Dania Watson of Lauren and Douglas.
This beautiful photo of a mother and her mini getting acquainted with each other.
"Examining Every Detail" is by the United States' Lisa Phillips of Lisa Phillips Photography.
And lastly, this amazing photo of a mother holding her baby just seconds after welcoming them into the world.
"The Journey Traveled For You" is by the United States' Paulina Splechta of Paulina Splechta Photography.