It's February, which means it's that time of year when the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers announces the winners of its yearly competition, and 2020's honorees are as stunning as ever.
First, let's start with the powerful photo that was named the competition's First Place winner.
This incredible shot of a mother hard at work to deliver her baby won Best In Category: Birth Details.
This amazing capture of a little boy seeing his sibling enter the world won Best In Category: Delivery.
This image of a little girl adjusting to her new family dynamic won Best In Category: Fresh 48.
This early-morning shot of a woman in labor won Best In Category: Labor.
And this photo of a mother and child's first moments together after a water birth won Best In Category: Postpartum.
In addition to the stunning photos selected by the competition's judges, the association's members recognized these standouts:
The members selected this emotional photo as their First Place winner.
This unforgettable shot of a baby still in the amniotic sac won Best In Category: Birth Details.
This intimate moment of a father supporting his partner won Members’ Choice Best In Category: Labor.
And this photo of a mother breastfeeding her new baby was named Members’ Choice Best In Category: Fresh 48.
(The members made the same selections as the competition judges in the categories of "Best in Postpartum" and "Best in Birth Delivery.")
The contest's honorable mentions are unforgettable, too — like this photo of a baby that appears to be coming before expected.
This photo of a family laboring together.
And this photo of a baby entering the world breech.
This amazing capture of a family basking in the glow of a new arrival.
This dramatic shot of a baby born with the umbilical cord wrapped around their neck.
This glorious shot from above of a mother and her newborn.
And this wonderful photo of a mother who already has her hands full.
