20 Shockingly Beautiful Birth Photos You Won't Be Able To Stop Thinking About
You've never seen birth photos like these. (Warning: graphic images.)
The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers have announced the winners of their 2018 Image of the Year Competition, and they're nothing short of absolutely stunning.
This beautifully calm moment won Best in Category: Labor.
"Nowhere and Everywhere" is by Rebecca Coursey.
This incredible capture of a baby — still in the amniotic sac — won Best in Category: Delivery.
"En Caul Baby Birth" is by Daniela Justus Photography.
This mother feeling unbridled love won Best in Category: Postpartum.
"Flesh of my Flesh" is by Esther Edith.
This incredibly sweet shot won Best in Category: Birth Details.
"Birth of a Brother" is by Daniela Justus Photography.
And this amazing moment of a child meeting their sibling for the first time was the First Place Winner.
"Stunning Sibling's First Encounter" is by Marijke Thoen of Marijke Thoen Birth Photography.
In addition to the selections made by IAPBP's panel of judges, the association's members recognized these additional photos:
This capture of sweet release was the Member's Choice Best In Category: Postpartum.
"Take My Hand, Hold My Heart" is by Tamara Milldove of Milldove Photography.
This photo of something you've probably never seen before was the Member's Choice Best In Category: Birth Details.
"Bulging Forewaters" is by Cat Fancote of Capturing Birth.
And this emotional scene was the Member's Choice Winner.
"Three Becomes Four" is by Esther Edith.
Note: The Member's Choice winners in the categories of Labor ("Nowhere and Everywhere") and Delivery ("Stunning Sibling's First Encounter") were not included because they were already recognized by the IAPBP's panel of judges and shown above.
Finally, there are the contest's honorable mentions, which will take your breath away too — like this baby's incredible first moments in the world.
"Underwater Scream" by Caroline Devulder of Caromama.
Or this one of a family's joy.
"Love Complete" is by Marjolein Loppies of Curacao Nasemento.
Look at this staggering shot of a seconds-old baby.
"Mother Hat" is by Lela Beltrão.
This photo of a blissful baby — still attached to the umbilical cord — is truly special.
"A Physiological Third Stage" is by Paige Driscoll of Santa Cruz Birth Photography.
This powerful shot is full of so many kinds of emotion.
"Admiration and Relief" is by Kandyce Joeline of Songbird and Oak Photography.
If this photo doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will.
"How Big" is by Meg Brock of Meg Brock Photography.
This dramatic photo is really something to behold.
"Nurse Linda" is by Tammy Karin of Little Leapling Photography.
And this shot of a mother ready to feed her baby is awe-inspiring.
"Liquid Gold" is by Carlee Melenko of C Daisy Birth and Lifestyle Photography.
The framing of this photo is a perfect example of a great photographer's eye.
"Labor by Candlelight" is by Ashley Marston of Ashley Marston Photography.
This capture of some helping hands and the mother who appreciates them.
"Touch" is by Krista Evans of Krista Evans Photography Inc.
This photo of a new baby greeting their parents is simply incredible.
"Fist Bump for Mom" is by Neely Ker-Fox of Ker-Fox Photography.
And this gorgeous silhouette will linger in your mind.
"Birthing Waves" is by Robin Baker of Birth Blessings Photography & Doula Services.