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59 Powerful NSFW Photos From The 2017 Birth Photo Competition Prove That Moms Are Badass
The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers has announced the winners of their 2017 contest, and the photos they chose show the struggles mothers go through to bring new life into the world, and the sheer joy that follows.
We took your breath away with last year's contest, and these new photos will leave you even more amazed. Each one tells a story of pain, perseverance, and finally, relief. They document a baby's first moments of life, and a family's first moments of unity.
Many of the photos below are intense and graphic, so reader discretion is advised. They are all, however, powerful in their own unique ways.
More info: IAPBB
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I've Been Waiting For You
Teddra Herbolsheimer-Clemons 8 years ago
This picture- instantly brought me back to that VERY glorious second. Thank you for sharing this!
RELATED:
#2
Best In Category: Birth Details, Pieces Of Me
Kayleigh White 8 years ago
This is amazing. But the placenta is grossing me out a bit. Never seen one look like that before
Chrissy Jones 8 years ago
Why should it 'gross you out'? It's absolutely amazing to see the placenta, baby's 'home' for the past 9 months. This is reality. This is nature. This is beautiful and normal and good. I thought seeing the placenta was one of the BEST parts of the photo! I asked to see my placenta after my first birth but they whisked it away from me while I was still exhausted and drugged from my vaginal birth which was a horrific and traumatizing experience (forced to wear internal monitor, forced to labor on back, one very nasty labor nurse chiding me when I asked to labor on my hands and knees, doctor who let me tear but then did an episiotomy when I the pain relief was wearing off rapidly and I could FEEL him cutting and sewing me. He refused to listen or administer more pain relief.
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Karen Byrd 8 years ago
While I think the pictures of women bringing life to Earth are empowering I can't help but noticed that all the women featured in here were of White people. It would have been nice to see colored women too, for they also bring life to Earth.
Crystal Taylor 8 years ago
Why does it have to be about color? I'm sure they didn't say "let's not put colored people in here"
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Eboni Johnson 8 years ago
Gross and beautiful! My favorite detail is the baby starring at mommy. Again, beautiful!
Jo'an Tanaka 8 years ago
My son did exactly this to me too we first met. It was surreal that it felt like he already knew me, which shouldn't be a surprise since I carried him for months. Being a mom is really a wonderful gift.
#3
Best In Category: Postpartum, Straight From Heaven
Ann Marie Weatherhead 8 years ago
It's almost as though he doesn't know he's been born. Such peace on his precious face.
Sehrish Ahmed 8 years ago
Wowwww when ALLAH blessed a man with an angel all the way from heaven
Brenda Chapman 8 years ago
I rate this photo with a 10+ category. It is very beautiful and endearing.
#4
That First Gaze
Laura Phelps Brosi 8 years ago
I know, he has a look on his face like he's done this before
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Pauline Claire 8 years ago
This is what all four of my beautiful children were born like eyes wide open such knowing souls
Chrissy Jones 8 years ago
Beautiful. Baby's eyes are bright blue, mama is looking beautiful, peaceful, and exhausted from labor.
Roxanne Stuart 8 years ago
Babies give off pheromones from their heads to make you love them =P
Nicole Dyer 2 years ago
I remember my son and I seeing each other for the first time. I was so afraid and felt so....LOST and confused after he was born. My mother never taught me about the birds and bees-- I had to learn on my own or figure it out along the way. At 36 years old I had PLENTY of street smarts, but little knowledge of what, exactly happens with giving birth. I caught on VERY quickly and my mothering instincts were through the roof. I STILL lose my breath and start to cry when I see intimate moments like this one....and my boy is now SIX YEARS OLD!!!
#5
Skin To Skin Today. Heart To Heart Always
Totally Magical Unicorn 8 years ago
Jesus. What's our society coming to?! That kid's WAY too young to be a parent.
Amanda Craveiro 8 years ago
The fathers face...he looks as if hes found enlightenment. A whole New man
Samantha Green 8 years ago
cute older brother having cuddles with his little baby brother with their parents either side of them
#6
Falling In Love All Over Again
Leslie Rohlfing 8 years ago
I was just thinking that. Like he is t getting enough oxygen
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Marietta Massalone 8 years ago
OH My God .I cried I wish I would have thought to have Photos done when my son was born 34 years ago his father was not allowed to be with me . How lovely that the fathers are there for mother and his child . Amazing Photos . Congratulation to the Photographers . Live well to parents and children
Lisa Herrman 8 years ago
Definitely depends on age after birth. New neonatal resuscitation says completely pink between 7-10 minutes.
Kristle Pipgras 8 years ago
Thank you for realizing this! Oxygen makes the pink pigment. This baby is probably less than 7 minutes old. You can see where it's skin's pigment is turning pink. It just takes a few minutes.
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Diana Newcomb 8 years ago
The color of that baby does not look too good. A bit too cyanotic for my comfort. Sorry, NICU nurse.
#7
Are You My Mama?
Sheriann Luckie 8 years ago
Great neck control at just a few minutes old. The neck control comes weeks after birth. Strong baby.
Pauline Claire 8 years ago
Awe another with eyes wide open it out of this world the feeling you get when you first see each other..!!
#8
Best In Category: Delivery, With A Splash
Daria B 8 years ago
He looks like he totally doesn't care, though. Impressive. Must have experienced these things so many times, he's completely immune to these things.
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Trish Garrison 8 years ago
I delivered my first baby on hands and knees. Not only was it extremely fast but there was a room full of student doctors who were 5 feet away from my a*s watching me do it. They'd never seen a birth in that position before.
Lucy Griffith 8 years ago
I wish every student doctor was able to see a birth of a mother on hands and knees! You gave an amazing gift that day... now they won't find that position unthinkable.. and they may let other mothers birth that way as well. You normalized it! Thank you so much Trish!!!
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Tonia Marshall 8 years ago
I feel you. Took me a minute to figure it out too. If I didn't see her foot I wouldn't have known what or how either. She has absolutely no butt cheeks...so it's hard to tell what it is. Lol
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Rob LeBlanc 8 years ago
Hours later, at dinner, his wife asks, "Dear... What's that stain on your tie?"
Revital Shapira 8 years ago
To all those who are HORRIFIED by this image - Yes, giving birth involves a lot of body fluids that we normally would not want to share with others.. Get over it. on an occasion like giving birth a woman needs to feel secured loved and accepted and not embarrassed about stuff like this even because it is impossible not to ooze all kind of things. Everyone around her needs to act exactly like this Doctor which seems to be focused on the baby and not about the big splash in his face. I was very self conscious in my deliveries but the stuff was always so nice and natural about it, that I stopped caring.
Meredith Reneè 8 years ago
1. Yes, your amniotic sac CAN break after baby's head is out. Some babies are born inside their sacs and mom, dad, or doctor to actually breaks post part um. Google it. The pictures are really cool. 2. Yes, when women do not get epidural, they can move around to labor however is more comfortable. Some women deliver standing up, some squat, and some on their side with their legs scissored with help from their labor support team. 3 Laying on your back is a very unnatural way to give birth, it raises the risk for baby getting stuck in the birth canal (shoulders, head turned, etc) and the Mom SHOULD be the first to know but she 100% unable to feel any of that, or the cues that her body is telling her to change positions. Why? Because she opted for an epidural. Her delivery is now up to someone else, a team of doctors and nurses who don't know what she's feels or the position that her body knows it needs to be in. This raises the c-section risk which means more $$ for them.
Meredith Reneè 8 years ago
Epidural exponentially increase risks during labor for baby and mother, and serious risk after labor for Mothers. We can do this naturally. We were built for it by nature itself. Drug companies preyed on the fear of women. They knew women liked the gas so they decided to step it up and completely prevent her pain. Thus also completely preventing her from feeling her body give birth. Cheating her of an amazing experience so they can make a buck, and help raise the need for cesarean births exponentially! Money. Money. Money. Ladies, before you call me crazy... go to YouTube and watch "The Business of Being Born". Please. I'm not saying nobody needs and epidural, because there is numerous reasons and medically necessary indications for a woman to have spinal injection pain relief. So understand, I am not trying to shame anyone. I'm just trying IMPLORE you to educate yourself if you're pregnant and undecided about your birth plan. Please. Watch "The Business of Being of Born" on YouTube"
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Chrissy Jones 8 years ago
Agreed. Other than the humor of the water only breaking as baby is crowning, it was GREAT to see a woman laboring in a natural position. With my first child I BEGGED to move onto my hands and knees as they were trying to force me to labor flat on my back, for the convenience of the doctor and nurses. I was bullied into laboring in an uncomfortable position and there were many complications.
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#9
Freshly Squeezed
Georgie Agass 8 years ago
Why? This is only how you would have entered the world too (barring medical intervention).
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Amy Weiss 8 years ago
People bitching when they see a baby being born, in a PHOTO SERIES ABOUT BABIES BEING BORN
Tania Marcil 8 years ago
I don't understand what is wrong with this picture that has everyone is a frenzy. How is it adult content? It's a babies head, thighs, partial buttocks and a hand... is it the idea of what is happening that is repulsive to people? If si, you all need to realize it happens every minute of everyday and is just the most natural thing there is. This is birth photography, what did you expect?
Esther Keenan 8 years ago
Did you think you were going to see a crane delivering a baby with a bow in a basket?!
Erla Erlendsdóttir 8 years ago
I'm 69, but Í don't understand what is so terrible about this picture that young people shouldn't see it, this is what life is about.
Linda Bråtveit 8 years ago
Why should one be 18 to see the beautiful life event of a baby born !This photo Could and Should be shown in primary school, or even kindergarten , it's just Fantastisk ❤️
Helen Purvis 8 years ago
Some of these comments are pathetic. This is how babies usually come out. There was a warning, it's a NSFW series about childbirth. What did you expect? Fuckwits!
jerry arnold (jdawgsworld) 8 years ago
Head first is normal...and so far a great group of pics
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#10
First Place Winner. Road To Deliverance
Jackie Bee 8 years ago
I have seen the photo elsewhere, she had her birth photographer with her at home when she started labouring.
Ildiko Okido 8 years ago
Hope there wasn't anyone passing by at that moment? 😂
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Marie Wiley 8 years ago
That was me 21 yrs ago (before cell phones) . OMG....3 times we pulled over...there was wall to wall traffic. At one point...we drove down the side of the road on the grass. We got to the hospital and 10 minutes later our #3 child arrived. :)
Susan Allen 8 years ago
This one reminds me of the story of my own birth that my mother told me. I was the 4th (and last) child she gave birth to, and every child after the first came faster and faster - so by the time I came along, there was almost no time to get to the hospital, which was only 7 miles away. Mom kept sliding off the seat, Dad kept yelling, "No, no, NO! Not in the car! Get back up on the seat!" while driving like mad. I was delivered in the hallway on a stretcher, and delivered by the nurse - the doctor couldn't even get there fast enough. By the time Dad got done filling out all the admission paperwork and got up to the maternity ward, the nurse was asking him, 'Where have you been, sir? You have a baby girl!" ;-)
#11
Honorable Mentions. Catching Her Baby, Born Via Surrogacy
Julia Miller 8 years ago
What a gift, such wonderful generosity & pure love
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Gina Kinson 8 years ago
As a surrogate who has been exactly where these two women are with the beautiful mummy of the little girl I carried it is as far from sad as you could get! As I pushed the little miracle into the world I felt an empowerment and overwhelming joy at being able to help make another woman become a mother just like I was! Pure emotion and absolutely worth every bit of pain.
Lisa Anderson-O'Neal 8 years ago
This is the most beautiful one of all. It made me cry! Look at how happy they are. Skin to skin with the baby and sharing this special moment with the amazing woman who gave them a gift born of love. A powerful portrayal of selflessness and human strength.
#12
Absorb
Janice Takashima 8 years ago
I'm surprised there are no comments here. I had the strongest emotional reaction to this photo. The image of encircling and comforting arms and hands around the new life with the potential for the same encircling and comfort. This photo tells a great story.
Kat Parsons 8 years ago
The expressions alone is what hit me. I love it ❤
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Sue Scimeca 8 years ago
This one is very touching to me..to see the emotion that both man and woman are experiencing is so heartfelt and real.. a long nine month wait comes to fruition and they are now a family....♡♡♡
Amra Chamberlain 8 years ago
I cryed For me it’s few more weeks I feel a lot of emotions right now
Chrissy Jones 8 years ago
Mama is exhausted, baby is surprised to be out of the warm, dark, watery womb, dad is proud and happy.
Maria Polańska 8 years ago
I had a c-section. I regret I couldn't hold my baby girl as long as I normally would. Especially cause she did this lil baby hug some newborns do. This short while when male nurse (most caring person I've ever met) did everything he could to prolong this hug, but there are procedures. I also regret we couldn't have a photographer with us and Dad was to stressed to handle camera. This were the most memorable moments in my life, I wish I could protect them from falling apart of my memory.
#13
The End: A New Beginning
#14
The First Look
Richard Nimz 8 years ago
'OK, she's screaming. Maybe this is how adults communicate. Odd, but I should be polite to my new hosts.'
#15
Honorable Mentions. Approaching Life
Enn Geecee 8 years ago
This is amazing. Literally amazing. Anyone who doesn't feel like birth is kind of miraculous when they see an image like this is just kidding themselves
Chrissy Jones 8 years ago
Why would the photo prevent you from wanting more children? It's amazing! The power of a woman's body, to unite her egg with the sperm, nurture and grow a little human being, then the baby bursts forth from her body as she LABORS with strength and power to help birth the child.
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Melissa Park-Hanneman 8 years ago
I'm mesmerized by this shot...it can be so many different things in it's simplest composition...but yet, that's the threshold from Heaven to the here and now.
Candy Alyssa 8 years ago
Wow.. mummy has great skin..Mine looks scary to me...Sigh... so is it ok to go for waxing before delivery? Hmmm..
Chrissy Jones 8 years ago
I made that mistake my first birth. I went and got waxed a few days before my due date. Nobody warned me that the pubic area is VERY sensitive for pregnant women shortly before birth. It was TEN TIMES more painful than normal. AND my baby was overdue so a lot grew back before my birth anyway! Smarter to just have husband or very close friend/family member shave for you if you really want. Frankly I don't like to shave the pubic area because when it grows back it itches like mad!
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#16
Honorable Mentions. Surprise
M O'Connell 8 years ago
once upon a time, being born like this was a sign that they were destined for greatness.
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Sarah Carson 8 years ago
Caul baby...Sailors used to buy the sack to protect them from drowning, my son was born this way & he's an amazing swimmer, lives diving x
Vanessa Reed 8 years ago
This is called Born in the Vail.. my daughter was born with the water sack.. very special and you can read about it or google it...
Rita Cross 8 years ago
When my daughter was born with the sack on her head, the midwife called it "maidens .... something" (so if anyone can shed light on this). She said it was very lucky and that she will never drown. She is now 15, very special, much loved, mature beyond her years.
#17
Honorable Mentions. Joyful Finale
Caitlin Burton 8 years ago
I'm not any medical expert or anything but what I think may happen is that because the baby has in a way been in a sack of fluids for 9 months or however long that maybe the emergence in to water actually doesn't bother them and maybe they don't realise they have been born. But again I'm not sure at all just what I think but I am interested as you are
Load More Replies... Chrissy Jones 8 years ago
So happy to see this powerful joy on her face as she clasps her tiny newborn.
Mel Carpenter 8 years ago
I bet she waited years for her precious gift. Her face tells it all.
#18
Honorable Mentions. As She Rose From The Depths
Hope Murphy 8 years ago
Umbilical cords can be left unclamped till it falls off. Google : lotus birth or delayed cord clamping, placenta organ.
Ann Marie Mccormack 8 years ago
Water birth is conducted to very strict guidelines birth attendant/Midwife must be fully compitent and expierience with back up plan in place... it is vital to insure baby is not stimulated to take first breath until he/she is brought to the surface. 1) pregnancy should be full term with no Mum or Baby compromising medical conditions (classed as low risk) 2) Labour in natural in every way...Midwife in attendance "monitors" progress and well-being of all participants througout 3) Environment... water temperature close as possible to body temp...roomlighting dimmed. 4) hands off technique until baby is fully born. 5) once born baby is " scooped" gently to the surface face down until out of the water to let fluid drain from airway, then baby can be reemersed keeping face/head out of the water... 6) swift intervention if baby not showing vitality at 1 min of age (APGAR)
DT Wetzel 8 years ago
Babies are only getting oxygen from the mother through the umbilical cord blood they share. Babies actually begin "breathing" inside the amniotic fluid (water in the womb) to strengthen their lungs at the beginning of the third trimester. Water births are less stress on the mother and baby due to the ease of positioning and movement floating as well as less pressure or weight on the body. The warm water is soothing for contractions. They have to invert the baby and pat it's behind to get them to cough out the fluid and get them to breathe. Sometimes they just suction out the mouth and nose with an irrigation bulb. So, minutes in the canal and water while the cord is attached is fine. Hope this helped you understand!
#19
Honorable Mentions. Hello Before Goodbye
Karen Sipes 8 years ago
That also happened to my son in law. He had several brain surgeries just to stay alive so he could see his daughter be born. He lived for 3 weeks after she was born.
Rachel Nunnally 8 years ago
Lasse if you see this, there was a news story about this picture, the man is dying of brain cancer and he is the baby's dad. She delivered early for him and he was in a hospital bed beside hers during the delivery. He died within days of his only child being born and was able to fulfill his only wish; to hold his baby before he passed.
Laura Keddie 8 years ago
This made me cry when I realised what was happening. So sad but also so wonderful, he got to meet his baby before he had to leave the world
Sarah Morren 8 years ago
His head is bandaged, maybe he was sick and losing his battle with life? Beautiful tragedy to say the least 😢
Amanda Harper 8 years ago
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/dad-dying-brain-cancer-cradles-8946533
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A Beautiful Transition
orenji 8 years ago
Mommies out there, how long does it take for the belly to get back to normal after birth?
Oliver Limores 8 years ago
Not a mom, but a nurse: About 6-8 months is a regular period for the baby belly to shrink back to its original size (the uterus will need about 10-14 days) and don't mind the stretch marks, contrary to popular believe they are not necessarily permanent if taken proper care of.
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#21
Honorable Mentions. Gentle Caesarean Birth
Amanda Mackenzie B. 8 years ago
As a C-SECTION Mama, this made me cry. Due to the partition I wasn't able to see my son come into the world, and I can very much imagine his tiny newborn face on this little one. 😍 so precious!
adoracat 8 years ago
My nearly 10 pound son was c-sec also. But he got here healthy and that was most important thought, honestly.
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Totally Magical Unicorn 8 years ago
Newborns generally look like I imagine Winston Churchill's testicle looked like.
Michaela Poussu 8 years ago
I am a surgical nurse and assisting in c-sections is always just amazing. To be able to help bring life into this world, to hear the first cry, to witness the parents reaction ... I would never trade these moments for anything in the world :)
Carolyn Leasure 8 years ago
Three of my grandchildren were born this way. Thank you to my daughter for enduring this so I am blessed with grandchildren.
Amber McMillon 1 year ago
I wish this was an option in more hospitals. I needed a csection for 2 of mine, one was emergency and one was planned. I never got the completely natural birth I longed for. Even my two vaginal births had some intervention. However, if a csection is necessary even if it's not what you wanted, know that some things are just out of our control. You're still amazing and a warrior! Recovery is 10× harder than a vaginal birth even if the birth itself is a little easier!
Marcia Rivas 8 years ago
Chrissy Jones you are a moronic jack off,yes I said Jack off cause no woman would make this comment.And I've only had c sections,I wouldn't have it any other way
#22
The Softest Landing Pad
Chrissy Jones 8 years ago
Gorgeous. Just wish mama took off the sports bra so it was skin to skin and she was preparing to nurse.
#23
Becoming Grandmothers
Mark Darnell 8 years ago
Good God...I half expect it to grab a steak knife and chase me around the apartment!
Shallean Higgins 8 years ago
you'd be a bit annoyed like being pushed from a lovely dark warm quite place to a massive bright space with so many strangers noisy and staring at you poor little thing he deserves to look annoyed lol
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adoracat 8 years ago
I laugh, both my kids had a lot of hair, and I DID have tremendous heartburn!
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#24
Honorable Mentions. Before The First Breath
Lynn Cowell-Farrow 8 years ago
It is! Baby is still in its fluid. Awsome!
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Karin Morris 8 years ago
I love the water shots, it seems so much more gentle to birth a child this way
#25
Mother's Pure Bliss
Rebecca Campbell 8 years ago
I didn't even break a sweat. I pushed twice and my daughter was out. Her dad looked at me and said "wow, not even a sweat or a hair out of place". It can happen
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Teresa McCombs Stumpf 8 years ago
If y'all that think she is "airbrushed " actually knew this woman and saw her pictures you would know she's not airbrushed. She is a stunning woman who mad have a baby beautiful. I am friends with her and am amazed at how beautiful she looked even pushing. Shame on you ladies who have to talk negative.
Christy Humber 8 years ago
I know this young lady personally, she's beautiful she doesn't need airbrushing to make her beautiful!!! That is a look of relief and the baby was born on my birthday!! Haters gonna hate because they can't look like that after delivery!!!!
#26
Euphoric First Embrace Together
Sandi Brill 8 years ago
water birth was not available when I had my daughters...i wish!!! Such a wonderful picture!
#27
Honorable Mentions. Honoring The Temple
Laura Vela 8 years ago
Those fishnet stretchy hospital panties with jumbo pad.. best feeling though.. once your here, you know you definitely passed the finish line!!
Chrissy Jones 8 years ago
I also liked that. Very realistic. Most women bleed so heavily after birth that the disposable panties and super jumbo pads are necessary. This photo is humorous and terrific.
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Cyndee Stark 8 years ago
Although those padded underwear aren't attractive, I felt relieved to have them. Nobody warns you about the days after you deliver.
Mel Carpenter 8 years ago
OMG I know. The 6 weeks after birth are the worst. I tore from hole to hole. 8 stiches. And that first 💩 yeah I wish I was dead. I took those laxatives after that day.
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#28
Birth In Colour
Weird Theater Geek 8 years ago
So strange to think that something like that comes out, its beautiful and so mysterious, in a way. No hate :)
Jeri Hibbs 8 years ago
my grandmother... a nurse, described the veining on the placenta as the "Tree of Life".. <3
Elizabeth Seguin 8 years ago
I've given birth 4 times and in a few months will be my 5th and this is the first time I've seen the placenta & cord!
Nikky Gallivan 8 years ago
Ask if you can see it. I did and was glad I did. Interesting to have a look. Only did it with one of my 3 as once I'd done it wasn't bothered again lol. Good luck x
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Art Animal 8 years ago
Once my uncle thought my aunt placenta ( that was in their freezer) was some meat and cut it up and put it in an omelette 😂😂😂
#29
Ascension
Lucy Pryor 8 years ago
Im the photographer who took this photo. My sister is the woman in labour. Her contractions were so strong, clinging on to the stairs was what kept her stable. I'd gone upstairs to get something when I came to the top of the stairs this is how she was. She is a strong, incredible woman and to be present at the birth of my niece was one of the best things I've ever experienced! I love photographing births. It may not be for everyone but it was such a wonderful moment to share. I'm so proud of her. She is awesome
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Lucy Pryor 8 years ago
Im the photographer who took this photo. My sister is the woman in labour. Her contractions were so strong, clinging on to the stairs was what kept her stable. I'd gone upstairs to get something when I came to the top of the stairs this is how she was. She is a strong, incredible woman and to be present at the birth of my niece was one of the best things I've ever experienced! I love photographing births. It may not be for everyone but it was such a wonderful moment to share. I'm so proud of her. She is awesome
Louise Fry 8 years ago
Whatever position gets you thru a contraction. Never try to move a pregnant person in labour.
Lucy Pryor 8 years ago
Thank you so much for all the positive comments!' You guys are amazing ❤❤❤❤
Ophelia Brooks 8 years ago
It's a beautiful shot, Lucy. Birth is painful and amazing and just so real.
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Jo Larkham 8 years ago
I love this image. Beautiful, strong mum instictively positioning herself for the biggest 'climb' of her life. Congratulations Lucy, its a stunning photo.
#30
Breathe
Keith Westerman 8 years ago
Why is he covered in mold? (Relax, I know it's not mold. Clearly, it's salt.)
Ailish Lilley 8 years ago
Neither mould nor salt, more of a waxy, waterproof layer protecting the baby in the amniotic fluid in the womb, called vernix
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Amber Vandermallie-Walker 4 years ago
woah the cord is blue! are they always weird colors? i expected pink and red and blood 0-0
#31
Bathed In The Morning Light She Welcomes New Life
Chrissy Jones 8 years ago
I like this one least of all. There is no photo of birth, just a woman in a shower.
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George Alexander 8 years ago
This is a picture of a woman at the start of labor. There isn't much going on except some pain. There are people who don't like to see how painful giving birth to a baby can be.
#32
Honorable Mentions. Birth Of A Mother
#33
Honorable Mentions. 17 Years Of Waiting: A Non-fertility Miracle
Katie Allen 8 years ago
Those are really muscular legs! I don't understand why they are holding the baby's neck that way.
Lauren Ciciarelli 8 years ago
Thats one of the ways to maneuver the head during delivery without causing injury to the baby. Looks like their doing a c section delivery. You'd be surprised at the way some of these kids bend in order to be delivered. They're more resilient than you think.
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George Alexander 8 years ago
They are holding the babies head so that it doesn't flop around. He or she can't hold up their own head yet. They will be able to do so after awhile.
Claire Martin 8 years ago
Not only a baby being born but its the birth of a new mother! Beautifulz
#34
Honorable Mentions. She Holds Her Daughter’s Fingers In Awe And Wonde
Mia Melberg 8 years ago
That's some astounding nails om that baby. Those are going to be beautifull
eezycheezes101 4 years ago
How does every single baby I've ever met have better fingernails than me? Gosh I'm jealous!
#35
Superman Style Arrival
Mel Carpenter 8 years ago
Oh yeah, I had a whole medical team in my room, because my baby was 6 weeks early due to pre-eclampsia. I didn't even care. I just wanted the baby OUT!!!
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Jennifer Highmoor 8 years ago
Gorgeous! My son did the superman too. Lol! Made for lots of stitching.
#36
Raw Power
Chrissy Jones 8 years ago
Actually, that is a GREAT THING. It's a home birth, if you can't tell, and laboring mothers NEED to stay hydrated and fed to keep their strength up. She is obviously in a part of the birth where intense pain comes in waves. If a smoothie from the tea shop helps her, more's the better.
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Rebecca Huff 8 years ago
This one brought instant tears to my eyes. I remember that feeling. Overwhelmingly intense pain. There is no other like it. Beautiful.
Katherine Montjoy 8 years ago
This is raw. Crying out to the primal mother as a lot of us do during childbirth. Asking her for strength as we do the impossible.
Khrystja 4 years ago
That was pretty much me for 8 hours, until i 'caved' and got an epidural. I had so many complications, no one told me, I was in back and front labor, I had hydramnios, my son has lymphangioma (he's 19 and perfectly fine - miracles) I was only 4cm for 2 months and 19 hours, my waters never broke, I had the 'knitting needle' treatment and GUSHED about 5 gallons (yes five) they estimated, my son was vertical -feet out head to me - ended up with an emergency c section due to the lymphangioma and he swallowed the meconium. All of that and the postpartum psychosis was why I had one, instead of the six I wanted. But yeah, I screamed, cussed, and literally tried to strangle and shake the head off my husband telling him I was going to kill him and get off scot free for insanity and pain.
Yvonne Hoffman 8 years ago
I was 17 , natural birth in the late 60s was alone and scared to death. I didn't scream out. Was too afraid.. But this picture is exactly how I felt.
#37
Looking Inside
Denise Stark 8 years ago
This really reminded me of just how intense the pain was. Childbirth was much harder that I expected!
Tara Knill 8 years ago
I never expected the contractions to hurt like they did I didn't think I cd be in that much pain and live x
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Denise Stark 8 years ago
Well.... I made the mistake of having my first child at home. I was twenty. The second day of labor I hallucinated that I had been shot.
#38
The Go-to Position For Slow Labor
julie church 8 years ago
i can't wait for my child, just how the father holds the mother so beautiful
#39
Honorable Mentions. Rapture
Margaret Buckley 8 years ago
Not sure if that is rapture or relief, but the photo is beautiful.
#40
Honorable Mentions. Future Big Sister
Caterina Fontana 8 years ago
Am I the only one who find it inappropriate for a kid to see this???
Janessa Leighton 8 years ago
In most cultures girls attend their first births before puberty. It's how they learn. Western culture has kind of deprived girls of learning this way. In these cultures, birth and pregnancy and birty is never a surprise or shock since the girls have been witnessing it for so long! It's actually been proven by social anthropologists to make better mothers!
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Elizabeth Molloy 8 years ago
Why are these images flagged like that's? Where the hell do people think babies come from? Grow up!
Brandess Sorrels 8 years ago
My kids loved welcoming their siblings! A shame to miss this incredible opportunity.
#41
First Wrinkles
Kim Mick 8 years ago
I know! I love the smell of a baby! Wonder why it's so intoxicatin?
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George Alexander 8 years ago
Those are good wrinkles. They will go away without any wrinkle-free cream. 😊
#42
Intertwined
Tabitha Bright Bailey 8 years ago
I dont an cant have any children but this photo brought tears to my eyes Gorgeous!
Tabitha Bright Bailey 8 years ago
I dont an cant have children an this pic literally brought tears to my eyes.
#43
Holding On To Strength
Karen Tameka 8 years ago
Never give a woman in labor your whole hand. Only give two fingers. Lol! I learned the hard way.
Lorri Davey 8 years ago
When my first baby was born I was so ignorant. So afraid and so alone, though my room was filled with family near and far I felt so alone. My grandmother was there and she held my hand as I raged at the injustice and the pain and the world. Her hands were black and blue when her great grand baby came into the world and she never regretted it and neither do I. <3
#44
This Is Life
#45
Moment To Collect
Florence Andrews 8 years ago
She's a beautiful woman but it doesn't look airbrushed to me. Lovely photo
Load More Replies... #46
Christmas Eve Head Shot
Airisama15 Ban 8 years ago
That's a powerful reason why you shouldn't yell at your mom! All the pain she passed because of you
Julie Arpiainen 8 years ago
Bothers me that these are mature only photos. This country is so backwards.
Penelope Macgreenhough 8 years ago
Womens bodies are incredible arent they? Every single human being every born has come from a womans body like this. Powerful image.
Brandess Sorrels 8 years ago
The midwife held a mirror for me, my sons hilarious face!!! I'll never forget
#47
Motherland...
Lori Hurley 8 years ago
I love the symbolism of this photo. With the newborn placed upon the oasis of mom, all the hands reaching for her. Mom will always be a safe place ❤
Carina Van Belle-Velders 8 years ago
All of the above.. The best moment, the moment I became a mother ❤️
Barbara Ortega 8 years ago
This remember me when my little one came to this world ...exhaust for the pain
#48
Euphoria, Triumph
Katie Allen 8 years ago
I wore Makeup Forever brand for my delivery, I still had, "my face on," as Southerners would say :)
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#49
Honorable Mentions. She Believed She Could
Melina Angelic 8 years ago
Wow. This one is powerful. You can see all the hard work and exhaustion of labor.
#50
United We Are Strong
#51
Within The Waves
Christina Blackwell 6 years ago
He's probably thinking of beer, food or sports. Lol
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#52
Peaceful Entry
Sini Manner 8 years ago
It's pretty abstract - & b&w - it's fine! And fab.
Load More Replies... #53
Best In Category: Labor, Determination
#54
Honorable Mentions. Entangled In The Cord That Ties Us
Carolyn Leasure 8 years ago
My son was born 30 days early. His cord was wrapped around 3 times around his neck, hence blue baby. He's 47 now, 6'8"....
Stephanie Howells Schidemantle 8 years ago
My daughters cord was around her neck , they had to do an emergency c-section.
Jesse Elless 8 years ago
My midwife said ten percent of babies have cords around their necks. How did they know the cord was there before the birth? Very late sonogram?
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Julie Arpiainen 8 years ago
Again.... how is this only for mature eyes? Video games show more....
Alan Cheong 8 years ago
truly identify with it ... two of my children were born in a similar fashion
#55
Hear Me Roar
Sandi Brill 8 years ago
me too for my first, i did much better the second time :)
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Deana Rettger 8 years ago
I swear I woke the dead with my youngest, glass broke, husband is now hard of hearing because of it (not really but he sure likes to pick at me because of my screaming lol)
Kirstie Belt 8 years ago
When my mom was having my littlest sister, I was 11, sitting down the hallway with my family. I heard my mom or possibly another mom screaming. I asked, "Is that my mom?!!!" I was just horrified. Lol
Christine Iwanski Shelleby 8 years ago
It's really a guttural roar at that point. You're so wrapped up and focused that the pain becomes secondary.
Load More Replies... #56
Baby's First Defense
Marci Catania 8 years ago
Its called Vernix. It protects the baby from the amniotic fluid they swim in before birth
Laura Keddie 8 years ago
Apparently the vernix is absorbed by baby's skin an if they are over due they can end up with skin a little dry. If they are early or even on time u will usually see some of it. Very early babies still have a lot of hair coating thier bodies too, that's called lanugo I think? It's suppose to fall off before delivery, but like someone previously mentioned it is to protect babies skin whilst living in the amniotic fluid. Fascinating stuff pregnancies 😁 lol my first is due in a few weeks and I'm simultaneously terrified and in excited 😂 x
Lyndsay B 8 years ago
My girls came out much cleaner, and one of them had pooped before coming out lol
Janet Margaret 8 years ago
didn't know they were born w/so much of that. I had c-sections bc I couldn't dilate no matter what, and saw my babies already cleaned up :(
Lila Launehase 8 years ago
It depends on how close the are to the due date. My daughter was three days early, no vernix. My son was 12 days early and had some of it, but not so much. It appeared after a day or two.
Load More Replies... Mel Carpenter 8 years ago
I know they are so cute. ❤❤❤❤. My daughter is 3 and her little butt is sooo cute. ❤❤❤❤
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#57
Honorable Mentions. Droplets Of Mercy
Kaylin Brenay 8 years ago
You do realize most, if not all of these, are taken by birth photographers right?
Butterfly Waratah 8 years ago
Uh...yes? The title of the article says these are from a Professional Birth Photographer's Competition.
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Tee Rasheed 8 years ago
I loved that feeling. The unmediated ability to breathe. There's nothing like it.
#59
Riding The Wave
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Diana Sweeney 8 years ago
After having my first, I am not doing that again! If we have more kids, it's gonna be through adoption. I don't know how any woman puts herself through that more than once!
Load More Replies... jacluckycat 8 years ago
I've never seen such raw, real photos of childbirth. As a woman who will not bear children, these photos filled me simultaneously with relief and a strange longing. It must be a truly incredible experience.
Sarah Rochelle 8 years ago
I completely understand. I lost an ovary to tumors from extreme endometriosis. The tumors keep returning. This time they were all over my remaining ovary , my uterus &bladder. The hormone treatment made me so sick.I have reached a choice. Continue the hormones , which are not even a proven method , or get my uterus removed , which will cure me. I tried the hormone treatment for months. Migraines. Vomiting . Hair loss. It was bad. So recently , I made the choice to get my uterus removed. Because the tumors will return , as they always do. And while losing my uterus means I will never bear children , keeping it is risking me losing my only ovary, which would leave me unable to have children and require me to be on those dreadful hormones for life. It was a very hard choice. I cried and cried. But I'm finally content with it. I just close my eyes &picture me after my uterus is out. Never again suffering these dreadful symptoms & never again having tumors. ❤️
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Totally Magical Unicorn 8 years ago
Kudos to all these women who agreed to have these incredibly intimate moments published!
Kristin E A Nankova 8 years ago
omg, I dont have a child yet, but those pictures made me absolutely scred and absolutely replace my plans for a child at least with an year ....I am gonna adopt too or a surogate .....got so shocked from fear
Jenna OblongBricks 8 years ago
Adopt adopt adopt. They need families too! Not all women want to plop babies out. Some of us want to use our compassion to bring happiness to a child that isn't a part of us, but is our child all the same. Anyone can give birth, but not everyone has the mental and emotional strength to take on a child that isn't theirs.
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Wrona Bless 8 years ago
Absolutely awfull. It's such a torture for the body. I'm so happy I did sterilisation. I love my body and my life.
Jenna OblongBricks 8 years ago
She knows more than you do, Dee. Maybe she doesn't want to be used as a breeding mule? Maybe she has more to offer to the world than children? Any moron can have kids. It's really not that amazing lol.
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Jennifer Myrna 8 years ago
These are beautiful photos, but... WTF is up with the censoring? Like, one pic has nipples, so it's censored, but 2 others have nipples and it's fine. Then you've got a full-on c-section image, cut open skin and all, uncensored. While you've censored two images that literally show nothing but leg and baby head. It's not the blood, because there is blood in some of the other images. Seriously, what's going on???
Melissa Price 8 years ago
Beautiful pictures but I'm a mom that had to have 2 c-sections I wish they showed more pictures of babies be born that way too.
Kristy-lee Brown 8 years ago
I agree i medically cant have natural births, so i should be a badass mum for been able to carry a baby. They neede more c sec pics in there.
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Sherry Straus 8 years ago
Awesome pictures. That being said, I had 3, all natural, no meds. Yes, I won't go into all the details but what I got out of getting older is I think I would use drugs now.I would not want my daughter to go through the pain, to be honest and I tell her when she has a baby so long as it won't endanger her or baby then take whatever will lessen the pain. Maybe it's because I don't want my daughter in pain?? I don't know but if you don't have to have all the pain and there is pain, worst ever in my life, then why have pain. Ha, I just saw I wrote pain far too often, sorry.
Daria B 8 years ago
No, it's okay. It only shows it must have been VERY painful. ^_-
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Diana Sweeney 8 years ago
After having my first, I am not doing that again! If we have more kids, it's gonna be through adoption. I don't know how any woman puts herself through that more than once!
Load More Replies... jacluckycat 8 years ago
I've never seen such raw, real photos of childbirth. As a woman who will not bear children, these photos filled me simultaneously with relief and a strange longing. It must be a truly incredible experience.
Sarah Rochelle 8 years ago
I completely understand. I lost an ovary to tumors from extreme endometriosis. The tumors keep returning. This time they were all over my remaining ovary , my uterus &bladder. The hormone treatment made me so sick.I have reached a choice. Continue the hormones , which are not even a proven method , or get my uterus removed , which will cure me. I tried the hormone treatment for months. Migraines. Vomiting . Hair loss. It was bad. So recently , I made the choice to get my uterus removed. Because the tumors will return , as they always do. And while losing my uterus means I will never bear children , keeping it is risking me losing my only ovary, which would leave me unable to have children and require me to be on those dreadful hormones for life. It was a very hard choice. I cried and cried. But I'm finally content with it. I just close my eyes &picture me after my uterus is out. Never again suffering these dreadful symptoms & never again having tumors. ❤️
Load More Replies... Totally Magical Unicorn 8 years ago
Kudos to all these women who agreed to have these incredibly intimate moments published!
Kristin E A Nankova 8 years ago
omg, I dont have a child yet, but those pictures made me absolutely scred and absolutely replace my plans for a child at least with an year ....I am gonna adopt too or a surogate .....got so shocked from fear
Jenna OblongBricks 8 years ago
Adopt adopt adopt. They need families too! Not all women want to plop babies out. Some of us want to use our compassion to bring happiness to a child that isn't a part of us, but is our child all the same. Anyone can give birth, but not everyone has the mental and emotional strength to take on a child that isn't theirs.
Load More Replies... Wrona Bless 8 years ago
Absolutely awfull. It's such a torture for the body. I'm so happy I did sterilisation. I love my body and my life.
Jenna OblongBricks 8 years ago
She knows more than you do, Dee. Maybe she doesn't want to be used as a breeding mule? Maybe she has more to offer to the world than children? Any moron can have kids. It's really not that amazing lol.
Load More Replies... Jennifer Myrna 8 years ago
These are beautiful photos, but... WTF is up with the censoring? Like, one pic has nipples, so it's censored, but 2 others have nipples and it's fine. Then you've got a full-on c-section image, cut open skin and all, uncensored. While you've censored two images that literally show nothing but leg and baby head. It's not the blood, because there is blood in some of the other images. Seriously, what's going on???
Melissa Price 8 years ago
Beautiful pictures but I'm a mom that had to have 2 c-sections I wish they showed more pictures of babies be born that way too.
Kristy-lee Brown 8 years ago
I agree i medically cant have natural births, so i should be a badass mum for been able to carry a baby. They neede more c sec pics in there.
Load More Replies... Sherry Straus 8 years ago
Awesome pictures. That being said, I had 3, all natural, no meds. Yes, I won't go into all the details but what I got out of getting older is I think I would use drugs now.I would not want my daughter to go through the pain, to be honest and I tell her when she has a baby so long as it won't endanger her or baby then take whatever will lessen the pain. Maybe it's because I don't want my daughter in pain?? I don't know but if you don't have to have all the pain and there is pain, worst ever in my life, then why have pain. Ha, I just saw I wrote pain far too often, sorry.
Daria B 8 years ago
No, it's okay. It only shows it must have been VERY painful. ^_-
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