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

#2

Best In Category: Birth Details, Pieces Of Me

Best In Category: Birth Details, Pieces Of Me

Kourtnie Scholz Report

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Kayleigh White
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is amazing. But the placenta is grossing me out a bit. Never seen one look like that before

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#5

Skin To Skin Today. Heart To Heart Always

Skin To Skin Today. Heart To Heart Always

Catherine Brown Birth & Lifestyle Photography Report

#6

Falling In Love All Over Again

Falling In Love All Over Again

KEDocumentary Report

#7

Are You My Mama?

Are You My Mama?

Jennifer Mason Photography Report

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Sheriann Luckie
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great neck control at just a few minutes old. The neck control comes weeks after birth. Strong baby.

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#9

Freshly Squeezed

Freshly Squeezed

Apple Blossom Families Report

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Georgie Agass
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why? This is only how you would have entered the world too (barring medical intervention).

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Tania Marcil
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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?

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Esther Keenan
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did you think you were going to see a crane delivering a baby with a bow in a basket?!

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Erla Erlendsdóttir
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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Linda Bråtveit
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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 ❤️

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Helen Purvis
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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!

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Lainie Vargas
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is beautiful,my midwives also helped me calm down enough to guide my hands feel my baby's head coming through and gave me the power to over come the pain and without epidural they said I did great because I was eager and determined to hold my baby right away and then I did it again with my next baby

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Kirsty Potts
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The most beautiful and visually funny picture ever? Literally first glimpse of the world upside down 😍 How wonderfully captured

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Mow
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why for godsake the warning...it's biology/nature/life mesmerising and beautiful

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It's Caturday
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Biology and life are often beautiful AND messy, simultaneously. Mesmerizing AND schocking. Life is far from black or white.

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Chrissy Jones
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agreed! Birth is so incredibly powerful. It's an amazing thing to experience as a woman, and even to watch.

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Holly Lynn
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did people momentarily forget that babies come out of a vagina?? Seriously, get over yourselves. You can't claim one minute that birth is beautiful and b***h about it the next.

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Dana Marie
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely beautiful! To those who wished they had headed the warning, how on earth could you be repulsed. This is life!

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Caroline Cristina
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is where most of us started, unless you were ripped out via c-section as my third one was. Now there's lots of evidence to show how many greT bacteria to protect our gut and lives we get by travel through the birth canal

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Marcia Rivas
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had my children c section and thank God for them, and some of us ain't built for this kind of birth

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Andrea Harrell
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interesting. All I can think of i how much pain the mother is in this photo, but it will be all worth it after.

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Ildiko Okido
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This part of birth actually isn't that painful, the worst part is over (birth of the head).

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Lucy Griffith
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We try to keep as much of the vernix (white ) on the baby as humanly possible. NO bath for 24 or more hours. Very antimicrobial. I have overdue babies born all the time with no vernix. We keep it on.. and baby and mom skin to skin immediately. No blanket between mom and baby ever. Skin touching skin.

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Denise Stark
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What the heck? I have 4 kids and 4 grandkids and I NEVER got to see THIS view!!

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Donnell Creppel
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She might be on all fours? I think squating is supposed the most natural position to help push the baby out. It seems like squatting would be better than lying on your back. But then you don't have the epidural, and so that's a big negative to that birth position. haha I tried to go without the epidural, and I got really close but I couldn't do it. So I don't think I would be a squatter or stander. 😁

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Carissa Marie
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Obviously some arnt very mature so they never should have clicked on "mature content"

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Donnell Creppel
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I chose not to see my son come out, and now I'm glad I chose not to. All of that labor business is scary enough. I think it would have freaked me out more than I was already freaking out. haha

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_MarioFangirl_
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't get why there are people bitching about this being disgusting when everyone including you was literally born this way! If you don't like it then don't click on it!

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Susan Paterson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lovely picture, just have to wait for the rest to come ... gotta love hands and knees!

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Susan Paterson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lovely photo! Just waiting on the rest to come ... love hands and knees!

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Başarılı Sadık
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Done almost 400 deliveries in my intern ship but still wasn't expecting it like that

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Lieneke Keihl
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing shot...amazing view....amazing share....amazing everything about it!

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manowce
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that's not "the beauty" of labour. it's the only photo in here that I really really don't like.

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Beth Anne
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this one. I didn't have the choice to have anything but a c-section due to two medical issues, one being placenta previa and the other being severe arthritis in my hip and back, so although I "missed out," so to speak, I think it is beautiful. It was nice to walk in on my baby's birthday pain-free and calm and say "I'm here to have a baby," but if I had had a choice, I would've had a natural birth.

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Stuart M.
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...Begins its life exiting a vagina, then by around its mid teens will spend the rest of its life trying to get back inside one.

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Alex Reynolds
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is this article Not Safe For Work. These are images of childbirth, these are not sexuality explicit images.

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Pamela Bourgeois-Wood
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read all the comments and I laughed so hard I cried on some of them! And just to clarify - I have had 8 children - all natural with no medication. I am that earthy mother who fell in love with all things pregnancy, childbirth, nursing and children related. Obviously. (smile) And while I find childbirth incredibly beautiful and have even filmed a number of my births, this picture is just an odd juxtaposition to me - still incredible - just not one of my favorites. And as I said, the comments had me in tears. And leading to me to want to "caption" this from the newborn's point of view. But such a beautiful baby for sure!

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Patricia Ugay
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not even showinf the female genital area so I don't rwly find this "mature content". More of... Watch out. It's purple baby!!! Lol :)

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Ale Cid
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

jajajaj! Why is this tagged as "adult content" So beautiful and wonderful!!!

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Sandy Oestreich
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

what is so censorable about this? Wonderful. It's a recall of My Own struggled relief and joy 60 years ago.

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Jennifer Happinessisfun
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's sad that there needs to be a warning. If this image is disturbing to you, watch some national geographic, visit someone in the hospital, or just stop using fabric softener on yourself while showing.

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Jade
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was you and your birth mother once (unless you were C section of course).

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Justyna
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

looks better than menstruation... i think this is beautiful.

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Alka Girdhar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This picture reminded me of a mini-story that I wrote last year. https://alkagirdhar.com/2016/06/15/first-journey/

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Carolyn Tamm
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Intensive panda must be a guy... Were you expecting a giant vibrator or fist to be coming out .. seriously .. how do you think you got here

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Elaine Bradley
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OH c**p people - why would you regret seeing this? Don't be so squeamish. It is an absolute privilege to get to see the very second a child enters the world. This is what it is to be human, strong and vulnerable and the same as everybody else.

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Jenny Richardson
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, this is just so real, the vernix on the babies head, that look on its face, and mums hand, as a mum brings it all back. Wonderful. What an honour to be there, what a fabulous photo for the paernts to have after.

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Chrissy Jones
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome and beautiful photo. Little one covered in vernix as mama stands to help deliver.

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Michelle Lamb Discher
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Magnificent. I'm not seeing well through my tears. These are such a celebration.

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Holly Noel
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Baby looks uncomfortable. This isn't beautiful...as a mother seeing the birth from tne back end, baby clearly can't breathe here, this isn't capturing a good moment. It looks like she's squeezing his head between her cheeks. I get the concept. But try again

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Jen Whitaker
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He has no need to breathe yet, he has O2 being delivered from Mom via the umbilical cord. Not to mention he is unable to breathe as his body is still compressed in the birth canal, and his thoracic cavity cannot expand yet. This is a perfectly normal position.

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Faye Bone
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful. Thank you. This absolutely amazing. You will terish forever!

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Laura Trucano-Harp
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful! (I don't understand what all the fuss is about. Kids see more skin than this on the beach, and the blood is easily explained.)

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Karin Morris
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is there a warning on this? You can't see anything. People are crazy

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Carolyn Peters
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am here mom soon the pain will be over and the joy will come.

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Nicola Louise
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ouch, yes it does hurt especially with a bigger baby :) Birth is so amazing!

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Катя Славова
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

такива снимки на мен ми развалят усещането за "красотата" да донесеш живот на този свят.И тази жена докато е раждала ,когато се е показала главата на бебето какво е казала:"Задръж го малко там на задника ми и снимай?!...."За мен е малоумно!!!

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Susie Yoho
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry but is anyone else thinking wow when the kid starts dating and mom and dad pull out the baby picture to show the date! Like someone said the babies are well worth the pain and yes it is pain but that's life

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Judy Abrams
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. I wonder if this went in the baby book. I also wonder if the baby coming unexpectedly. I've never seen a picture like this.

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Zoe Krishel
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awww! Reminds me of when i was birthing my baby and the doc had me reach down and touch her head!

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Tara Knill
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a picture like this of me delivering my son my best mate took it nd I find it amazing still

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Csilla Szabadi
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um... for someone who's somewhat planning to have kids in near future... this is scary as hell (just imagining the pain when squeezing that baby out).

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Ildiko Okido
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I delivered two (big) sons, but at that moment you need all the strength you've got to push the baby out. You are so concentrated on pushing, so I didn't feel much pain. Most of the pain is when you're having contractions before the actual birth.

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#10

First Place Winner. Road To Deliverance

First Place Winner. Road To Deliverance

Jaydene Freund – Cradled Creations Report

#11

Honorable Mentions. Catching Her Baby, Born Via Surrogacy

Honorable Mentions. Catching Her Baby, Born Via Surrogacy

Leilani Rogers, Photographer Report

#12

Absorb

Absorb

Bailey Nicole Photography Report

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Janice Takashima
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#14

The First Look

The First Look

Amber Denae Photography Report

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Richard Nimz
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

'OK, she's screaming. Maybe this is how adults communicate. Odd, but I should be polite to my new hosts.'

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#19

Honorable Mentions. Hello Before Goodbye

Honorable Mentions. Hello Before Goodbye

Sarah Boccolucci Photography Report

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Karen Sipes
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#21

Honorable Mentions. Gentle Caesarean Birth

Honorable Mentions. Gentle Caesarean Birth

Belle Verdiglione Photography Report

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Amanda Mackenzie B.
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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!

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#24

Honorable Mentions. Before The First Breath

Honorable Mentions. Before The First Breath

Birth In Focus Report

#26

Euphoric First Embrace Together

Euphoric First Embrace Together

Kate Murray Photography Report

#27

Honorable Mentions. Honoring The Temple

Honorable Mentions. Honoring The Temple

Elliana Gilbert Photography Report

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Laura Vela
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those fishnet stretchy hospital panties with jumbo pad.. best feeling though.. once your here, you know you definitely passed the finish line!!

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#31

Bathed In The Morning Light She Welcomes New Life

Bathed In The Morning Light She Welcomes New Life

Samantha Noel Photography Report

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#33

Honorable Mentions. 17 Years Of Waiting: A Non-fertility Miracle

Honorable Mentions. 17 Years Of Waiting: A Non-fertility Miracle

Ker-Fox Photography Report

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Katie Allen
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those are really muscular legs! I don't understand why they are holding the baby's neck that way.

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#34

Honorable Mentions. She Holds Her Daughter’s Fingers In Awe And Wonde

Honorable Mentions. She Holds Her Daughter’s Fingers In Awe And Wonde

The He{ART} of Motherhood Report

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Mia Melberg
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's some astounding nails om that baby. Those are going to be beautifull

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#35

Superman Style Arrival

Superman Style Arrival

Birth is beautiful-Captured by Ina Report

#37

Looking Inside

Looking Inside

Andrea Oleson Report

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Denise Stark
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This really reminded me of just how intense the pain was. Childbirth was much harder that I expected!

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#39

Honorable Mentions. Rapture

Honorable Mentions. Rapture

Katie Mathis Photography Report

#41

First Wrinkles

First Wrinkles

Susan Johnson Photography Report

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#46

Christmas Eve Head Shot

Christmas Eve Head Shot

Doula Services by Dianne Report

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Airisama15 Ban
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a powerful reason why you shouldn't yell at your mom! All the pain she passed because of you

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#54

Honorable Mentions. Entangled In The Cord That Ties Us

Honorable Mentions. Entangled In The Cord That Ties Us

Cat Fancote – Capturing Birth Report

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Carolyn Leasure
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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"....

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#56

Baby's First Defense

Baby's First Defense

An Infinite Moment Photography Report

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Marci Catania
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its called Vernix. It protects the baby from the amniotic fluid they swim in before birth

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#57

Honorable Mentions. Droplets Of Mercy

Honorable Mentions. Droplets Of Mercy

Elliana Gilbert Photography Report

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Kaylin Brenay
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You do realize most, if not all of these, are taken by birth photographers right?

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#59

Riding The Wave

Riding The Wave

Cara Bjornson Report