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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#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

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

A woman VOLUNTEERED to be a surrogate because SHE WANTED TO! Nobody forced her. This is no way "sad" or negative in any conotation you miserable people!

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

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.

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

This one made me tear up! This was the most beautiful one in my opinion. The couples happiness and the fact that someone did something so wonderful for someone else, is just amazing

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

The couple looks like young versions of brad pitt and Angelenia Joelle

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Lisa Anderson-O'Neal
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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

This is absolutely my favorite one. Such a powerful moment.

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

The gift of birth, the gift of a new life!! Very powerful!! ❤

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

I love there smiles! They look so happy and grateful !

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

What happiness in their faces!! I can't imagine the feeling of not being able to have my own my children. This woman is so happy to have this child. I Love it!!

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

I was a surrogate five years ago, and currently pregnant with my own child... yep totally burst into tears at this. 😍

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

What a beautiful moment! Wish the doc would have backed up for a minute. Could have let Baby have (some of) their own blood, even if the family wanted to do cord blood banking.

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

One day I want this moment for my husband and myself. ♥️♥️♥️

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

Beautiful. Love that mom is already for skin to skin to encourage breastfeeding and bonding. And the joy on her face is incredible!

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

I'm sorry? Are you seeing the same picture as I am? If you're calling this 'so terribly sad', than you're missing the huge smiles in this photo! This baby is so loved.

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#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