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

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

I have seen the photo elsewhere, she had her birth photographer with her at home when she started labouring.

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

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. :)

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

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!" ;-)

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

I recall this exact and most painful moment in my delivery.. the car ride. ugh. Lol

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

Oh my.. brings me back to 7-7-2017 at 0.30 am.. I did not know how to sit in the car during a contraction and disappeared every 5 minutes between the front seats! 😂

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

Lol this was me on my 4th baby, born within 20 minutes of getting to the hospital! Everyone thought I was kidding when I sent pics!

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

my daughter was in hard labor in the car..I didn't even think about taking photos then..we made it to the hospital with only a few minutes to spare and the baby was there

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

Because we left early in the morning, speeding along, the only thing my husband was disappointed about was that there was not 1 patrol car to pull him over!!😂😂 only just made it up the lift and out she came...... I spent most of the ride with my feet on the dashboard!!!!!!!. Can laugh now😂😂

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

Some very powerful and brave images, indeed its a one hell of photographer job , https://www.photosquare.in

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

My favorite pic of all.. the raw courage, pain and control of her face and body. Im a former L&D nurse, maybe because she and her husband are on their own?! All the phitis are amazing but there's just something special about her.

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

I'm worried for everyone's safety.but great photo captured here..

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

No!!! Giving birth is hard and painful but where's the out of this world beauty I experienced?

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

Zenithorton, until you endure the experience of birthing a child, u can't possibly "feel her pain". I once heard a comedian describe "birthing a newborn infant", as this... take your bottom lip & pull it up over your head, then you'll have "some experience in what it 'feels like' to give birth!

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#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