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

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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Phuk Yu
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7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The caption makes it elevate to a different level when you notice the tattoo of a puzzle piece!! Love this one.

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

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.

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

Gross and beautiful! My favorite detail is the baby starring at mommy. Again, beautiful!

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Jo'an Tanaka
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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

So serene...beautiful summation of birthing a child. Whomever put this concept together is brilliant!

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

Fantastic picture this. So much detail captured in one image, just beautiful!

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

This is crazy powerful. Uncensored, unfiltered truth behind the bonds of motherhood.

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

Sorry, I do not find like this photo. I am an RN. In my professinal opinion, it was unnecessary to include BOTH the umbilical cord AND the placenta.

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

I can't believe she is covering her other nipple, considering what else in being depicted in this shot. No-one should be worried about a nipple, FFS.

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

Why is she covering her niple though? Otherwise breathtakingly beautiful in it's raw truth!

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

I remember that gaze as they feed,like a locked-on milk seeking missile

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

LOVELY!!!! each and every single detail.. even de tatoos.. priceless...

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

Baby looks very large for movements born.. wondering if this is staged. Mine was 9 lbs and streched from inner elbow to palm moments after birth

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

I kinda don't think the mother would be ok with having someone else's placenta placed there, as would have to be the case if it was "staged". Weight has little do do with length...

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

Brilliant, powerful, natural. This truly is the moment of life, connection and welcome to the world!

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

Omg I just realized that is her placenta! I was thinking: cool, a seashell. Maybe they're from the islands or something. Nah. This is powerful. Life.

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

I bet if she was showing her nipple this would have been labeled "mature content"

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

I LOVE this. This is AMAZING!!!! It's true, I've never seen a placenta or even the umbilical. So beautifully done...especially the baby looking at his mom.

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

Amazing, beautiful. I have never seen the placenta ever photographed in a birth photo. Very beautiful to see newborn babe, right red, with the blue placenta. This is a powerful photograph that should be shared everywhere!

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

অসাধারণ,,,, মা আর সন্তান নাড়ি ছেড়া ধন। wonderful pictures mom & kids ✌💜💋🎓

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

I LOVE this one! It's got everything, right there. And the expression on the baby's face is priceless.

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

This is an awesome photo. 😍😍😍😍😍 I loves it so much. 😍😍😍😍😍😍

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

Most beautiful pic I've ever seen, my twins were stillborn but I have the best pic's of holding them in my arms and this pic gave me that feeling again thank you for these

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

JUST don't get why the HUGs tag is already on & the cord isn't even clamped!

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

Wish I had the chance to go through this once again but in the same way it's on this beautiful picture. Had 4 totally different. Amazing yeeees

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

I think if you're showing the placenta you can also show that nipple lmao. Very powerful photo!

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

Amazing captures. I was a bit saddened to see mostly vaginal deliveries. Csection moms are just as beautiful :(

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

Mandy I just won silver in an image competition with this image. I do believe you will see more section images as hospitals start to trust birth photographers more. However this competition does have some VERY powerful c-section images. You can follow me on instagram.com/modernstorytog or check out my website for more information as we educate and share all the amazing birth stories. KEDocumentary.com DFW-Birth-...d804bd.jpg DFW-Birth-Photography-3-of-10OffCall-58b19f0d804bd.jpg

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Evelyn Marlik
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7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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Paty Rutenberg
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7 years ago

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I find it disconnected, sad. Baby is looking for love and connection, Mom looks stiff. I would have loved to have seen her body curled into the baby, surrounding it. Her other arm around it rather than covering her breast.

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Anita Muczyń
Community Member
7 years ago

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Disgusting, this is not type of things anyone should show on photos

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Sara Lowe
Community Member
7 years ago

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That's so staged, why would a photographer make such a natural thing as birth quite revolting by the deliberate placement of the placenta over the pubic area, I'm certain it didn't get there by it's self in a natural way.

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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

#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