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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#8

Best In Category: Delivery, With A Splash

Best In Category: Delivery, With A Splash

Elizabeth Farnsworth Photography Report

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

My water broke like this when I delivered my first child. Wish I had a picture like this.

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

Mine too except I was on my back plus I was suffering from having way to much amniotic fluid and it was a well it didn't turn out as we wanted. But on a lighter side sorry but I really think I would prefer my catcher to have his eyes one the ball so to speak!

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

Being on one's knees is actually better suited for delivery than being on one's back

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

Humorous photo...AND great to see mama on her hands and knees, a superior birthing position than flat on the back. This is a good doctor.

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

I love how completely calm he looks. That is a man confident in his abilities.

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

You can give birth however you like. There is no right way. In my opinion, gravity helps. I had a homebirth and gave birth on my knees...

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

This happened when I gave birth, my baby came quickly and the waters burst

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

My water broke as the baby was entering the world as well, but I was on my back instead.

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

What the hell is wrong with you people saying the woman in this picture has no a*s? Really? Get some consideration for the feelings of others. Women come in all shapes and sizes people! Just because you have a meaty a*s or perhaps a fat a*s or you like a meaty a*s or fat a*s on a woman doesn't give you the right to criticize.

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

This is an entirely natural birthing position. I myself was born by Caesarian section, and although it never did me any physical harm, each time I leave the house I'm compelled to exit via the window.

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Jazmyn B (Jaz)
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How does he not even flinch when such a big spray of water (?) comes towards him?

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

Haha this just happened to a nurse where my sister works. Only it was a bag of fat that exploded. To me that's much grosser!

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

I have had this happen in my delivery room its awesome and messy

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

This one grosses me out a little, I have to be honest. I admire the doctor's soicism, though. Lol.

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

This woman is giving birth on her knees, that's a first for me I had never heard of that, squatting yes in water yes but on the knees never. No wonder!!!!!

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

OH WOW! I'm happy I couldn't see what happened to MY Dr. He cut my daughter's cords bc it was wrapped around her neck & I remember blood splattering....do NOT need a pic of it like this! lol

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

this is the position for turning a breech baby...rare, but not unusual

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

That's a wonderful photo! If I were the mom, I'd gift him with a large framed print.

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

That reminds of the time I soaked both the doc and nurse after they broke my water. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

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

Well worth the win! Haha! SO many thoughts fly through my mind seeing this!

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

This happened with me and my oldest daughter. Somehow someone got a shot of amniotic fluid gushing at the doctor as I pushed her out. That poor doctor.

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

It's no big deal. Doctors work on cadavers and learn about very disgusting parasites and other illnesses. Birth is beautiful and powerful.

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

How bad assume is that Dr. Delivering that baby with his eyes closed. Lmbo

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

He obvious saw the big splash headed toward his face as baby came out and the waters broke, so he closed his eyes quickly, it's called blinking.

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

Kneeling like that is the hardest position to give birth, too.

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

Actually it is not. Gravity helps a lot. This position is more natural than on your back.

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

Not like the movies at all. Mine broke right before I was about to start pushing. Some doctors have to break it for them. Some babies are born still inside the intact sac, which is called "en caul".

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

Why is she in the excuse my language but "DoggyStyle" position?

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

Some women feel more comfortable on their hands and knees, or squatting. You are not working against gravity. Very normal in some countries and throughout history- people used to use birthing chairs where the women would sit upright and there was a hole in seat!

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

Nothing like the taste of amniotic fluid to get you going in the morning....poor guy

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

Oh he saw it coming!! Thats why his eyes are closed. This doc has been around for a while

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

Im sure the little dude was scared to death when the Dr came in the back door. The Dr is lucky that is all he got all over him

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

No wonder the poor little dude was scared to death when the Dr. surprised him when he came in from the back door.

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

Well my first thought was this is a picture of an old black and white horrormovie. this is a mistake! I didn't know there could be water at this time of the birth. It also took me a while to figure out the mothers postion , because I haven't seen a picture of a mom giving birth while on her kees. After reading the comments I regret I didn't try this position. So thinking about this mother and her doc. It is still brave of her to do it like this, because it is like farting in his face. And the doc agreed on it too. He knew there was not only hot air coming. But still, after knowing this is all normal... Someone picked this picture because it looks disgusting how the doc is beeing splashed.

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

Wow. Are you 12? Giving birth is a PRIMAL experience. There is NO SHAME in birthing. Sometimes people even push out a poop, because when you bear down to push out the baby, it's the same muscles you use in your stomach for pushing out a poo. Birth is a messy and exhausting and beautiful experience. When you get to the final point of labor, you don't give a damn about ANYTHING but getting baby out, safe and healthy.

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

Giving birth while kneeling is the hardest position, too.

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

At least it wasn't fecal...i guess. I really don't know which is worse.

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

This is the amniotic sac breaking. If you don't know that then maybe you need to go back to school?

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Randy Thomas
Community Member
7 years ago

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This is why they get the big bucks. This is a vulgar picture, that needed not to be shared.

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

There is nothing vulgar about giving birth. You shouldn't have looked if you are that easily offended.

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Ashlee Todd
Community Member
7 years ago

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Oh good god. I'm never having kids. That's disgusting!

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

If you think that's disgusting then I'm glad that you're never having kids. There are many things worse (or more disgusting) than a spray of amniotic fluid to the face when you're raising a child. I'm sure all the parents here on Bored Panda could attest to this.

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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