Grabe, Nakamamangha! 10 Raw Photos Of Love And Loss During Childbirth That Will Move You

Warning: Photos have graphic content that some readers may find disturbing or shocking.

Every childbirth is unique, and perhaps, yours is definitely your favorite.

But every year, we look forward to seeing the photos of the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP), which showcases the raw and real birthing moments that we don't usually see on Facebook and Instagram.

This year's winners include photos that honor mothers who experience miscarriage. The photos, although heartbreaking, are powerful. 

Liz Cook, director of IAPBP said, “We are incredibly proud of the entrants of this year’s competition because in spite of all we endured in our community in recent years, this contest represents the resistance birth photographers have to overcome unforeseen challenges." She adds, "We are also thrilled to introduce a new, impactful and powerful subcategory titled Hardship & Loss."

Here are the winning photos and its photographers who immortalized these moments that are truly breathtaking.

Overall winner: "A touch of love" by Bárbara Aviz of Bárbara Aviz Fotografia

Best in Birth Details: "The Tiniest Feet" by Dania Watson of Lauren + Douglas

Best in Delivery: "The First Look" by Ebony Allen-Ankins of Ebony Allen-Ankins Photography

Best in Labor: "ACCEPTING A NEW PLAN" by Sara Avila of SARA AVILA FOTOGRAFIA. This photo also won Members' Choice in the same category.

Best in Postpartum: "Postpartum Twins First Latch" by Jessica Miles of Jessica Miles Photography

Best in Hardship & Loss: "as long as i am here with you my perfect little baby" by Meike Nagorny of Meike Nagorny  m.o.m.e.n.t.s

"We desire to honor the 1 in 4 birthing persons who experience miscarriage and/or loss and inviting images of these events into our celebration of birth photography is one way we can do this," said Liz Cook.

This photo also won the Members' Choice for the same category.

Members' Choice First Place and Best Overall: "Blood Of My Blood" by Laura Brink of Rewild Her

Members' Choice Best Birth Details: "Blood Ties" by Alina Goroaia Vincenti of Fotoemozioni Alina G.Vincenti

Members' Choice Best in Labor: "White noise" by Cindy Willems of Birth Day geboortefotografie

Members' Choice Best in Postpartum: "Crying Dad" by Sara Johnson of Sara Hunter Photo, LLC

Want to share your birth story? Email us at smartparentingsubmissions@gmail.com with the subject “Share Ko Lang.”