12 ‘Raw And Real’ Moments That Show The Beauty Of Childbirth

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

Every birthing experience is different and yet each one is beautiful, whether it’s a normal delivery or a cesarean section, or done in a hospital, lying-in clinic or home setting. Thanks to birth photography, we can marvel at how strong and amazing moms are and get a glimpse of those breathtaking moments when a baby is brought out into the world.

This year, the International Association Of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP) still managed to come up with their annual competition despite the COVID-19 pandemic affecting childbirth protocols.

“Despite birth photographers worldwise losing a majority of their work and income in 2020 due to the global pandemic, I am thrilled to be able to feature the talent of our members in our annual image competition,” shares IAPBP director Liz Cook in a statement.

“We are incredibly proud of the entrants of this year’s competition because in spite of all we endured in our community in recent months, this contest represents the resistance of birth photographers have to overcome unforeseen challenges,” she adds.

2021 IAPBP birth photography winners

The choice to have your birth documented is an intensely personal decision, so we cannot help but admire these women who choose to share their most intimate moments to the public. And yet seeing the pain and the tears of joy, and witnessing families come together to celebrate the wonder of childbirth is extremely moving.

Here are the winners of the 2021 Birth Photography Image Competition.

First place and overall winner: “Daddy’s Girls”

This photo taken by Canadian photographer Ashley Marston features dad Justin Webber with his daughters Avery, Evelyn, Olivia, enveloping their newborn, Junia, in a tender embrace. It was snapped shortly after his wife, Nikki, gave birth at home, according to Ladysmith Chemainus Chronicle.

“Ashley has been taking pictures of our family since 2014. Ashley has been there to photograph the birth of three of my kids. It’s been really cool that she’s gotten to watch my family grow over the years,” Nikki told Ladysmith Chronicle.

Best in Birth Details: “The Origin of Life” by Charlene Foster of Charlene Förster Fotografie

Best in Delivery: “The Greatest Love in the World” by Anne Lucy Silva Barbosa of Anne Lucy Fotografia

Best in Labor: “Reach down. He’s almost there” by Dana Jacobs of Dana Jacobs Photography

Best in Fresh 48: “Nourish” by Jami Edgar of Touch of Hart Photography

Best in Postpartum: “My Body, My Birth” by Hanna Hill of Hanna Hill Photography

Members’ Choice Best in Delivery: “Grace” by Danny Merz of danny merz | geburtsreportage

Members’ Choice Best in Fresh 48: “Nursing A Newborn” by Carey Lippert of Carey Lauren Photos & Film

Members’ Choice Best in Labor: “Primal Shapes of Birth” by Laura Brink of Rewild Her

Congratulations to all the winners!

Have helpful parenting, money, health, or home tips to share? Or want to share your birth story? Email us at smartparentingsubmissions@gmail.com with the subject “Share Ko Lang.” For more breathtaking birth photos, click here.

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