Wonderful! Record 35 of the mother’s most raw yet beautiful moments of giving birth ‎

Oct 10, 2023

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Spring is nearly here, which means it’s the time of year when the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers announces the winners of its yearly competition, and 2022’s honorees are as incredible as ever.

A woman is on her hands and knees as the tiny feet of a baby hang out of her body

An emotional father is handed his baby for the first time

A woman in a hospital gown cries on the phone

A woman tries breastfeeding twins, one on each breast, immediately after delivery

A woman winces and reaches between her legs while on the ground as her husband holds her

A naked pregnant woman touches her reflection in the mirror

A hand makes room for a crowning baby head

A awestruck, smiling toddler sits in the pool post water birth with her mom and new baby

1. First, this awe-inspiring photo of a baby’s feet making their first entry into the world won Best in Category: Birth Details.

2. This amazing capture of a father seeing his child for the first time won Best in Category: Delivery.

5. And this photo of twins feeding for the first time won Best in Category: Postpartum.

6. This dramatic moment of a laboring mother and her support partner was named an honorable mention.

7. This photo of a newborn baby still covered in vernix was named the winner of the sub-category Birth Details: Documentary.

8. This photo of a woman connecting with herself after giving birth won the sub-category of Postpartum: Black and White.

9. This incredible image of a baby crowning was an honorable mention.

10. This year, for the first time, the IAPBP created a category to “honor and recognize the one in four birthing persons who experience miscarriage and/or infant loss.” This heartbreaking image was named Best In Category: Overall Hardship & Loss.

11. This adorable moment of a sister meeting her new sibling was an honorable mention.