Today, The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP) announced the
winners of its annual Image of the Year Competition. Selected by a panel of judges, the winning photos showcase the emotion, pain and beauty of different birth experiences.
As the press release for the official announcement states, "Birth photography encompasses the tears of joy, the wonder of bringing a new life into the world and celebrates family."
Keep scrolling to see the winning birth images as well as some other striking contest entries.
As the IAPBP website notes, birth is "messy and real," so the photos may be considered NSFW.
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This image depicts birth underwater.
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This image is called "The Surge." As the photographer
wrote in the Facebook caption, "Birth is powerful, women's bodies are powerful and having the support to be powerful in the birth process is a gift."
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The winning delivery image depicts an unassisted, at-home twin water birth. It is also a striking example of an "en caul" birth, when a baby is born entirely in the amniotic sac.
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The title for this postpartum photo is "Where peace begins."
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The photographer selected the title, "It calls to her both loudly and softly in song."
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This water birth photo is called "Maternal Grace."
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The baby's awestruck face is stunning.
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This striking C-section photo shows there's beauty in all forms of birth.
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"The wait in silence and calmness" is the title of this powerful water birth photo.
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An emotional photo of new parents meeting their baby.
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An intimate photo of skin-to-skin bonding with newborn twins.
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This C-section photo highlights the mother and the support of her partner.
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"Newborn Blues."
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The father is the focus of this birth photo.
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Sisters cuddle after birth.
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