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Photographer Captures Parents’ Reactions When They See Their Baby For The First Time After Being Born (30 Pics)
Interview With Artist
The arrival of a newborn is undoubtedly one of the most significant moments in a woman's life. Even though it is the mother who goes through the physical process of childbirth, fathers often stand beside their women, supporting them, while trying to cope with an emotional rollercoaster of their own.
Kirstie Perez, who specializes in various fields of photography, is known for her unique and still niche photography genre, which is birth photography. Perez gets to spend time with women in labor, capturing the rawest emotions and reactions of parents-to-be during the first moments they meet their beloved child. The photographer skillfully documents this transformative phase as couples transition into parents.
The Bored Panda has previously featured Kirstie’s works in other posts, which you can see here or here.
More info: kpphotoinc.com | Instagram | Facebook | pinterest.ie | youtube.com
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
MSOctavia Salyer 2 years ago
Wow! A very private moment. Your pictures have touched my soul. Really
Nicole hought 2 years ago
That was me when I saw my daughter for the first time. I cried my eyes out then apologized to my mom for being a s**t growing up.
Tricia Burcell 2 years ago
For all the hatred toward having children in our culture, it really is a beautiful thing to welcome a new human being into the world after caring for it and nurturing it and anticipating it for the better part of a year! 🥰
imsouravmitra 2 years ago
I saw all the pictures, but I kept coming back to this one. I don't know why but this photo makes me happy and proud for some reason. I mean I cannot explain the feeling but I keep looking at this one.. Wonderful..
Bored Panda contacted Kirstie Perez to find out more about her work. First, we asked her how photography came into her life. We found out that: “My father had hundreds of National Geographic magazines when I was a kid so I have always been moved by authentic imagery. I started taking pictures at a young age, quite obsessively, and still do.”
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Bella Davinci 2 years ago
The way one feels after such an important moment in their life can’t be described by words… this picture portrays it beautifully! ❤️
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Asked specifically how she came up with the idea of shooting birth photographs, Kirstie shared with us: “I actually did not come up with this project intentionally to what it became. At the time I made the collection of images, I was tired of the false narrative that men are incapable of being empathetic to women during their most vulnerable times. That men have an important role in the birth space other than mere spectating. Their empathy is powerful.”
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Courtney Christelle 2 years ago
My son was born by c section, so I heard him before I saw him. My heart skipped a beat and then I cried too.
Precious Cooper 2 years ago (edited)
The overwhelming rush of emotion is dizzying... And so amazing... Joy to finally meet the little one, relief that everyone is ok, awe at what your body is capable of, exhaustion, fear about way too many things, and if you're lucky, so much love, both given and received.....
We were wondering what the selection of parents showcased in the photographs is based on, and Perez shortly explained that it is “based on who consented.” But we also wanted to find out what are the most common reactions when the families see the photos from that sentimental and important moment. The photographer told us: “They were grateful to have the moment captured for them and their family to reminisce on.”
#6
mymommatoldme 2 years ago
Watch out dad...that little one may accidentally latch on thinking you the momma! He's gorgeous!
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Lisa Panos Fullerton 2 years ago
Love this one ❤️🥰 Such a pure bonding between mom dad and baby ❤️
Next, we asked Kirstie how she feels and what emotions accompany her while she is looking at the photo stories she created. Peres said: “My emotion is humility and gratefulness to my clients for allowing their most vulnerable moments to be shared with others. I’m proud to align with clients who have the same heart and passion for women and birth. My personal feeling, though, was relief. I had been doing birth work and for exposure to the birth world for so long that the work finally reached the audiences it was meant to. I’ll always be grateful to those who consented to share this with the world so other men can see how powerful their love and empathy can be.”
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Lastly, we were curious if there are any upcoming projects the photographer looks forward to working on. Kirstie Perez told us: “I have several irons in the fire. We will see what happens but I can promise it will surround all things femininity and serve my community in some way. 31 & from Texas.”
#10
Breanna Ardrey 2 years ago
This was me after my firstborn! I was in labor for like 32 hrs.. A Whole weekend (middle of the night fri to early sun am) But I was soooo happy& eating Haribo Gummy bears the whole time lol I had the best actual birth (him coming out n me holding him experience EVER!) One for the books
mymommatoldme 2 years ago
She spent hours (I'm assuming) in labor...pushing out this beautiful little being...and still looks like a million bucks! Gorgeous!!
Sarah Grace Bennett 2 years ago
I can see her eye makeup is smudged, but it doesn't seem watery. I think she's smiling so much her makeup smudged 💕
Janet Howe 2 years ago
Great foresight, however. When you're going into labor and have the presence of mind to put all your makeup on before you leave the house. Love it.
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Lisa Sanders 2 years ago
I just looked at you and cried! I could feel the "see my 👶 " vibes rolling off you in waves!!!!
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Bella Davinci 2 years ago
I learned through the years that life doesn’t have an instruction manual and that parents are trying their hardest. This picture shows what being a parent is truly. ♥️
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Sue Blakeley 1 year ago
Reminds me of seeing my son the first time after my section, so surreal
Janet Howe 2 years ago
This looks like a c-section situation in an operating room. I could be wrong. I'm so envious of this picture. This just shows the difference between 1976 and now. I had a c-section in 1976. I got to see my daughter only after she was cleaned, weighed, swaddled and in the cart. I didn't even get to touch her. I got to see her for 5 seconds as she was being whisked away. She wasn't being taken away because she was in danger or anything. That's just how the hospital handled c-sections at that time. I'm so glad things have changed for the better. Those first few minutes with your baby are joyous and priceless.
#16
Julie Fager 2 years ago
Yes!! My first born will be 45 in December. I can still see his precious little face. 💖
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MSOctavia Salyer 2 years ago
I can hardly breathe. I'm holding my breath in the moment. But this is the picture that touches me the most.
#21
Betsy Ray 2 years ago (edited)
Amazing. This wee one may be an old soul. My daughter is.
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Dee La Fond 2 years ago
It almost looks like he’s laughing, like “whoa, that was a hack-ova’ ride.” 🤣
#22
Ray Arani 2 years ago
Oh, yeah, she's in a hospital so they probably didn't let her drink water during the labor. Which is bs.
Mr Lee 2 years ago
If you don’t know the reason why not ask instead of calling it bs. FYI we limit foods and liquids to clear and light easily digestible stuff just in case things go wrong and an operative delivery is required.
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Jp@nda 2 years ago
This! I wasn't smiling and joyous right after I gave birth, because it's a next level exhaustion, especially if you had a difficult pregnancy. So when you finally have your baby and your body has done it's job, this utter exhaustion, and peace, takeover. It's called labor for a reason. Mama, you look absolutely perfect❤️
#25
Kirstie Perez 2 years ago
Baby was okay & a dream. Here is her specific birth story https://www.kpphotoinc.com/post/surprise-birth
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Laura 2 years ago
That’s what they look like when they’re fresh out of the womb. The baby is covered in vernix, it’s like a waxy substance that protects their skin from the uterine fluid. There’s blood and lots of fluids involved in birth, so the baby comes out with all of that on their skin. In the other pictures, someone has gently wiped the vernix and other stuff off of the babies or given them a quick bath. This baby hasn’t been wiped down yet, just placed directly on the mother after coming out.
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Sue Robertson 2 years ago
FYI Vernix is white, this baby was born in a water birth (mom is sitting in a pool)..just the head and arm is dark..there could have been complications in birth. Praying baby is ok.
#29
Ambry Petersen 2 years ago
Well, they went from a small cozy dark warm place to a huge colder really bright and busy world. Talk about your culture shock.
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#30
Kirstie Perez 2 years ago
She is actually a very talented lash artist so she stays lashed up:) https://www.facebook.com/EverLashingCo
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Betsy Ray 2 years ago
I'm thinking Mom was out for the evening, her water broke and baby may have arrived quickly. This is not makeup for anticipating sweating and screaming. She was fortunate.
Kirstie Perez 2 years ago
Close, but no cigar. She is a talented lash artist. <3 https://www.facebook.com/EverLashingCo
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What do you think ?
BakedKahuna 2 years ago
Sadly I will never get to experience this feeling. But it's wonderful that those people were okay sharing these intimate moments via the pictures. All the best to them ❤️
Cristina Villoch 2 years ago
Be ready for what’s coming. Is not fun at all. I am sorry but that’s the ugly truth.
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Must Be Bored Again 2 years ago
I discovered the most profound thing when I had my second child. One of the biggest "usually unspoken" fears of parents when expecting their second child is "how will I ever be able to love my second child as much as I love my first child because I have never loved anybody as much as I love my first child"! The profound mental message that occurred at the moment of the birth of my second child is "YOUR LOVE IS NOT DIVIDED BY HAVING ANOTHER CHILD, IT IS MULTIPLIED"!
DK 7 2 years ago
I felt the same way when pregnant for my second....crazy how instantaneous that worry literally just disappears as soon as you see that second baby
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D20 Games 2 years ago
Loved these. Brought back the absolute joy I felt when my kids were placed on me after their births. Love is not a big enough word or emotion to describe what you feel at that moment. You understand instantly that you didn't even know what LOVE was until then. I am wishing all the best to these families. 😘
Mary Bank 2 years ago
My favourite photo is one I got right after the birth of our son (which we went through A LOT to have) and my husband is holding his little hand is tearing up (while I was being stitched up). When I have a bad day I like to look at it. My son is 12 now and we are still such a tight family and my husband is a better dad then I ever thought was possible (my family was not very good). We are very blessed. This post brings back so many amazing memories.
Gavin Johnson 2 years ago
I’m kinda glad no one caught me at the point my daughter was born, I was a train wreck of worry, love, happiness, panic, fear, and awe. My now ex-wife had a difficult pregnancy and subsequent birth, she was nothing short of amazing (still is tbh she’s a great Mum), the arrival of our daughter (who we thought was going to be a boy) was the greatest moment of my life. We hadn’t settled on a name (we had a boys name), we had two girls names to choose from, within minutes of her arrival Mum said Erin and that was that, who was I to try and change her choice? She’d brought the most amazing thing into the world, she chose well, Erin is still awesome 12 years on and I can’t imagine her having a different name!
BakedKahuna 2 years ago
Sadly I will never get to experience this feeling. But it's wonderful that those people were okay sharing these intimate moments via the pictures. All the best to them ❤️
Cristina Villoch 2 years ago
Be ready for what’s coming. Is not fun at all. I am sorry but that’s the ugly truth.
Load More Replies... Must Be Bored Again 2 years ago
I discovered the most profound thing when I had my second child. One of the biggest "usually unspoken" fears of parents when expecting their second child is "how will I ever be able to love my second child as much as I love my first child because I have never loved anybody as much as I love my first child"! The profound mental message that occurred at the moment of the birth of my second child is "YOUR LOVE IS NOT DIVIDED BY HAVING ANOTHER CHILD, IT IS MULTIPLIED"!
DK 7 2 years ago
I felt the same way when pregnant for my second....crazy how instantaneous that worry literally just disappears as soon as you see that second baby
Load More Replies... D20 Games 2 years ago
Loved these. Brought back the absolute joy I felt when my kids were placed on me after their births. Love is not a big enough word or emotion to describe what you feel at that moment. You understand instantly that you didn't even know what LOVE was until then. I am wishing all the best to these families. 😘
Mary Bank 2 years ago
My favourite photo is one I got right after the birth of our son (which we went through A LOT to have) and my husband is holding his little hand is tearing up (while I was being stitched up). When I have a bad day I like to look at it. My son is 12 now and we are still such a tight family and my husband is a better dad then I ever thought was possible (my family was not very good). We are very blessed. This post brings back so many amazing memories.
Gavin Johnson 2 years ago
I’m kinda glad no one caught me at the point my daughter was born, I was a train wreck of worry, love, happiness, panic, fear, and awe. My now ex-wife had a difficult pregnancy and subsequent birth, she was nothing short of amazing (still is tbh she’s a great Mum), the arrival of our daughter (who we thought was going to be a boy) was the greatest moment of my life. We hadn’t settled on a name (we had a boys name), we had two girls names to choose from, within minutes of her arrival Mum said Erin and that was that, who was I to try and change her choice? She’d brought the most amazing thing into the world, she chose well, Erin is still awesome 12 years on and I can’t imagine her having a different name!
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