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10+ Powerful Photos Showing What’s It Like To Be A Mom From The 2016 Birth Photography Competition
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10+ Powerful Photos Showing What’s It Like To Be A Mom From The 2016 Birth Photography Competition

The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP) has announced the best photos of its 2016 photography contest, and the results are breathtaking. Now in its fifth year, the photo contest celebrates “the beauty of birth and the skill of birth photographers” in three categories: labor, delivery, and postpartum. What’s it like to be one of these intrepid photographers?

“Birth photography is a highly specialized field and the choice to have the experience documented is an intensely personal decision,” explains IAPBP’s press release. “It involves the birth process, environment, the parents, and those in attendance. Birth photos encompass the tears of joy, the wonder of bringing a new life into the world, and celebrates family. The professional photographers who specialize in the field use their art to tell the story of birth.”

Scroll down below to see the stunning pictures and click here for more info on IAPBP, and how you can join:

More info: birthphotographers.com (h/t)

RELATED:

    First Place Winner

    Image credits: Marijke Theon

    Best In Category: Labor

    Image credits: Apple Blossom Families

    Best In Category: Delivery

    Image credits: Birth Blessings Photography & Childbirth Services

    Best In Category: Postpartum

    Image credits: Natalia Walth

    Honorable Mention

    Image credits: Krista Evans

    Honorable Mention

    Image credits: Angela Gallo

    Honorable Mention

    Image credits: Alexandra Kayy

    professional-birth-photography-competition-winners-labor-delivery-postpartum-20

    Image credits: Jennifer Martin

    Image credits: Daniela Justus / Monet Nicole

    Image credits: Coastal Lifestyles PhotographyBridget Clarke

    Image credits: Line Sena

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    GraceHoyo
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful images! Sad to read some of them classified as "mature content" only because breasts appear on it... Very sad. Can anyone tell me why you must be +18 to see a mum body?

    zefrose
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I''ll never know. But keep talking, because we have to get through to them somehow. Breasts are not dirty, they are not evil, they are not sex organs, they are the food of the human race. It's about time they shuffle off the porn coil. Thank you.

    Load More Replies...
    Inad
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Title is misleading. These images do not depict "What’s It Like To Be A Mom" Being a "mom" is a whole lot more than simply giving birth. If there were no captions one would merely interpret this collection of images as pregnant women, women giving birth, and women after giving birth. :-/

    EdithHeczei
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Powerful and terrifying. My respect for all the mothers in this world. But in the same time, here, another reason on my list 'no to making kids'

    MarcusOakland
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mature content "my a**e", or possibly that should be "my nipple"? This web site is deranged if it feels there is anything unwholesome about the human body in any way, shape or form

    zefrose
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I agree! Bored Panda is an art site. We see art here, and to censor images of art and life because they contain breasts is beyond ridiculous. What percentage of the human race could possibly view these images as pornographic? And to those they disturb, I pity them, for they know not of life itself. Take down the curtain -- expose life to the living.

    Load More Replies...
    JustJen
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amazing images! Beautifully powerful. Thank you for sharing these intimate moments.

    JudyDowney
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is nothing sacred? Why would anyone want to share these pics with strangers?

    MaggieShearin
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know...I saw my Mom naked a million times by the time I was 10. I do know other people would not approve of that, but 18+? I don't want to be disagreeable, though. A beautiful compilation.

    RichardPetch
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Perfect, what could be more natural, I wish them all a long and healthy life.

    BlastedStone
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Respect this in all but, can you not post it all over the Internet? That's a very personal time that should stay that way

    RobinThompson
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    what a ridiculous comment. If these women are comfortable with it, why should anyone else care? If you find such a personal moment objectionable, why did you click on it and look?

    Load More Replies...
    Kireina
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looking at some of these physically made me hurt. Dear GOD THANK YOU MOM! Let's have a moment to appreciate our mom's, the strong women that did this for us and took it with stride. We wouldn't be here without them <3

    Danny Deyanov
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know, I am in the minority here, but these photos made me feel very uncomfortable. Delivering a baby is poignant and sacred but displaying it in this manner devalues it! Why are these women fully naked? What is the purpose of that? I don't believe they are comfortable giving birth like that. I suspect these moms were paid to pose during delivery and to me this unnatural and cheap.

    Terri Gold
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are incredible. I've seen birth photos but not like this.

    ЮлияБогданова
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I find this beautiful because it is nature. I don't see why people in the comments here say It is terrifying.

    JennyPorter
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mother nature at her finest. Intimidating, graphic but beautiful

    SallyBrite
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Call me old-fashioned, but I think some things should remain intimate. It's a miracle, why trivialize it? Would you document your first kiss or the moment you fell in love?

    MikiNyckel
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow these images are stunning. I'm not ready to give birth now ... LOL. But these were amazing.

    SofiaBellavista
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yuck...I tried to give it a go hopping it would be inspiring, but no,still disgusting.There's something morbid in the glorification of pain

    RuthJones
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    beautifull pictures ... makes me glad to be a woman...and the pleasure of giving birth to my 3 babies each one different and unique x

    ShamiraAlam
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amazing image and most touching content. Thanks to all members for exhibition. Go ahead.

    AnnaPaskaleva
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The last photo is fake. Babies come out with their heads ahead. If the baby is in other position, then surgery should be made. There's no chance the baby to be delivered with the legs ahead. Check the source of the photography

    AliceKendrick
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ActuallY babies can and are born breech. It's not ideal, and most will choose cesarean, but some don't, or simply there is no time. But yes, it can happen!

    Load More Replies...
    C'estMiel
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    after i saw these images i remembered how mothers suffered to 'bring' us to life :(

    DanielaM.
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Absolutely gorgeous pictures!!! as a 'recent' mom I can say this moments captured by camera make me revive flashes of my own labor and delivery! Its scary indeed but the most rewarding pain in life!

    zefrose
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a beautiful sentiment, Pauline. Yes, indeed it is an honor. Thank you for reminding us.

    Load More Replies...
    JustJen
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So much beauty, power and strength! Thank you for sharing these intimate moments.

    AmberJohnson
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All of these photographs are absolutely beautiful and breathe taking. Its so wonderful see that these amazing moments where captured and are being shared. We need to normalize all of it. I lobe these pictures

    ValerieLessard
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    it has always been normalised. Taking a s**t is normal too, do you want pictures of that plastered everywhere?

    Load More Replies...
    AnnaSalerno
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These were beautiful, every one of them. I'll never understand BORED PANDA... why do make some of them for "mature" viewers only? Do you really think an eight year old wouldn't click to see a mommy's breast? There is nothing dirty or obscene about the human body! What is obscene is when your site made fun of Senator Ted Cruz and his Christian values, THAT IS OBSCENE!

    RobinThompson
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    thanks for that! Your Ted Cruz comment, being so out of place, made me laugh out loud.

    Load More Replies...
    ChristopherFernando
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The most beautiful set of images.. Capturing the moment of a new life.. This is damn artistic !! Salute to all the photographers who made my day more beautiful.

    SakhilePadi
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nature is amazing and serves a wonderful purpose, but honestly it can be quite gross. I do not disagree, I also acknowledge God's twisted creative mind.

    Load More Replies...
    AnnaPaskaleva
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The last one is fake. Babies come out with their heads ahead. If the baby is in other position, then surgery should be made. There's no chance the baby to be delivered with the legs ahead. Check the source of the photography.

    JenniferP
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    And again I don't think that pictures like these are meant to be spread over the internet shared with anyone. They should be shared with loved ones and kept dear to one's heart. Very sad...

    MunizaTariq
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    There's nothing powerful about pornography in the name of motherhood. Being a mom is not just about giving birth.I'm amazed at these women who allowed themselves to be photographed like that. Think of their babies growing up seeing their moms like that....what kind of an example are they setting for their children.In fact I think these women are not fit to be called decent mothers. They'll do very well in pornographic films though.....they have no shame!

    CassieWilliams
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pornography is, by definition, intended to be erotic: intending to cause sexual arousal. There is nothing erotic about labor and delivery. It's not sexy. These images are not sexy. They are poignant and tell a powerful story about birth. I don't like pornography, but I see nothing wrong with these images. You are welcome to your own opinion, but I think it is unnecessarily prudish.

    Load More Replies...
    GraceHoyo
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful images! Sad to read some of them classified as "mature content" only because breasts appear on it... Very sad. Can anyone tell me why you must be +18 to see a mum body?

    zefrose
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I''ll never know. But keep talking, because we have to get through to them somehow. Breasts are not dirty, they are not evil, they are not sex organs, they are the food of the human race. It's about time they shuffle off the porn coil. Thank you.

    Load More Replies...
    Inad
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Title is misleading. These images do not depict "What’s It Like To Be A Mom" Being a "mom" is a whole lot more than simply giving birth. If there were no captions one would merely interpret this collection of images as pregnant women, women giving birth, and women after giving birth. :-/

    EdithHeczei
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Powerful and terrifying. My respect for all the mothers in this world. But in the same time, here, another reason on my list 'no to making kids'

    MarcusOakland
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mature content "my a**e", or possibly that should be "my nipple"? This web site is deranged if it feels there is anything unwholesome about the human body in any way, shape or form

    zefrose
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I agree! Bored Panda is an art site. We see art here, and to censor images of art and life because they contain breasts is beyond ridiculous. What percentage of the human race could possibly view these images as pornographic? And to those they disturb, I pity them, for they know not of life itself. Take down the curtain -- expose life to the living.

    Load More Replies...
    JustJen
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amazing images! Beautifully powerful. Thank you for sharing these intimate moments.

    JudyDowney
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is nothing sacred? Why would anyone want to share these pics with strangers?

    MaggieShearin
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know...I saw my Mom naked a million times by the time I was 10. I do know other people would not approve of that, but 18+? I don't want to be disagreeable, though. A beautiful compilation.

    RichardPetch
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Perfect, what could be more natural, I wish them all a long and healthy life.

    BlastedStone
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Respect this in all but, can you not post it all over the Internet? That's a very personal time that should stay that way

    RobinThompson
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    what a ridiculous comment. If these women are comfortable with it, why should anyone else care? If you find such a personal moment objectionable, why did you click on it and look?

    Load More Replies...
    Kireina
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looking at some of these physically made me hurt. Dear GOD THANK YOU MOM! Let's have a moment to appreciate our mom's, the strong women that did this for us and took it with stride. We wouldn't be here without them <3

    Danny Deyanov
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know, I am in the minority here, but these photos made me feel very uncomfortable. Delivering a baby is poignant and sacred but displaying it in this manner devalues it! Why are these women fully naked? What is the purpose of that? I don't believe they are comfortable giving birth like that. I suspect these moms were paid to pose during delivery and to me this unnatural and cheap.

    Terri Gold
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are incredible. I've seen birth photos but not like this.

    ЮлияБогданова
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I find this beautiful because it is nature. I don't see why people in the comments here say It is terrifying.

    JennyPorter
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mother nature at her finest. Intimidating, graphic but beautiful

    SallyBrite
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Call me old-fashioned, but I think some things should remain intimate. It's a miracle, why trivialize it? Would you document your first kiss or the moment you fell in love?

    MikiNyckel
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow these images are stunning. I'm not ready to give birth now ... LOL. But these were amazing.

    SofiaBellavista
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yuck...I tried to give it a go hopping it would be inspiring, but no,still disgusting.There's something morbid in the glorification of pain

    RuthJones
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    beautifull pictures ... makes me glad to be a woman...and the pleasure of giving birth to my 3 babies each one different and unique x

    ShamiraAlam
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amazing image and most touching content. Thanks to all members for exhibition. Go ahead.

    AnnaPaskaleva
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The last photo is fake. Babies come out with their heads ahead. If the baby is in other position, then surgery should be made. There's no chance the baby to be delivered with the legs ahead. Check the source of the photography

    AliceKendrick
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ActuallY babies can and are born breech. It's not ideal, and most will choose cesarean, but some don't, or simply there is no time. But yes, it can happen!

    Load More Replies...
    C'estMiel
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    after i saw these images i remembered how mothers suffered to 'bring' us to life :(

    DanielaM.
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Absolutely gorgeous pictures!!! as a 'recent' mom I can say this moments captured by camera make me revive flashes of my own labor and delivery! Its scary indeed but the most rewarding pain in life!

    zefrose
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a beautiful sentiment, Pauline. Yes, indeed it is an honor. Thank you for reminding us.

    Load More Replies...
    JustJen
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So much beauty, power and strength! Thank you for sharing these intimate moments.

    AmberJohnson
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All of these photographs are absolutely beautiful and breathe taking. Its so wonderful see that these amazing moments where captured and are being shared. We need to normalize all of it. I lobe these pictures

    ValerieLessard
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    it has always been normalised. Taking a s**t is normal too, do you want pictures of that plastered everywhere?

    Load More Replies...
    AnnaSalerno
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These were beautiful, every one of them. I'll never understand BORED PANDA... why do make some of them for "mature" viewers only? Do you really think an eight year old wouldn't click to see a mommy's breast? There is nothing dirty or obscene about the human body! What is obscene is when your site made fun of Senator Ted Cruz and his Christian values, THAT IS OBSCENE!

    RobinThompson
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    thanks for that! Your Ted Cruz comment, being so out of place, made me laugh out loud.

    Load More Replies...
    ChristopherFernando
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The most beautiful set of images.. Capturing the moment of a new life.. This is damn artistic !! Salute to all the photographers who made my day more beautiful.

    SakhilePadi
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nature is amazing and serves a wonderful purpose, but honestly it can be quite gross. I do not disagree, I also acknowledge God's twisted creative mind.

    Load More Replies...
    AnnaPaskaleva
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The last one is fake. Babies come out with their heads ahead. If the baby is in other position, then surgery should be made. There's no chance the baby to be delivered with the legs ahead. Check the source of the photography.

    JenniferP
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    And again I don't think that pictures like these are meant to be spread over the internet shared with anyone. They should be shared with loved ones and kept dear to one's heart. Very sad...

    MunizaTariq
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    There's nothing powerful about pornography in the name of motherhood. Being a mom is not just about giving birth.I'm amazed at these women who allowed themselves to be photographed like that. Think of their babies growing up seeing their moms like that....what kind of an example are they setting for their children.In fact I think these women are not fit to be called decent mothers. They'll do very well in pornographic films though.....they have no shame!

    CassieWilliams
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pornography is, by definition, intended to be erotic: intending to cause sexual arousal. There is nothing erotic about labor and delivery. It's not sexy. These images are not sexy. They are poignant and tell a powerful story about birth. I don't like pornography, but I see nothing wrong with these images. You are welcome to your own opinion, but I think it is unnecessarily prudish.

    Load More Replies...
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