There are so many incredible moments during, and immediately after birth. Those first, kitten-weak cries from bub, the uncontrollable emotion and the feelings of power and strength.
Birth photography is a true art form that pauses these heart-stopping moments into memories that will last a lifetime. Every year the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers has the unenviable task of deciding which breathtaking birth images from the past 12 months are the top of the heap.
Here are the winners of the 2018 Image of the Year Contest – get your tissues out, you’re about to go on an emotional journey. Just a small word of warning – these are birth images, and as such there are some photos that are graphic in nature.
First place: Stunning siblings first encounter
via Marijke Thoen — Marijke Thoen Birth photography
Best labour: Nowhere and everywhere
via Rebecca Coursey, photographer + doula
Best delivery: En caul baby birth
Best birth details: Birth of a brother
Best postpartum: Flesh of my flesh
via Esther Edith Photography and Doula Services
Honourable mention: How big?
Members choice winner: Three becomes four
via Esther Edith Photography and Doula Services
Members choice best birth details: Bulging forewaters
via Cat Fancote Birth Photography
Honourable mention: Mother hat
via Lela Beltrão — Lela Beltrão288
Members choice best postpartum: Hold my heart
via Milldove Photography – Maternity, Birth and Newborn
What a triumph of the human spirit. These incredible images are a reflection of just how amazing our bodies and our babies are. Last year’s winners are just as awe-inspiring, make sure you take a look.
And if you’re in the mood for reading birth stories – we have a huge archive to choose from.
(Top image: Colourful Life via Renate van Lith Fotografie)
