Winners of International Birth Photography Contest Will Take Your Breath Away

It is said that the pain a woman experiences while giving birth is equivalent to having about 20 bones getting fractured all at the same time. Yet, no one knows exactly what a mother goes through when she goes into labor — not the medical staff, not her doctor, not even her partner, the person closest to her. The moment is all hers to live and remember, a secret she will never be able to articulate to anyone. But, thanks to birth photography, or the art of capturing images during labor and childbirth, we can all partake in that moment when the miracle of life is brought into the world. 

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In 2013, birth photographers Jennifer Mason and Monet Nicole started Birth Becomes Her, an online resource that hopes to inspire both birth photography professionals and expectant parents from around the world. Their photo contest has become an excellent showcase of the beauty of childbirth. This year, they received 966 entries under five categories (birth, fresh 48/postpartum, maternity, labor, and breastfeeding). Twenty were chosen as winners by 16 judges from three countries.

Take a look at these awe-inspiring images: 

Overall Winner & Overall People's Choice Winner
"Stunning Siblings First Encounter" by Marijke Thoen of Marijke Thoen Geboortefotografie

First Place - Birth
“Half Born and Already Reaching for Mama” by Selena Rollason of Brisbane Birth Photography

Second Place - Birth
“Fist Bump for Mom” by Neely Ker-Fox of Ker-Fox Photography

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First Place - Fresh 48/Postpartum
“This is VBAC” by Veronika Richardson of Fox Valley Birth and Baby

First Place - Maternity
“This is what a Goddess Looks Like” by Jen Conway of Jen Conway Photography

Second Place - Maternity
“Staying Afloat” by Melissa Benzel of Benzel Photography

Third Place - Maternity
“A Mother’s Love” by Vanessa Mendez of Vanessa Mendez Photography

First Place - Labor
“Nowhere and Everywhere” by Rebecca Coursey-Rugh of Rebecca Coursey Photography

First Place - Breastfeeding
“Within Reach” by Cory Janiak by Ebb and Flow Photography

See the rest of the winning entries here. 

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