7 photos that capture the raw beauty of birth
Annual photography competition shows birth like never before
The winning entry
Never before have the moments prior to, during and after birth been captured in such an inspiring way.
Yes, they're pretty messy and there are bits everywhere – but there's no denying the raw beauty in these pictures, however difficult and painful the births might have been (and so often are).
The winning entry above shows an underwater birth, while the other winners show babies crowning, women in the full throes of labour and a woman delivering twins, one that looks like it's still in its amniotic sac.
The pictures come from the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers and these are the result of their 5th annual competition.
Click next to see the winners of the 2016 Image of the Year Competition...
More like this
Photo credit: Marijke Thoen
Best In Category: Labour
Photo credit: Morag Hastings
Best In Category: Delivery
Photo credit: Robin Baker
Best In Category: Postpartum
Photo credit: Natalia Walth
Honorable Mention: love
Photo credit: Krista Evans
Honorable Mention: untethered beginning for the birthing woman
Photo credit: Angela Gallo
Honorable Mention: in between two worlds
Photo credit: Alexandra Kayy
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