Pregnancy, labour, birth, post-natal. It’s all so incredibly messy and beautiful all at the same time. Often there are no words to describe these amazing moments which is why so many expecting parents turn to birth photographers.
Birth photographers capture the raw emotions, the unexpected ups and downs, the passionate connections that take place during the birthing journey. Birth only lasts a few hours, or days, at most. It goes by so fast and it’s often one big hazy blur.
This is why having someone in the background, snapping the pictures is so important for so many families – to keep this journey front and centre, for years and years to come.
While we’re not professional judges, we did want to share our top 10 favourite birth photos of the past few years – the ones that took us right back to the delivery room, to the birthing pool, or that first post-partum breastfeed – the ones that hit us right in the feels.
Here are Mum Central’s top 10 picks.
10. A dose of mother nature
There are so many amazing first feed photos but this one really captures the liquid gold that is mum’s milk. Breastmilk. This is the work of Aussie birth photographer Veronika Richardson of Fox Valley Birth and Baby.
Love!
9. A moment of silence
This is postpartum peace. Just a mumma and her bubba. Perfection from Northern Light Photography.
8. A miracle of life
En caul births are absolutely amazing and this photo is incredible! No words.
7. Our new edition
So much emotion in one photo, by Jennifer Mason Photography.
6. Reach down
I think we can all relate to this pic! What an incredible feat labour is! By Rebecca Coursey Photography.
5. Stunning siblings’ first encounter
This photo took home a few different prizes in 2018 when birth photographer Marijke Thoen snapped the amazing shot. It’s easy to see why! We love it too.
4. The cut
What an incredible shot of the wait before the incision. By Laura Wando of Laura Cate Photography.
3. Water baby
The most beautiful encounter between mum and bub. Another stunning pic from Jennifer Mason Photography.
2. This is VBac
Postpartum has never looked so beautiful. By Veronika Richardson of Fox Valley Birth and Baby.
1. Mid-contraction
The emotion in this photo… wow. Just wow. This is by Meredith Westin Photography and, as Meredith writes on her Instagram page,
My business partner Gina (@gatherbirth) is the best doula I know. In this photograph, she’s sitting with our client as she works through contractions on our favorite labor spot: the dilation station (also known as the toilet!).
Her gentle touch let our client know that she was supported, and her words reminded our client to keep her body soft and her shoulders relaxed.”
What to read next
- Those First Hellos: Beautiful Birth Photos That Stop Time
- Nine-Year-Old Son Supports His Mum Through Labour and Birth
- 17 Unexpected Things You’ll Discover When Entering the Labour Suite
You can see the full winners’ list of birth photos from previous years below:
