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A LABOUR OF LOVE

Stunning photographs capture the beauty, grit and sheer agony of childbirth

The photos capture every moment of childbirth, from the start of delivery to the tender moment a mother first meets her child

A mother screams in agony as her partner comforts her

THESE are the raw, emotional moments of mothers bringing a new life into the world.

The has announced the winners of the 2017 Image of The Year competition.

Road to Deliverance: This photo by Jaydene Freund of Cradled Creations was the overall winner of the competition
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Road to Deliverance: This photo by Jaydene Freund of Cradled Creations was the overall winner of the competitionCredit: Jaydene Freund/Cradled Creations

Few would argue there is anything more powerful and awe-inspiring than childbirth, and these photographs capture that.

The photos, from Canada, United States and Mexico capture every moment of childbirth, from the start of delivery to the tender moment a mother first meets her child.

The association holds the competition every year, with the winners announced in January, to share the beauty of birth with the world.

Some of the photos show mothers in the moments before giving birth, the sheer agony plain on their face, others show newborns, wide-eyed and taking in the world around them.

While other photos capture the emotional moment for partners and siblings watching on.

Here are the competiton winners.

Determination

This pic, Determination, from Katie Mathis Photographer won the Best in Labour category.

This captures to focus on a woman's face as she prepares for a waterbirth
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This captures to focus on a woman's face as she prepares for a waterbirthCredit: Katie Mathis Photography

With a Splash

This photo, called With a Splash, entered by Elizabeth Farnsworth Photography, won best in category in Delivery.

A doctor gentle cradles a newborn baby's head while avoiding amniotic fluid
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A doctor gentle cradles a newborn baby's head while avoiding amniotic fluidCredit: Elizabeth Farnsworth Photography

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Straight from Heaven

Entered by Natasha Hance of Birth Unscripted, this photo, called Straight from Heaven, won best in the Postpartum category.

The peaceful moment a newborn baby rests in calm water in their mother's hands
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The peaceful moment a newborn baby rests in calm water in their mother's handsCredit: Natasha Hance/Birth Unscripted

Pieces of Me

This moving photograph, Pieces of Me, taken by Kourtine Scholz from KEDocumentary won the best in Birth Details category.

A mother breastfeeds her newborn baby while the umbilical cord is still attached
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A mother breastfeeds her newborn baby while the umbilical cord is still attachedCredit: Kourtnie Scholz/KEDocumentary

These are the photos that were given honourable mentions...

Hello Before Goodbye by Sarah Boccolucci Photography and Birth Services
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Hello Before Goodbye by Sarah Boccolucci Photography and Birth ServicesCredit: Not known refer to copyright holder
She holds her daughter’s fingers in awe and wonder - by The He{ART} of Motherhood
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She holds her daughter’s fingers in awe and wonder - by The He{ART} of MotherhoodCredit: The He{ART} of Motherhood
Three’s Not A Crowd by Snap Life Photography
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Three’s Not A Crowd by Snap Life PhotographyCredit: Snap Life Photography
Honouring the Temple by Elliana Gilbert Photography
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Honouring the Temple by Elliana Gilbert PhotographyCredit: Elliana Gilbert Photography
As she rose from the depths into the hands of love, by Tree of Life Doula Photography
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As she rose from the depths into the hands of love, by Tree of Life Doula PhotographyCredit: Hannah Palamara UK Birth Photogr
Full Circle by Kristie Robin Photographer & Doula
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Full Circle by Kristie Robin Photographer & DoulaCredit: Not known refer to copyright holder
Catching Her Baby, Born Via Surrogacy, by Leilani Rogers, Photographer
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Catching Her Baby, Born Via Surrogacy, by Leilani Rogers, PhotographerCredit: Not known refer to copyright holder
Rapture, by Katie Mathis Photography
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Rapture, by Katie Mathis PhotographyCredit: Katie Mathis Photography
Birth of a Mother by Cat Fancote – Capturing Birth
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Birth of a Mother by Cat Fancote – Capturing BirthCredit: Not known refer to copyright holder
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