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
THESE are the raw, emotional moments of mothers bringing a new life into the world.
The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers has announced the winners of the 2017 Image of The Year competition.
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.
With a Splash
This photo, called With a Splash, entered by Elizabeth Farnsworth Photography, won best in category in Delivery.
Straight from Heaven
Entered by Natasha Hance of Birth Unscripted, this photo, called Straight from Heaven, won best in the Postpartum category.