These shots were just named the most incredible photos of childbirth you'll ever see.

Birth can be a complicated, painful and lengthy process, but mums forget much of the moment they safely deliver and hold their baby close for the very first time.

While the moment of birth, the first cuddle or the first cry is forever seared into a new parents' memory, the rise in professional birth photography ensures those precious memories never fade.

In the 2023 Birth Becomes You photography competition, almost 200 birth photographers from around the world submitted their very best images to the annual contest. 

Here are 10 of the most awe-inspiring and powerful photos that capture all the emotions and joy of childbirth with the photographer's personal observations from that incredibly special moment.

Enjoy.

1. "Miracles Unveiled" by Rowan Steiner of Salt City Birth and Newborn Photography.

Image: Rowan Steiner.

"My client advocated hard to birth her twins, in the hospital and NOT in the OR. She birthed both of her babies right on the hospital floor, after being pushed hard to go into the OR by the staff through her whole labour. Baby B was born veiled."

2. "I am Held" by Stephanie Entin of Little Plum Photography.

Image: Stephanie Entin.

"This image is from a home birth in August 2022. It was one of the hottest days of the year. This woman was having her first baby and was so supported by her husband the entire labour and birth. He literally did not leave her side the entire time I was there."

3. "Leaking Joy" by Lindsay Bowns of Adore Your Birth.

Image: Lindsay Bowns.

"Samantha and Alex chose a scheduled Caesarean after her breech babe just wouldn't turn, and wasn't a good candidate for a vaginal breech delivery. She was adamant that birth photography be part of her surgical experience, and her midwifery, obstetric, and anesthesia teams graciously made that happen. This image of her relief, disbelief, and joy especially spoke to me as Samantha is an optometrist. She has spent hours and days examining the eyes of others so that *they* may *see* life's greatest moments... and now, here she was, experiencing one herself, through her own beautiful eyes."

4. "Euphoria" by Morgan Hjelms of Morgan Petrovsky Photography.

Image: Morgan Hjelm.

5. "Light in the dark" by Renée Mason.

Image: Renee Mason.

"It was nighttime and dark all around, except for that spotlight. She smiled as she felt the next surge begin. She was one moment closer to her VBAC."

6. "When a midwife gives birth" by Taryn Starkey, Photo Doula.

Image; Taryn Starkey.

7. "Seconds before first breath" by Rayke Knippers, Rayke Geboortefotografie.

Image: Rayke Knippers.

"The midwife texted me 'hair!' when I had to drive another three minutes before arriving. This girl was born a few minutes after I arrived. I had to start photographing right away when I arrived. The room was very dark and I asked if I could put on one light, and the mother said yes. So I did. I think that light makes this image even more magical. 

"In this image, the little girl is still underwater and for me, it means that she is literally between two worlds. Outside the womb and before her first breath." 

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8. "First Touch" by Melissa Delaney, Windlace Photography.

Image: Melissa Delaney.

"This mother embraced her ability to reach down and feel her baby's head as she came earthside. It was the first touch on the outside and was a true miracle to witness. " 

9. "The Golden Ratio" Danielle Wilstead, Wild Oak Birth.

Image: Danielle Wilstead.

"Mama wanted her sister to catch her daughter so when baby girl was coming earthside, Auntie waited with open hands to receive her. While Auntie held baby girl, Grandma held her own daughter."

10. "Witness" by Ania Wibig.

Image: Anna Wibig.

"This was from a home birth in the summer of 2022. Mum wanted to deliver her child in pool in the biggest room at home. However, the birth occurred in a small bathroom surprisingly. Midwives and husband stood next to the tub. As there was no space for me anymore, I jumped on the tub to make a shoot of birth. While taking photos I spotted my reflection in the mirror. I took the shot as I love to make self-portraits during birth work. Am I part of the birth team? Yes, I feel so! If I take photos of midwives to tell the story of the birth, I should also give a photo of me making photos as a part of this story as well."

Laura Jackel is Mamamia's Senior Lifestyle Family Writer. For links to her articles and to see photos of her outfits and kids, follow her on Instagram and TikTok.

Feature Image: Lindsay Bowns.