These INCREDIBLE birth photos show just how bad-ass mums are

Giving birth is one of the most magical and beautiful things about life.

Nothing, and we mean nothing, compares to the moment your baby enters the world for the first time.

Their first breath of air, their first cry, it's a feeling that is quite simply indescribable, and is a moment that needs to be captured in time for all its incredible glory. 

And thanks to birth photographers it is.

As a mum it is easy to forget what happened in the labour ward. Not only the pain, but the connections you have with your partner, and the seconds after your baby arrives into the world – making photos even more important.  

To celebrate the incredible work of birth photographers, Birth Becomes Her's 2018 competition showcases images from all over the world. 

And out of 966 images, the following photos came out on top. 

Overall winner and Overall People's Choice winner

Marijke Thoen of Marijke Thoen Geboortefotografie – Serving Lochristi, Belgium – “Stunning Siblings First Encounter”

Labour (1st Place)

Rebecca Coursey-Rugh of Rebecca Coursey Photography – Serving Los Angeles, CA – “Nowhere and Everywhere”

Birth (1st Place)

Selena Rollason of Brisbane Birth Photography – Serving Brisbane, AU – “Half Born and Already Reaching for Mama”

Labour (2nd Place)

Ashley Marston of Ashley Marston Photography – Serving Vancouver Island, BC – “Labor by Candlelight”

Birth (2nd Place)

Neely Ker-Fox of Ker-Fox Photography – Serving Columbus, GA – “Fist Bump for Mom”

Fresh/ Postpartum (1st Place)

Veronika Richardson of Fox Valley Birth and Baby – Serving Green Bay, WI – “This is VBAC”

Labour (People’s Choice Winner)

Esther Edith of Esther Edith Photography – Serving Spokane, Washington – “Three Souls Labor As One”