Each of the 27 featured photos in this collection opens a window into a real, raw, and resonant moment of pregnancy, birth, or postpartum. Submitted as part of our Spring/Summer Everyday Birth Photo Series, these images come from a diverse group of photographers across the country — and the world — each one capturing a powerful expression of care, transformation, joy, grief, strength, and softness.

We invited these storytellers not just to share their images, but to reflect on the stories behind them — and the resulting collection is nothing short of moving. You’ll find moments of labor and rest. Moments of holding on and letting go. Moments of laughter, stillness, and celebration. Moments that remind us why we do this work, and who we do it for.

Scroll through to see the full gallery and read the reflections submitted by the photographers.

This is the first of two online features highlighting our Spring/Summer 2025 photo series — stay tuned for part two, where we’ll share images and stories from those featured in our print issue.

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"Fathers can experience redemptive birth experiences too. This second-time dad supported his wife as she birthed their second baby at a birthing center. According to his wife, he spent the next weeks recounting the birth story to all of his friends and talking about how every family should considering birthing out-of-hospital!"

A Fathers Joy, Aubrey Gann @nurturingdawnbirthservices

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Au Creux de ses Bras, Barbara Beccafico @withbarbara_doulaphotographer

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"This sweet mama anxiously awaited meeting and saying goodbye to her baby girl, Luna. Throughout the day tears would stream down her face. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as we all felt emotional. Papa and Doula joined mama in a heartfelt moment. As day made its way toward the evening, heaven gained another little angel. Sweet Luna, we see you among the stars baby girl."

Loved Beyond Words, Chammee Anderson @Chammeebirthphotography

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"Second-time mother, first-time homebirther. She held off her labor until her daughter returned home, knowing how much it mattered for her to witness her baby brother’s arrival. Moments after he was born, big sister climbed into the pool, curious and unafraid, studying the cord that had carried him here. A quiet lesson passed on - this is birth, not something to fear, but something to marvel at.”

Hands-On Education, Colleen Murtha @colleenmurthaphotography

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"This doula showed the utmost care as mama worked through the throws of labor. An issue presented itself and she had such a hard time, and the first thing this doula did was provide relief by bearing some of the weight for her."

Loving Hands, Desiree Williams @desireechristine.birthtog

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"[This image] was captured in the moment just after the mother’s placenta was birthed, ending an unexpectedly long and powerful labor. The mother stood steady and strong, closing her eyes with her baby finally in her arms. There was a hush that felt almost like a prayer, a deep collective exhale after the storm, where relief and awe filled the space. It was a reminder of how sacred and ordinary birth can be all at once."

Births Closing Prayer, Emily Santi @esbirthphoto

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Untitled, Gabriela Pinheiro @gabriela_pinheirofotografia

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Issheok, Holly Johnson-Ferrand @hollyferrand_photography @hollyferrand_birthphotography

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"These three images capture a truly extraordinary moment I had the honor to witness and photograph. The birth of the third baby in a set of triplets, delivered via cesarean section. To make it even more magical, this little one was born en caul, still completely surrounded by the amniotic sac. The medical team was just as amazed and took the time to gently present the baby while still wrapped in the membranes. It was a rare and emotional moment, a beautiful reminder of how every birth tells its own powerful and unique story. Moments like this are truly magical to witness and capture!"

Between the Realms; In the Shell of Creation; Unveiling the Beginning, Jaleesa Koelen @geboortefotograaftwente @jaleesakoelenfotografie

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"Laying in calmness From womb to water into mothers hands."

Unbound, Jay Naff @wildbirthphotography

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"Welcoming a new life in the comfort of home, surrounded by family — planting seeds for future generations to honor birth as natural, powerful, and immensely beautiful."

"Gently carried from stars to soil, a little soul lands among us, wrapped in love and wonder."

All Eyes on You; Earthside, Jennifer Lombardo @buffalodoula

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Through Dad's Eyes, Jennifer Ruggles @doula.jenn @thededicateddoulateam

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"Every woman should be able to look back, whether to smile, cry, heal or remember how powerful she is when bringing life into this world. That’s why it’s such a privilege to reflect back to women, their journey through imagery."

A Mother's Relief; Surprise Boy, Juliana Morlet @heyitsjulesmorlet

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"This image was the last image I took before I left the hospital. This mama was so at peace, the room was put back together after the milieu of doctors and nurses finished their work, and I couldn’t help but take this shot before I left. I loved the warm tones on the left and cold tones on the right. To me it signified the difference between the cacophony of noises and people that can take up space  during a hospital birth vs the peace when it’s finally just you and your baby."

Hospital Stillness, Lauren Fallon @birthbyhoneybrown

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"Dad was such a supportive and thoughtful helper throughout this birth, so I had in mind to watch for his first moments really seeing his new baby girl. I am so happy I was able to capture this first hello with a focus on him and his experience."

Dad's First Touch, Loren Haar @venturabirthphotography

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"Seven times she has crossed the threshold of birth. Each one has been so unique. Each one a miracle. Free birthing her children with a fearless heart and her own steady hands as she welcomes life."

Crimson, Madyson Stites @Ejbirthingservices

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"Life with little ones doesn’t pause for birth, it weaves right into it. While this mama was soaking in her first moments with her newborn, her toddler climbed up to see his new baby sibling. She told him to get down, worried he might fall, but of course, in true toddler fashion, he decided to jump instead! This moment is such a real and beautiful glimpse into what it means to grow your family, messy, sweet, and full of love."

Older Child Plays on Tub After Birth, Morgan Ziegler @mzieglerimagery

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"This little boy was deeply intrigued by the placenta of his baby sister. I love how his curiosity, paired with his father’s presence beside him, shows how birth can be a family experience — filled with wonder, learning, and connection. It’s a beautiful reminder that even the smallest details of birth can hold so much meaning."

Untitled, Nadia Stone @nadia_stone_photography

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"This incredible birthing person worked so hard to have a sacred, family-centered homebirth in their sweet home in St Paul, MN. As a person living with Type 1 diabetes, she was told that hospital birth was her only option and in-fact had a birth in the hospital prior to this. But her educated, empowered and diligent self-advocacy landed her with a team that was able to help her have the birth she envisioned. The Stardust of vernix in the water reflects to me the magic of the universe coming together for her in this transformational moment of her life."

Stardust, Sarah Branion @sarahbranionbirthstories

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"I watched this mama pour every ounce of herself into labor, pushing through hour after hour at home and then again in the hospital with a strength that took my breath away. When she decided she was done, it was not weakness. It was power. It was choosing to meet her baby in the way she needed. After all that fight, after all that waiting, the moment her son was laid on her chest was nothing short of holy. The room stilled. You could feel the weight of her journey, the love, the triumph. She is one of the strongest women I've ever met."

Touch, Savannah Bryan @savannaha.photography

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"Literal seconds after climbing into the hospital bed, her baby was born. A moment of complete disbelief — 'Did I just have a baby?' she exclaimed."

"Kami knew she wanted Hazel present for the birth of her sibling. Hazel sang sweet melodies, like twinkle twinkle, resting her hand on her mother’s chest,  her intuition and support was undeniable."

Did I Just Have a Baby; I Got You Mom, Shelby Springer @shelbygabrielledoula

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"After a peaceful home birth, this strong mama and her precious little one made their way from the tub to the couch, where love and support surrounded them. With family and grandparents gathered around, it was the perfect start to a new chapter for this now family of 5!"

Family Circle, Tiarra Doherty @motherwolf.birthphotography