For an expectant mom in labor, one of the most supportive forces in the delivery room is often her own mother.
In honor of Mother’s Day, we asked the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers for photos of moms assisting their pregnant daughters through the childbirth experience.
Here are 43 gorgeous birth images that capture these incredible labor, delivery and postpartum moments along with captions from the photographers. (Note: Since the photographs below depict women in various stages of childbirth, some may not be suitable for viewing in all situations.)
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"She was showing so much concern for her laboring daughter. It was incredibly touching and had me tearing up."
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"A special moment between new mom and new grandma -- grandma was telling her how proud of her she was."
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"This laboring mom's mother and doula teamed up to make sure she felt comfortable and supported. While the doula massaged her hands, her mother massaged her back to help ease back labor pains. A wonderful example of what 'women caring for women' looks like."
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"This photo is very special to me as it was of the birth of my own daughter ... The look on my mother's face as she watched her granddaughter enter this world is absolutely priceless! My father was the one on camera duty that day (for obvious reasons ... I couldn't shoot it myself haha)."
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"During the intensity of active labor, the comfort of a supporting mother is amazing."
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"This woman is a single mom by choice (her baby has a donor-dad), and her 81-year-old mother stood by her throughout the whole process, from becoming pregnant until childbirth. This is their ultimate moment."
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"Her mother traveled from out of town, and stayed for weeks, awaiting the birth of her first grandchild. She was there supporting her daughter throughout all of her labor, birth, and postpartum. It was so beautiful to see a mother be able to care for her daughter in such a new and amazing time."
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"I was moved by this mother's support of her daughter in labor. She knew exactly what to do to make her daughter feel more comfortable. She massaged her back and made sure she ate and drank to have enough energy to give birth. A great mother-daughter team!"
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"After all the strength and endurance she gave to her daughter while she labored all night long, it was all over. She falls back and completely lets go and is overcome with emotion. And I can hardly keep my camera still."
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"This is how my client described the moment: 'My mom was with me through all four of our births and had a huge amount of compassion, empathy and strength to unselfishly give to me and my husband. This is our last baby, she was named after my mom. It has been the highest honor to have my mom by my side as I birthed her grandbabies.'"
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16
"This particular birth happened so fast that grandma actually ended up catching her grandson."
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"When the surprise announcement of the baby's gender was exclaimed by the doctor, everyone jumped up and down cheering 'It's a boy!' and this mother wept and looked toward her daughter, also a mother -- now of a son, with the most adoration and love possible."
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"I was hired by Danielle to record her hospital birth, which was induced labor for the birth of twins."
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"Three generations of women -- Grandma assisted in delivering her granddaughter. Baby Lylah's first human touch was her grandmother."
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"The mom labored beautifully, was so strong the entire time. There was some slight shoulder dystocia but she handled it beautifully! She had the baby girl in the tub and as soon as Grandma saw the baby, she was immediately tearing up. The moment mom looked over towards Grandma, both the excitement on her face and on Grandma's face was priceless!"
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"This photo is post birth and grandma is cradling her daughter in a very tender moment between the two."
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"This first-time grandma was her daughter's rock. She was there for every contraction and overwhelmed with love when she finally got to meet her grandson!"
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"This photo was taken during a birth with the support of the stepmother of my client."
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"Mom labored calmly at home, with her mother by her side. Her mother took a 12-hour flight from abroad to support her daughter through labor and witness the birth of her new granddaughter."
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"This was taken during a birth with maternal grandmother present at the birth of her grandson."
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31
"The mother of the laboring woman flew last minute to make the birth. She got there during transition and quickly went to support her daughter. The most amazing and special part of this story is that the mother birthed her daughter at home 30 years prior."
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"A beautiful image of a grandma and great-grandma attending the birth of the newest member of their family."
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"Dad was feeling a bit queasy, so this brand-new grandmother was overjoyed to have the honor of cutting her grandson's umbilical cord."
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"This laboring mother had her mother present her whole birth, she supported her through contractions in the very late night as the older siblings slept, and quickly brought the siblings to see the new baby's first moments."
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"This mother is holding her daughter as she holds her new baby for the very first time."
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