10 Stunning Images Show The Different Ways Women Manage Childbirth

Babies are often born today the same way they have been born for generations but many things associated with childbirth have changed.

Women’s expectations of childbirth have changed. Pain management options have changed. The economics of childbirth and the system of healthcare have changed.

The technology used during pregnancy and birth has certainly changed and these factors have greatly changed women’s childbirth experiences.

One thing that will never change is a mother’s right to decide how SHE wants to birth her baby. (unless medical intervention is required)

These stunning images show just how different each birth can be (Via International Association of Professional Birth Photographers on Instagram)

@annapollittbirthstories ・・・ She is in complete control as she works to bring her baby girl earthside. So much strength and perseverance, and such an empowering thing to witness. . . . . . #kansascitybirthphotographer #annapollittbirthstories #hospitalbirth #overlandparkbirth #justborn #birthphotog #kansascity #birth #birthphotography #birthphotographer #birthisnormal #birthisbeautiful #bumpbirthandbeyond #birthwithoutfear #naturalbirth #naturalbirthbaby #naturalhospitalbirth #waterlabor #kcbirth #kcbirthphotographer #kansascityphotographer #kansascitybirthphotography #kansascitybirth

A post shared by @ birthphotogs on Mar 3, 2018 at 3:25pm PST

@vanessamendezphotography ・・・ Birth is unpredictable and can be FAST. This mama had just been sitting on the toilet when she asked to move to the shower. She got in, did a deep squat, I turned on the lights and babies head was already born. @sanantonionursemidwife being the amazing, quick and savvy midwife she is had a grip on this sweet babe and safely brought her up to her mama. It was SO awesome and exhilarating to be there to capture these moments! #birth #birthphotography

A post shared by @ birthphotogs on Mar 1, 2018 at 5:12pm PST

@tampabirthphotographer ・・・ Happy birthday to both Zion and his beautifully strong mama! ???? #tampabirth #homebirth #waterbirth #hbac

A post shared by @ birthphotogs on Nov 28, 2017 at 5:58am PST

#Repost @primaguradeaer ・・・ Hello there!! An amazing girl. #primaguradeaer #birthphotography #birthphotographer #birthportraiture #denisirb #delivery #pregnancy #capturethemoment #newborn #laboranddelivery #labor #birth_photography #inspirepregnancy #hospitalbirth #newbornphotography #clujnapoca #firstbreath #csection #instagood #picoftheday #capture

A post shared by @ birthphotogs on Nov 10, 2017 at 2:14pm PST

@benditoventrefotografia ・・・ O nascimento do Isac . 12.10.17 #nascimento #birthday #birth #diadascriancas #maternidade #pregnant #parto #cesarea #unimed #cesarean

A post shared by @ birthphotogs on Oct 18, 2017 at 8:51am PDT

@emillygamafotografia ・・・ A força e um dos vários usos possíveis do rebozo. #emillygamafotografia #partodomiciliar #equipegestaluz #equipepartocomamor #partohumanizado #fotografiadeparto #birthlovers #birthphotography #birthphoto #doula #naturalbirth #partoadequado #waterbirth #thebirthhour #birthphotographer #birth #partonormal

A post shared by @ birthphotogs on Sep 25, 2017 at 10:06am PDT

@tampabirthphotographer ・・・ This mama who was muscling through the pain…❤️ We are so much stronger than we give ourselves credit for. . . . . . . . . . #tampa #tampabay #tampabirthphotographer #birth

A post shared by @ birthphotogs on Sep 27, 2017 at 7:42am PDT

Happy LABOR Day! @kimberly.hammond.photography ・・・ Love. Support. Determination. #dfwbirthphotography #birthphotography #birthcenter #makememories #love #support #khamphotography #doula #fortworth #birth #waterbirth #blackandwhitephotography #blackandwhitephoto

A post shared by @ birthphotogs on Sep 4, 2017 at 8:32am PDT

@snaplifephotography ・・・ Probably this midwifes greatest catch to date! Her Grandbaby #birthisbeautiful #birthphotographer #midwife #midwifery

A post shared by @ birthphotogs on Sep 2, 2017 at 11:33am PDT

@lophotobirth ・・・ Dad wanted to watch his son come into the world, so their midwife provided. ❤️

A post shared by @ birthphotogs on Jul 26, 2017 at 4:12pm PDT

@tampabirthphotographer ・・・ Laboring outside a bit. She is rocking this labor! #tampabirth071017 #tampabirthphotographer

A post shared by @ birthphotogs on Jul 12, 2017 at 2:12pm PDT

Just amazing images!

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14 Comments

- - meedee said
  - 14 Jun 2022
    10:55 am
Our bodies are seriously amazing.

- - mom81879 said
  - 17 Nov 2018
    7:28 pm
Yep, do what you need to do and what you feel comfortable doing to bring your babies into the world. It still hurts like hell

- - Blossom said
  - 13 Oct 2018
    8:55 pm
In the 1800s and early 1900s there was a high % of stillbirths or babies who died within 2 or 3 days of birth. Most Mothers had large families and often lost at least one baby in one of those 2 ways. There was probably a lot of miscarriages too. They aren’t recorded in records families or churches kept. Most would have been home births under pretty primitive conditions.

- - mom101628 said
  - 05 Jul 2018
    10:05 pm
Very honest and real – but pleased I have none to show

- - ella12 said
  - 24 Apr 2018
    3:58 pm
Very honest, raw and real, thanks for sharing.

- - rovermum said
  - 21 Mar 2018
    9:23 am
We are truly lucky we have many options available to us to ensure we deliver healthy babies. I put my hands in the lap of my Doctor and was induced and had a vaccuum delivery, which was very nearly going to be an emergency caesar. I was prepared to do anything to deliver a healthy baby.

- - kjgarner said
  - 19 Mar 2018
    9:26 pm
WOW amazing photo’s capturing exactly what happens, and how brave Women really are, especially when we go back for more…

- - mom19782016 said
  - 19 Mar 2018
    8:43 pm
Great images, women really are amazing aren’t they?!

- - ashna9 said
  - 16 Mar 2018
    4:57 pm
These photos are amazing!

- - mom81879 said
  - 16 Mar 2018
    1:34 pm
I wish I had photos of my births. I was too focused on delivering my babies to even think of photos

- - mom206279 said
  - 16 Mar 2018
    12:55 pm
Just incredible.

- - youngoldlady said
  - 16 Mar 2018
    12:53 pm
Never the same any time you have your baby. So many ways to give birth.

- - Ellen said
  - 16 Mar 2018
    3:38 am
Pregnancy, birth and life is one big miracle indeed ! Love all these beautiful shots !!

- - mom90758 said
  - 15 Mar 2018
    3:56 pm
The miracle of birth. It never stops to amaze me!