The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP) has just announced the winners of the birth photography 2021 contest, and the images are very powerful, in a historical moment where optimism is not the order of the day.

Photographers from around the world capture the raw, intimate moments of childbirth. Not only do they lift the veil on this important moment for so many people, but they also awaken precious memories for moms, dads and the people who helped them bring new life into this world.

A glimpse of them can be found here.