The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP) has announced the winners of their 2018 image contest, and the powerful photos that they have judged to be the winners show the raw beauty and drama of childbirth, as well as the sheer joy that follows.

Last year’s contest was extremely high in quality and emotion, and this year the competition delivers once again. Each image tells a story of pain, perseverance, relief and joy. They document a new human’s first moments of life, and a family’s first moment of unity. You can see the full list of winners here.

As such, we must warn you that many of the photos below are intense and graphic, so reader discretion is advised. While one day birth photography will undoubtedly become more mainstream and accepted, we are not quite there yet. Scroll down below to see these powerful and unique images, and let us know what you think in the comments.