Being Pregnant
National Geographic Photo Contest 2011 Includes This Amazing Birth Photo
This photograph, taken by midwife turned photographer Jane McCrae, is an editor’s choice for the 2011 National Geographic photo contest McCrae writes, about this picture, “Only a mother can understand the joy of locking eyes with her newborn babe the moment they take their first breath. After the powerful journey of labor, Natalia embraces her babe for the very first time. Sheer exhilaration, joy and love describes the moment of bringing forth her child. The gentle hand of her midwife, trusting in the innate wisdom of birth.”
The picture captures a home birth in Tumbi Umbi, New South Wales, Australia. Last month I assembled a photo essay called, The Many Faces Of Labor that got lots of positive attention and feedback– I really shouldn’t have been amazed by how moved people were by the images, these moments of struggle and awe and relief and love are what life is all about!
** Author’s note: I mistakenly noted in an earlier (now corrected) version of this post that this photo was the winner of the contest. But the voting continues until November 30th and a winner has not been decided. You can vote for the picture here.
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72 Comments
Tara commented on Nov 21 11 at 11:22 amthat is gorgeous.
Madeline Holler commented on Nov 21 11 at 4:52 pmWonderful! I have a picture of me with nearly the same expression right after giving birth to my son. The funny thing is, he’s also doing an open-mouthed wail. I tear up just thinking about that picture. (I get a little misty looking at this one too). Nice that it’s a photo of the year, too.
Jackie commented on Nov 21 11 at 4:59 pmI had an immediate emotional reaction to this picture. Beautiful.
Amanda commented on Nov 21 11 at 7:30 pmBeautiful! I have no other words. <3
m.s. commented on Nov 21 11 at 7:53 pmI hope it goes on to make photo of the year, but the contest isn’t over yet ;)
Vanessa aka mamascribble.com commented on Nov 21 11 at 7:57 pmI love that it’s a water birth…brings back memories of my own. Fabulous!
Vanessa
Mary commented on Nov 21 11 at 8:19 pmThe photo is absolutely gorgeous! But it hasn’t won yet…it was an editor pick of the week, but the contest is still ongoing. It would be amazing to see a birth photo win the whole contest! :)
Tana commented on Nov 21 11 at 8:19 pmI love her raw emotion. The look on her face is how I felt the moment I had my son and I sobbed with joy. Beautiful picture.
Lisa commented on Nov 21 11 at 8:34 pmEww! Do we have to see her very ugly nipple? Really?
Susan commented on Nov 21 11 at 8:35 pmI don’t gather from their site that this is actually the Photo of the Year, but am I mistaken? It looked like this was a weekly contest that NG runs. It’s a beautiful image, for sure.
Nessa commented on Nov 21 11 at 8:41 pmLisa, the picture isn’t focused on the damn nipple. You’re the one who focused on that. @@
The picture is beautiful.
Mothercat commented on Nov 21 11 at 8:46 pmI checked the National Geographic 2011 Photo contest web site. This picture is beautiful and moving, but is not the photo of the year. It is one entry of several thousand submissions. It is one of the editors’ choice for week 11 in the “People” category. The contest does not close until November 30, but I do hope this picture wins.
Bianca Wooden commented on Nov 21 11 at 8:48 pmThat is a lovely photo. However, from what I can tell at the National Geographic website, winners are not selected until December. No winners have been selected yet. The photos is an editor favorite for week 11.
Lisa Kim commented on Nov 21 11 at 8:50 pmJust wanted to let everyone know this amazing photo is still taking votes. Voting, ends on the 30th of November so head on over the the National Geographic Photo Contest site and place your vote. Lets make this a winner.
Nicole commented on Nov 21 11 at 8:50 pmVery beautiful and emotional.
Lisa, why does the miraculous human form scare you so much that you feel the need to insult it?
ceridwen commented on Nov 21 11 at 8:51 pmHuge apologies from the author of this post!! I had gone to a page where I saw Photo of the Year 2011 and then this one and the caption and from all I could see this was the final winner so I really do apologize to other contestants and all of the readers who were misinformed! I will make appropriate edits to the post to reflect this. Once again, sincerest apologies and like the rest of you, I love the photo… – Ceridwen Morris
Trish commented on Nov 21 11 at 8:52 pmSeriously Lisa? It is a beautiful picture and if you don’t want to see nipple then don’t look! Grow up!
Pascale commented on Nov 21 11 at 8:53 pmThis picture is amazing and I feel SO sorry for anyone who would get distracted by a nipple!!
Tori commented on Nov 21 11 at 8:56 pmStunning photo! I believe that the contest doesn’t end until November 30th, 2011. So this may not be the winner, but we should all be sure to vote for it!
LisaNa commented on Nov 21 11 at 9:00 pmLisa- Eww! Did you really have to post a nasty comment? Really?
Anonymous commented on Nov 21 11 at 9:21 pmBeautiful, raw picture. Amazing. I wish I had pictures like that from after my boys were born. A friend of mine has a picture like that (the raw emotion). It’s an amazing feeling, truly.
Lisa — I honestly did not even see the nipple until you said that. I feel sorry that you missed the power and amazement this picture holds. Society has no respect for birth and new life anymore.
Damaris commented on Nov 21 11 at 10:12 pmThis is as visceral and emotional as this mother is probably feeling. So Beautiful! ~Damaris
Cris C. commented on Nov 21 11 at 10:25 pmBeautiful photo…makes me sad that a person could look at something so beautiful and comment only on something as insignificant as the mother’s nipple… perhaps she has never had children…. or understood the power of such an amazing love…I hope that she is lucky enough to someday feel something so amazing that she doesn’t care if her nipple is in the picture. :)
mossbeach commented on Nov 21 11 at 10:59 pmThat is gorgeous! I took a photo of my best friend immediately after giving birth to her daughter in water in California and her face looked amazingly similar to this one. Full of the intense emotions that you can’t imagine unless you experience them. We accidentally sent that photo out to friends and family with the e-mailed birth announcement instead of a much less emotional, tamer photo of the newborn baby. Oops.
Sharon commented on Nov 21 11 at 11:45 pmI can feel what she is feeling …just by looking at her face! Raw emotion..
so beautiful!
Lisa Taylor commented on Nov 22 11 at 12:08 amThis picture is just so beautiful, it immediately brought tears to my eyes and a bunch of emotions (I just had my baby girl 6 weeks ago) This mothers face says it all!!! I love it, and I think it needs to be a winner, more things like this need to be brought public.
(and to Lisa the nipple comment was just wrong, there is no need to insult a mum like that, no woman for that matter, we are all beautiful in our own way)
barbara commented on Nov 22 11 at 12:11 amlighten up on lisa folks! take everything soooo serious
Melissa commented on Nov 22 11 at 1:11 amOnly a mother can feel what that face is saying just by looking at her, that amazing moment that is beyond verbal description, I love this photo
However I am so ashamed for Lisa, pathetic immature, little girl (you could be 75 and I still stick by that) I hope you are a better person in real life than what your stupid comment suggests, you must have been really looking for that nipple to have even seen it, I actually had to go back to the photo because I had no recollection of seeing it, I went back to the photo, saw it and realized why I missed it the first time, because this is beauty in the rawest most vulnerable form, by the time i saw her face i was teary, beauty that CAN NOT be posed for, I feel like shaking you!! How can you look at a birth photo and not expect to see some nudity? I hope it’s warm under that rock you seem to live under, an attitude like that will ultimately end with you being a very lonely person, go educate yourself a little and open your eyes to the world a bit, I feel nothing but pity for you. Pathetic. Eeew
Dolores commented on Nov 22 11 at 2:53 amreminder: that nipple is the conduit through which this beautiful baby will feed and thrive and grow. Sadly, Lisa – you join with that portion of our population who have forgotten what our body parts were originally designed for. Who is it, in your mind who determines what a nipple must look like?
Juliet commented on Nov 22 11 at 6:11 amThis is one of the most beautiful pictures of all time. This should be on the cover of motherhood magazine,..not some airbrushed fake reality. Love, beautiful and so real. Kudos to the photographer.
Zan commented on Nov 22 11 at 7:50 amUtterly stunning. I love this photo. If you wanted to describe to someone what its like having a baby…this picture would answer it. And as for Lisa…. you are a woman yourself…show some respect and grow up. What you said was unnecessary!
LAUREN commented on Nov 22 11 at 9:40 amBeautiful, full love in her arms and truly joyful moment <3 As my time approaches for my first child to be born- as planned in a home water birth as well this is so inspiring to see these photos and this is a gorgeous moment that I am looking forward to. <3 <3 <3
Tiffany commented on Nov 22 11 at 12:10 pmThis makes me cry its so beautiful reminds me of my labor six weeks ago having a baby truly is the best feeling in the world
Sheena commented on Nov 22 11 at 12:46 pmThis is one of the most poignant and beautiful photos I have ever seen. Congratulations to mother and photographer. Utter beauty. Thank you for sharing, how do I contact the photographer please?
Kate commented on Nov 22 11 at 1:48 pmFor those who don’t know what it is to carry life within, give birth, and nourish life – this photo could be a bit shocking! For those who do know all about being the carrier and provider of another life – this is nothing but amazing! The nipple, to me, is an amazing addition of imagery to this photo – the woman has provided for this little life within, endured pain and the most vulnerable of events for any woman and has given birth to the most innocent ( a naked tiny human being). What that nipple represents to me is the whole experience of innocence, providing, and new life! Our bodies were made perfectly, from beginning of life to end – this photo captures exactly that!
Kasie commented on Nov 22 11 at 2:43 pmAbsolutely breathtaking. Takes me right back to the home birth of my son, and the moment I pulled him up out of the water. I have a photo with the same look on my face. Stunning.
Nicole commented on Nov 22 11 at 4:09 pmSuch a beautiful picture! The emotion on her face says it all :) This is the first photo that has ever made me want to have another baby. As for her nipple in the picture :) it’s ready to feed baby and gets darker during pregnancy so baby can “target” it’s food source. The body is an amazing thing! What a great moment to capture.
Melissa commented on Nov 22 11 at 4:20 pmThis photo is absolutly perfect! I am also a mother our newest baby was born 13 weeks ago. This picture brought tears to my eyes and made me look through the pictures of my son’s birth and shed a few happy tears. The birth of a child is a wonderful and beautiful experience, nipple and all. Lisa your comment on this picture was not necessary and to the person that defended her we are all grown ups here we are not taking things to seriously but this was not the place to make rude comments about such an amazing time in this womens life!
Amy commented on Nov 22 11 at 4:44 pmThis picture is gorgeous! I am going to add my vote as this photo should surely win!!
@Lisa….what a completely inappropriate comment you made about her nipple. Obviously you have some serious issues you need to work out about yourself. This picture is capturing the raw emotion and truth of this birth. It is really “ugly” of you to make such a horrible comment.
The picture is breathtaking and beautiful!
Tania commented on Nov 22 11 at 5:35 pmPowerful, Moving and Real, one of the greatest moments a woman will have in her life. This picture truly captures the essence of whats really important.
Vanessa commented on Nov 22 11 at 8:14 pmAbsolutely beautiful!! I love birth being shown this way.
Tammy commented on Nov 22 11 at 8:43 pmHad I not give birth 6 times myself, this photo would have genuinely scared me! I don’t see love and joy on her face, I see “Thank God it’s over!”
Louiese Genevieve commented on Nov 22 11 at 9:07 pmWhen I look at the picture, three things came to my mind. LIFE. LOVE. BLISS. I didn’t notice the nipple at all until I read Lisa’s comment so I had to look at the pic again. Well, the main function of a woman’s mammary glands is to feed a baby. So regardless of their size and color, they are beautiful..
Sarahbearah commented on Nov 22 11 at 9:16 pmI had a c/section with my twins and I think I had the same moment (times 2) when I heard each of my sons take their first breath. So beautiful! It is something a mother never forgets.
sanjit kumar dash commented on Nov 23 11 at 12:44 amThis is the best picture in my life.Because now i understand whats the mother love. sometime we are rub behaved with mother on a silly reason. Its very bad. so promise I’ll change myself. Thanks god to look this~~~~~~~
Valerie Smith commented on Nov 23 11 at 6:55 amHow interesting that this was a water birth, and that those have become more common. Quite the picture, and such emotion in her face.
Beth commented on Nov 23 11 at 9:41 amI have a photo of nearly the same expression when I saw my son for the first time. I ended up needing a c-section after 36 hours of labor and it was the most powerful feeling I have ever had and I feel it when I look at his precious little face. This is an amazing photograph!
Rachel commented on Nov 23 11 at 12:19 pmbeautiful and moving! :)
Deb commented on Nov 23 11 at 3:34 pmThough I would never choose to birth in water,I’ve got to say that I love this moment and the expression! This is the look of every mother when they meet their baby for the first time. Beautiful and awe-inspiring!
Jane McCrae commented on Nov 23 11 at 4:19 pmWow… look at all of these beautiful comments. This is why I do birth photography, to inspire pregnant women to have faith in their bodies remarkable capabilities and for mothers to re live their wonderous journey to motherhood. A few of you have asked how to contact me. My website is http://www.janemccraephotography.com and email jane@janemccraephotography.com
Tom commented on Nov 24 11 at 2:14 amBoth of my daughters were born into my own hands — one atop a mountain, the other in a lakeside cabin. We were all by ourselves, no one else involved. Totally joyful, enriching, life-changing experience.
As for the nipple issue — I offer this:
Karen Nevo commented on Nov 26 11 at 11:26 amAmazing how life can provide a moment that is so oxymoron in nature – that mixture of agnony and sheer joy. Only a woman who has brought life into this world can truly relate to such an image, both physically and emotionally.
kristina commented on Nov 27 11 at 9:18 amthis is precious. but on the national geographic website, it says that the photo contest is decided by judges. so you can “like” this photo and post it to facebook, but as i understand it, this will not count as a vote?
Leah commented on Nov 30 11 at 1:00 amDid someone really comment on this women’s nipple? In all the beauty this photo holds! That nipple will nourish that bab to grow strong. Must have never been pregnant.
PATRICIA HAWKINS commented on Nov 30 11 at 12:45 pmoverwhelming relief and joy is what this photo says to me
aliza diniasti commented on Nov 30 11 at 9:58 pmtruly amazing
PLeb commented on Nov 30 11 at 10:59 pmThis photo made me cry in a sentimental way. WOW.
Suzan commented on Dec 01 11 at 11:21 amLisa,I can’t believe anyone looking at this photo would be so ridiculous as to bring up the fact that her nipple is showing !!!!!! (you can see it if you look really ,really hard.) I use the word ridiculous in place of a number of words that better describes your reaction to that NIPPLE….I’d like to not get thrown off this site permanently.And I am a mature adult.I bet that you were that person in younger years,looking at Nat’l Geo. pictures of the native women in Africa and giggling with friends…..Sorry,could not help myself.
Leslie commented on Dec 01 11 at 12:33 pmThis is so beautiful. <3 I love it.
Rebecca Geddes commented on Dec 01 11 at 1:14 pmI adore this pic!
ashley commented on Dec 01 11 at 1:17 pmIt made me cry tears of joy! I love this absolutely beautiful pic!
denys commented on Dec 01 11 at 8:07 pmsuch a wonderful picture. I hope i can get an amazing shot of my first and only daughter as she enters this world in just a few short weeks. She has struggled to make it this far and deserves to shine for all her hard work
karey commented on Dec 01 11 at 8:50 pmi love this. makes me want another baby :)
karey commented on Dec 01 11 at 8:54 pmhow do we vote?
Virginie commented on Dec 02 11 at 5:37 pmGoosebumps!So amazingly gorgeous…Pure beauty
Kimberley Woodbeck commented on Dec 02 11 at 6:20 pmThe love emitting from this picture is palpable, and the emotional reaction in me was overwhelming and immediate. Thank you for sharing this.
soulrole commented on Dec 04 11 at 2:49 pmWhat a gorgeous amazing photo that truly tells the story of home birth.What a blessings and an honor to be able to birth in the way we choose and have the chance to experience the ultimate connection to our bodies,our babies and the Universe.Mahalo.
Bailey Jane commented on Dec 08 11 at 9:10 pmUnfortunately, everyone who has mentioned Lisa and her inappropriate comment are giving her exactly what she was desperately and immaturely seeking: attention. It’s best to just ignore the ignorance of others and focus on the beautiful photo above. The look of joy and relief…definitely makes me get the baby fever all over again!
monica commented on Dec 09 11 at 12:13 amMy eyes welled up with tears upon looking at this photo. Beautiful.
Becca commented on Dec 13 11 at 1:57 amThis is just incredible, I am sitting here crying. Because this is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. I hope so much this wins, I hope it wins everything. Just everything sorry I just so happy and crying because this is such a miracle. Thank you to this wonderful Mother.
joy commented on Dec 15 11 at 6:33 amthat is the baby’s little foot…not her nipple.
Pretani commented on Dec 30 11 at 10:15 pmSo sweet! What a precious moment. :)
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