Giving birth all by yourself, but there’s something special about watching the two individuals who created and imagined a baby collaborate to bring that child to earth. Throughout labor and delivery, having a capable and encouraging birth partner is extremely helpful. Partners are the mothers’ pillars, catchers of babies, and occasionally even the hands that support them as they give birth. It is undeniable that women can (and do!) When they perform the birth dance and meet the person who will become their child, partners may be seen showing courage, compassion, enthusiasm, sensitivity, and love to one another in the best labor and delivery images we’ve ever gathered.
“There is a phase in labor, appropriately called transition, where a woman will meet her breaking point. She’ll feel as though she can’t go on, and she is right. The maiden in her is not strong enough for the task at hand. It’s during this time that the maiden diᴇs so that the woman can be reborn as a mother, with her child. A new, more capable version of herself with far more strength than she has ever known.” – Unknown – The House of Wild, New York
Throughout her delivery, her partner remained strong by her side. Unwavering. Through all the beeping, the poking, and the prodding, he was there, holding her hand. – Memories by Makenzie, New York
Born on Mother’s Day, this darling little girl’s first moments of life were spent feeling both of her parent’s love. Daddy watched in awe as his partner stepped up to a new level of strength. He embraced her, holding the three of them together as a family as Mom held their daughter for the first time. – Leah Christine Photographer, California
Birth is transcendent, psychedelic, and holy. The connection, the strength, and the love is obvious between these partners in the moment after this momma brought their child earthside. – When a Belly Blooms, Oregon
Catching a baby was once reserved for medical professionals, but these days you’ll find more partners being the first to touch the baby. What an incredible honor! – Raleigh Birth Photography, North Carolina
Labor support can be physical, emotional, verbal, or spiritual. Skin-to-skin contact helps the mother relax, and touch helps give her something to focus on during the waves of contractions. A simple touch can mean so many things. – Lisa Phillips Photo, Virginia
Sometimes birth doesn’t always go exactly as planned. This second-time momma labored for hours at home, then was transferred to the hospital. Baby wasn’t making his way down her pelvis, and after a few more hours, they decided a c-section was the best option. The strong arms of her partner wrapped around her and held her tight as she navigated the waves and the changing birth plan. A healthy 9-pound,12-ounce baby boy was born 24 hours after labor started. – Apiary Photography, Pennsylvania
Her roars were echoing through their home. He kept steady pressure on her hips, doing all he could to help her through. They surrendered together to welcome their baby earthside.- Doula Maggie NYC, New York
Together they embody the true essence of intrinsic trust: trust in the purpose, the divine timing, the inner knowing, and the power that lies within. Without question, without doubt, without fear. Together. – Kate Nel Birthkeeper, Australia
A second-time momma labors with her partner as they wait for the anesthesiologist to arrive. This tender moment shows the deep connection they have as they cling to each other, working together to bring their second child into the world. – Amanada Gandy, Washington
