Childbirth can be different depending on where you are in the world. The setting and cultural traditions vary widely, as do the outcomes. The unacceptable truth is that in many parts of the world, it remains very dangerous to give birth. Most maternal deaths occur in developing countries, and so many are preventable.
But in other ways, childbirth is universal ― the pain and joy, the process and the love. We asked the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers, which has members across the globe, for images that reveal a bit about childbirth where they live and work. The 21 photographs here ― with captions from the photographers ― by no means paint a complete picture of labor and delivery across the world, but they do provide a glimpse into what it is like for a mother to have a C-section in Kuwait, or to give birth in rural Nicaragua. These are photos that celebrate the many different traditions that surround childbirth, and the fact that ultimately love is love, no matter where you are.
1
New Zealand
This mom is using gas for pain relief, which is common in New Zealand. It doesn’t exactly take away the pain, but it helps a mother relax and take her mind off it. In the background, you can see her midwife taking notes. In New Zealand we have free
healthcare that includes an amazing midwifery-based maternity system.
healthcare that includes an amazing midwifery-based maternity system.
2
New Zealand
This mom is using the birth pool for relief. Most New Zealand hospitals and birthing centers have
birthing pools. Women here often give birth in the water.
birthing pools. Women here often give birth in the water.
3
Kuwait
I'm an American expat in Kuwait and the first (and only!) dedicated birth photographer in the country. This photo is from a recent C-section of a Kuwaiti family who welcomed their first baby, a girl.
I was not allowed in the operating room to photograph the birth because of hospital policy. In fact, the hospital has never had a patient request that a photographer be present for a C-section, and my clients didn't want to push it.
I was not allowed in the operating room to photograph the birth because of hospital policy. In fact, the hospital has never had a patient request that a photographer be present for a C-section, and my clients didn't want to push it.
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4
Kuwait
The waiting room of the hospital was filled with family members, about 30 or more. When the doors opened and the nurse wheeled out the bassinet, there was a rush to the doors and the room instantly overflowed with emotions.
5
Kuwait
The parents waited 16 years for the arrival of their baby girl. I've never seen a baby welcomed into so much love.
6
South Africa
Birth in South Africa is very medicalized. More than 70 percent of my birth photo clients, who give birth in private hospitals, deliver via C-section. I do think there's a culture of fear around vaginal birth. So when we bear witness to a natural birth, we are blown away. This woman just had a vaginal, unmedicated birth. Her relief is real. Birth is hard, and it is powerful!
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7
Philippines
These photos have all been taken at the Shiphrah Birthing Home, a missionary- and midwife-led birthing home in Taytay, Rizal, on the outskirts of Manila.
The midwives at Shiphrah Birthing Home have taught me what it means to hold space for a laboring woman and her family. The midwives are, of course, there to make sure mother and baby are safe, but they also provide support and encouragement. They give massages and make sure the mother eats and drinks during labor. "Kaya mo yan!" or "You can do it!" are words I hear at every birth.
The midwives at Shiphrah Birthing Home have taught me what it means to hold space for a laboring woman and her family. The midwives are, of course, there to make sure mother and baby are safe, but they also provide support and encouragement. They give massages and make sure the mother eats and drinks during labor. "Kaya mo yan!" or "You can do it!" are words I hear at every birth.
8
Philippines
Women at Shiphrah Birthing Home are encouraged to give birth in whatever position feels best for them. Most of the women give birth in an upright birthing position (on a birth stool or squatting) on all fours, or lying on their side. As someone who had only ever seen birth on TV before I moved to the Philippines, I have learned a lot about what birth can be.
9
Philippines
One of the things I have learned to appreciate while working in the Philippines is the value of community, which is a big part of the culture -- and a big part of giving birth here. At the Shiphrah Birthing Home, partners are encouraged to be present, and you'll often find the mother, sister or sister-in-law by the woman's side. Even when family members are not in the room (it's up to the laboring mother), they come in periodically with meals, or fresh coconut water from the market.
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10
Canada
In British Columbia, Canada, home birth is covered by the government. If a woman requests a home birth, she is required to set up her house with bedding, towels, and a tub. Two midwives are then present with all the medical equipment needed to ensure the baby is delivered safely. There is absolutely no cost to the woman for her home birth.
11
Nicaragua
I spent some time living in Nicaragua as a missionary. I was just outside of Tecolostote in a small farming community. I often worked at a hospital there and asked the doctors and nurses if they thought I could photograph a birth. They asked this mother, and she said she would be very glad to have me attend hers.
About two weeks before they are due, many women travel from the rural areas where they live to stay in the "casa maternal" (maternity house) to ensure access to safe medical care. The maternity house is essentially a small room with some ceiling fans (no air conditioning!) that many of the mothers stay in with their babies after the birth, too. This mom didn't have any family or a partner with her as she gave birth to her sweet baby girl. She was one of the moms who traveled to stay at the maternity house.
About two weeks before they are due, many women travel from the rural areas where they live to stay in the "casa maternal" (maternity house) to ensure access to safe medical care. The maternity house is essentially a small room with some ceiling fans (no air conditioning!) that many of the mothers stay in with their babies after the birth, too. This mom didn't have any family or a partner with her as she gave birth to her sweet baby girl. She was one of the moms who traveled to stay at the maternity house.
12
Nicaragua
If I had to choose one word to describe the birth, I would say it was quite euphoric -- especially after the pain and struggle of labor. I remember the mom's instant relief and joy when her baby was born. Now that I photograph births primarily in the U.S., I'm struck by how even though this was a hospital birth, it felt more like a home birth situation. Because the mom didn't have any family there, the hospital staff became her family. There were many people in that delivery room who didn't need to be there for medical reasons, but who were there just to support her.
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13
United Kingdom
This is the moment that twin girls, Eva and Erin, were born via C-section. After many years of trying to conceive, this Australian couple decided to seek in vitro fertilization in the UK, because they knew the birth services were exceptional. (Editor's note: NHS, the UK's publicly funded national healthcare system, does provide some coverage for IVF.) After, they returned to Australia.
14
United Kingdom
I am based in South Wales. This image is from a recent hospital birth I attended. The mom was supported throughout the birth by her own mother. I love this photo, which captures the quiet seconds between contractions. The gas and air (which are common here) are ever ready for the next contraction.
15
United Kingdom
Even though NHS (National Health Services) midwives here in the UK generally recommend a managed third stage of labor -- with an injection of syntometrin to deliver the placenta -- it is becoming more and more common for women to choose to let their bodies do it on their own. Many midwives, especially home birth midwives, do facilitate this natural process when asked to. This mother really wanted to deliver the placenta naturally if possible, and her midwife helped her. She did not pull on the cord until the placenta was fully delivered and then only to gently draw it out of the water.
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16
Brazil
Brazil has one of the highest C-section rates in the world, but this has been slowly changing because efforts by the government, the ministry of health and independent social groups. I have now photographed more than 50 vaginal births -- like this home birth -- in two years of working as a birth photographer. More and more women are realizing that although C-sections are great, they are not always necessary.
17
Brazil
Women have been driving the transformation of birth in Brazil. They want to be more respected. Doulas are now allowed to be present at births. This photo, from the first birth I have ever photographed, was carefully planned by the mother. She hired a midwife, nurse and doula. The birth itself was peaceful -- things were largely silent with low light. It was an environment full of love.
18
United States
Most mothers here in the United States give birth in a hospital. This mom, in Texas, had her doula with her, who was also present for the birth of her first child. She's right in the middle of a contraction that hit her after she'd gone to use the bathroom. I think she was ready for the baby to be out, right then and there. She was over it.
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19
United States
Only 1.5 percent of births in the United States take place outside of the hospital, and only about 30 percent of those take place in a birth center -- a home-like setting where midwives and nurses provide family-centered care to healthy women. Simara delivered her baby at a birth center in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. She was overwhelmed with emotion when she met her baby for the first time.
20
United States
This image was taken at a home birth in Michigan. I love how this midwife is using an ear trumpet -- which I personally have only ever seen before while in Belize.
21
United States
This baby's family is Oneida (Native American) and lives on the local reservation. This mom told me: "I gave birth at a hospital close to the reservation's boundaries, but had a midwife from the Oneida health center come and deliver him. The hospital was respectful of the Oneida cultural values. We put a lacrosse stick in the baby's hands, at birth. They grow up to play the Creator's Game. They're placed on cradleboards, which are traditional baby carriers. They offer extra comfort and security to the baby, much like they had in the mother's womb. The baby's name is Orion. His Oneida name is Tehaluhyakanláti, which means 'he is watching the skies.'"
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Captions have been edited and condensed.