The moment you become a mother is unmatched, but there is a feeling that is equally as sweet: the first time you see your partner holding your 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥. There’s just something about seeing the person you love the most with your 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥, regardless of how your 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 was made or how this tiny life was formed.

Some of the most memorable first encounters between a mother and her kid, as well as the stirring tales that brought them to that point, are depicted in some of the images that a group of incredibly gifted 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 photographers have shared with us.

“This mom had an incredibly long labor with her first at a hospital. She decided to have a home 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 with her second and it was an entirely different experience. Her labor was quick and intense… the midwife barely made it through the door before her second daughter was born. This moment captures the joy of 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 for me.” (Photo by Monet Nicole)

This was the mother’s first time seeing her sweet son. At 33 weeks she was admitted to the hospital for a rare and often hard-to-detect condition called HELLP Syndrome. Two days later her son was born, thriving, but needing a little extra help. I was allowed to go back with her to see and touch him for the first time.” (Photo by Ker-Fox Photography)

“Mom and dad tried for many, many years for this little girl… It was so emotional and beautiful to witness, the little girl is the best thing of their life.” (Photo by Milk and Hannah Photo)

“Not only was I the photographer for this Christmas Day home, water-𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 but the mama is my older sister. Watching her trust and give in to her body and fearlessly deliver my niece was a moment I will cherish forever” (Photo by Laura Fifield Photography)