When an expectant mom goes into labor, they've got at least one person who knows exactly what they're going through–their own mother. These familiar faces are a beacon of constant support in one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences that the soon-to-be mom will face.
Through it all, birth photographers document this special and emotional time from beginning to end. The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers–an organization that provides resources to expectant parents, photographers, and other birth professionals–worked with The Huffington Post to compile a collection of images in which mothers are assisting their pregnant daughters.
The selected photographs are awe-inspiring and beautiful, displaying the immense love shown through labor, delivery, and the joyful postpartum moments. Mothers (now grandmothers) hold their daughters through the pain and smile wide when they meet their new grandchild. It's a fantastic reminder of how incredible a mother's love is, and that you're never too old want this special woman by your side.
Check out 17 of our favorites, below, along with captions from the photographers.
Above: “She was showing so much concern for her laboring daughter. It was incredibly touching and had me tearing up.”
Photo credit: Vivien Stembridge
“The mother (grandmother) supports her daughter as she begins to push.”
Photo credit: Monet Nicole
“After all the strength and endurance she gave to her daughter while she labored all night long, it was all over. She falls back and completely lets go and is overcome with emotion. And I can hardly keep my camera still.”
Photo credit: Ashley Marston Photography
“The mom labored beautifully, was so strong the entire time. There was some slight shoulder dystocia but she handled it beautifully! She had the baby girl in the tub and as soon as Grandma saw the baby, she was immediately tearing up. The moment mom looked over towards Grandma, both the excitement on her face and on Grandma's face was priceless!”
Photo credit: Lindsey Kaye Photography
“Her mother traveled from out of town, and stayed for weeks, awaiting the birth of her first grandchild. She was there supporting her daughter throughout all of her labor, birth, and postpartum. It was so beautiful to see a mother be able to care for her daughter in such a new and amazing time.”
Photo credit: Ashley Heppermann Photography
Mother and daughter during water birth in Pennsylvania.
Photo credit: JNS Photography
“Three generations of strong women.”
Photo credit: Little Wonders Photography
“A special moment between new mom and new grandma – grandma was telling her how proud of her she was.”
Photo credit: Jo Price Photography
Mom brushes her daughter's hair in the delivery room.
Photo credit: Liz Cook
“This first-time grandma was her daughter's rock. She was there for every contraction and overwhelmed with love when she finally got to meet her grandson!”
Photo credit: Little Leapling/Tammy Schmit
“When the surprise announcement of the baby's gender was exclaimed by the doctor, everyone jumped up and down cheering ‘It's a boy!' and this mother wept and looked toward her daughter, also a mother – now of a son, with the most adoration and love possible.”
Photo credit: Macy Harris Photos
“During the intensity of active labor, the comfort of a supporting mother is amazing.”
Photo credit: Born Birth Photography / Jessica Mehu Photography
“Three generations of women – Grandma assisted in delivering her granddaughter. Baby Lylah's first human touch was her grandmother.”
Photo credit: JoAnn Marrero / From Labor to Love
“You could feel the love in the room!”
Photo credit: Fermont Fotografie
“I was hired by Danielle to record her hospital birth, which was induced labor for the birth of twins.”
Photo credit: Alice Garik
“This is how my client described the moment: ‘My mom was with me through all four of our births and had a huge amount of compassion, empathy and strength to unselfishly give to me and my husband. This is our last baby, she was named after my mom. It has been the highest honor to have my mom by my side as I birthed her grandbabies.'”
Photo credit: The Birth Lens / Amber Pembleton
“This laboring mom's mother and doula teamed up to make sure she felt comfortable and supported. While the doula massaged her hands, her mother massaged her back to help ease back labor pains. A wonderful example of what ‘women caring for women' looks like.”
Photo credit: Isabell Steinert Photography
International Association of Professional Birth Photographers: Website
via [The Huffington Post]
