Women Really Are Incredible — See the Stunning Photos That Won a 2019 Birth Photography Contest

Every year, Birth Becomes Her — an international community of birth photographers created by Monet Nicole and Jennifer Mason — holds a birth photography contest in which photographers from all over the world can submit their work to be judged within specific categories. This year, over 1,200 photos taken in 2018 were submitted for the five categories: hospital, out-of-hospital, color, black and white, and postpartum.

"We are excited to see the contest grow each year, as we believe there is POWER in seeing real and striking images of birth," Monet and Jennifer said. "The artists who submitted to this contest are incredibly talented and their work makes a huge difference to families in both the local and international community. We hope that this collection changes the public's perception on birth and reminds us that we have options when birthing our babies."

Ahead, check out the winners and runners up in each of the five categories (and don't miss the stunning 2018 winners!)