Paula, from Brazil, started taking photos of women in labor after the birth of her own daughter, Ingrid, now 17. The incredible photos show the tender moments of a mom meeting her baby for the first time. Paula captures the moment a baby is born via C-section, still in the amniotic sac.

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“I am very happy and fulfilled. Each birth brings a different emotion,” she said. The 39-year-old has always been interested in photography and began working in her father’s studio when she was 16. Following family tradition – her father, brother, and grandfather are all photographers – Paula went on to become a child’s photographer. Then, in February 2001, Paula welcomed Ingrid into the world and invited her father to take pictures of the birth. A few days later, she saw the pictures and the emotions she felt giving birth came flooding back. In that moment, Paula decided she wanted to do the same for other parents.

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Paula took her first delivery room picture in October 2004 and hasn’t looked back. A mom clings to her partner in pain as a wave of contractions comes along. A newborn cries as he is held for the first time and takes in the world around him. The first tender moments of a mom meeting her newborn baby.A newborn sleeps peacefully after being born. The emotional moment a baby takes its first breath as it emerges from his mom’s womb. A newborn having his hair brushed by his loving mom for the first time.

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Other birth photographers have captured the love and tenderness of childbirth. The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP) has recently announced this year’s winners.

The incredible pictures show the first moments a baby is fed, meets their mom for the first time, and takes their first breath.

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