"There is something so poetic about the way the light catches the reflection of the water on the ground where the baby lands feet first, amidst the light and darkness while being safely guided into the world. The photographer did an amazing job catching focus on the baby, while framing enough of the surroundings to give us a feel of the environment they are in. Absolutely breathtaking seeing a breech birth captured in this one moment!"

"The birthing person in their absolute glory looks so amazed at themself for this beautiful creation they have birthed! That look of sheer joy, accomplishment, and love and adoration from their partner. It’s in this undisturbed moment that you can feel that joy, it’s almost palpable, reaching through the screen and beyond just this image."

"I immediately think about the first time my husband held our babies. There is this new deep love each time we give birth (or at least when I did) for the support and how our hearts have expanded even more than before. The loving embrace after the warmth of birth in the arms of the person who loves them deeply, there’s nothing like it."

"Families really do come in all shapes and sizes! When I see this photo I can imagine the important role that the dogs have played in the lives of the parents. I can imagine the adventures they have shared together. Evolving to welcome a baby to be part of the circle and learning to have new types of adventures is something I see in this photo. I can also see the various types of love this baby will get to experience. It’s a beautiful moment."

Janice Formichella

"There is just so much for me to love about this image. I love the soft movement in the water, the touch and tint of red, the gentle hold of a newborn to the chest. Of course — the sweet vernix! The little glimpse of an umbilical cord, and the expressions on both faces. It just speaks to such a great relief and calm — to be done with the hard work, to be here, to be together, to be in love."

Cheyenne Varner