In honor of Mother's Day (Sunday May 8th in the US, in case you've forgotten...), we thought we'd share this heartwarming, and perhaps heartbreaking series of photographs of mothers helping their daughters give birth. The pictures come from the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers and they document every step of the process including labor, delivery and postpartum. Be warned that some of the pictures might be considered by certain people to be a little NSFW. One thing that we can hopefully all agree on however is that these beautiful pictures truly express what it means to be a mother. So on behalf of Bored Panda, happy Mother's Day to moms everywhere! (h/t)
“She was showing so much concern for her laboring daughter. It was incredibly touching and had me tearing up.” (Image credits: Vivien Stembridge)
“The mother (grandmother) supports her daughter as she begins to push.” (Image credits: Monet Nicole)
“This woman is a single mom by choice (her baby has a donor-dad), and her 81-year-old mother stood by her throughout the whole process, from becoming pregnant until childbirth. This is their ultimate moment.” (Image credits: Lobke Koppens Geboortefotografie)
“A special moment between new mom and new grandma — grandma was telling her how proud of her she was.” (Image credits: Jo Price Photography)
“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.” (Image credits: Marcy Harris Photos)
“Dad was feeling a bit queasy, so this brand-new grandmother was overjoyed to have the honor of cutting her grandson’s umbilical cord.” (Image credits: Little Wonders Photography)
Image credits: Lori Martinez Photography
“You could feel the love in the room!” (Image credits: Fermont Fotografie)
Image credits: Vanessa Huey
“The mother of the laboring woman flew last minute to make the birth. She got there during transition and quickly went to support her daughter. The most amazing and special part of this story is that the mother birthed her daughter at home 30 years prior.” (Image credits: Samantha Noel Photography)
“This photo is post birth and grandma is cradling her daughter in a very tender moment between the two.” (Image credits: Meghan Hale Photography)
“Three generations of strong women.” (Image credits: Little Wonders Photography)
"Pure joy." (Image credits: Nicci Brooks Photography)
"First time mother and first time grandmother. Very strong, beautiful and pure expression of proudness." (Image credits: An Van Eycken)
“This one brings tears to my eyes. Such a loving mom and dad!” (Image credits: Dianne Hamre)
“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.” (Image credits: Ashley Heppermann Photography)
Image credits: Liz Cook
“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.” (Image credits: Ashley Marston Photography)
“This mother is holding her daughter as she holds her new baby for the very first time.” (Image credits: Light Of Mine Photography/Heather Yerden)
“A mother’s love mirrored by her daughter’s strength.” (Image credits: Light the Way Doula Services)