Giving birth is one of the hardest but most rewarding things a woman will ever go through.
But through the hustle and bustle of nurses, doctors, midwives, dualas, photographers and family, you sometimes don't get to see the true beauty of birth.
Midwife turned photographer, Emma Jean Nolan, has taken in many births with each one being more inspiring than the other.
Taking to her photography page, Emma, uploaded a photo of the traditional Maori after-birth experience and it is truly stunning.
The photograph in question is a 'birth without fear' snap, depicting a baby boy, Harper, who is still attached to the placenta.
The umbilical cord represents the connection between Harper and the placenta, but it's accurately placed to spell out the word 'love'.
Through Maori tradition, the 'whenua' (placenta) is returned to the land as the umbilical cord forms a bond between Baby and Mother Earth.
When the affinity is established, each individual has fulfilled the role of curator for Mother Earth, which will remain in place for life.
The photograph depicts what most mums don't get to see, but is an accurate depiction of what happens after birth.
We're astonished with the beauty of this picture - and look at how content little Harper is, isn't this amazing?
Would you like to see your baby connected to their placenta a little longer?
