Incredible photos of a C-section taken through a clear drape

Last month, Alabama parents Allison and Brent welcomed their second child into the world. Baby Bennett was born via caesarian section – with one very notable feature. In consultation with their doula (and birth photographer) Tracy Abney, the couple opted for a clear surgical drape for the procedure.

Clear-drape C-sections are increasingly popular as part of what are called 'gentle' or 'natural' C-sections. This practice aims to bring some of the crucial mother-child bonding moments of vaginal delivery to those who for whatever reason need to, or have decided to, deliver surgically.

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In addition to the clear drape, the new baby is brought around to its mother for skin-on-skin contact immediately after the birth.

The goal is to make delivery as 'family friendly' (read: organic, connected and non-traumatic) as possible. As CNN reported, the trend has been growing, especially since a 2015 study confirming that it is proven to increase breastfeeding success and general maternal wellbeing without adding any additional safety risk.

"It changed the traditional cesarean, [which] is quite cold and clinical, into a sort of event that reflected how important one's child's birthday is," a London-based anesthetist told CNN.

RELATED: 'I had a planned C-section and loved every minute of it'

"We knew this was going to be a complete opposite kind of birth, but we still wanted the skin-to-skin, to see him being born," Allison told BuzzFeed News.

An opaque drape is kept over the clear drape for the beginning and end of surgery, and removed just when the baby is being delivered. Due to the angle of the drape, very little of the surgery is actually visible to the parents.

"My husband is squeamish but he had no issues with him being pulled out, that’s all you see is your baby," Allison said. "It's pretty special."

Tracy's own experience informed her passion for this new movement, and her commitment to guiding Allison through a calm and meaningful process.

Allison and Tracy are firmly agreed: Any mother wanting access to a clear drape for their C-section should get it – especially as there's generally no extra cost.

"As long as everyone is healthy and safe I believe that a cesarean birth can be just and beautiful and special as a vaginal birth," Allison told BuzzFeed News.

"We don’t have to miss out on those as cesarean mothers."

You can find out more about Tracy Abney and her work via Facebook or on her website.