A rainbow baby is a baby born after a miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of an infant from natural causes. Until the past decade, talking about infant death and/or pregnancy loss was pretty taboo. This led to countless moms feeling alone in their experience, like they had no one to talk to. The rainbow baby movement has really helped connect moms globally, allowing them to discuss the pain of pregnancy/infant loss and mixed emotions felt after having their rainbow babies. For rainbow baby sessions, I try to pay homage to the complex human emotions felt by mothers who have experienced that loss.
Rainbow Baby Sessions for Baby T
T’s mom reached out to me on Facebook many years ago about having newborn pictures done once her daughter was born. Something drew me to her. When I looked at her profile picture, she was holding a small baby in the hospital. The caption read, Bless to be your Mother. Loving you is easy, letting go is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Thankful that I got the chance to meet you and hear your heartbeat, even if it were for a short amount of time, you will forever live within my heart and soul.
My heart opened wide for this woman. She carried this baby inside of her and when she met her she immediately had to say goodbye.
I know that feeling. It is indescribable. This year will be nearly a decade since I lost my daughter, Ruby. I was 4 months pregnant when I got the news that she had passed. I ended up going to the hospital twice within a 24-hour period due to complications of her passing. It was devastating, extremely traumatic, and something my family took very hard. Losing her is something I still think about daily.
And that’s a reality many moms who have experienced pregnancy loss have to face. But it doesn’t mean there isn’t hope for the future.
A Rainbow After The Storm
Seeing, photographing, and being with beautiful rainbow babies, like Baby T, has given me a sense of peace with my own pregnancy loss.
It’s unlikely that I will have a rainbow baby of my own and I’ve come to terms with that. I ‘ve got my son, who is now a middle schooler (how did that happen? When did that happen?)
He is amazing and more than I could have ever asked for. I am so grateful for him and for all of the people who love and support me. I will always remember Baby Ruby and I will continue to share my story in hopes that it will help others overcome such a difficult time. It really helps to know that others are out there and have made their way out of the depths of this unique type of grief.
During this session, Baby T was so smiley. She was the sweetest thing ever.
Her mom mentioned she thought it was because she was thinking about her sister. I think she was right.
Rest easy, little one, thinking about your sister and the days to come with your momma!
Jen Rizy is a professional photographer based out of Cedar Park, Texas. She specializes in newborn, maternity, and family photography for the greater Austin, Texas area. Keep up with her on Instagram, Facebook, or her website.
If you’re interested in scheduling your own photoshoot with Jen, you can reach her HERE.
