When parents go through storms in life, such as losing a child, it helps to think that there are brighter days ahead. A “rainbow baby” is a baby born after one or more miscarriages or stillbirths.
In celebration of their much awaited rainbow baby, Baby Charlotte’s parents commissioned Michigan-based photographer Jen Priester to take her first portrait.
Jen was honoured to have been chosen by the family. She shared how much fun she had with Charlotte through her Facebook account.
I had so much fun with Charlotte today! I did my first rainbow baby shot today today and love how it turned out! A…
Posted by Jen Priester Photography on Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Jen writes,
I had so much fun with Charlotte today! I did my first rainbow baby shot today today and love how it turned out! A rainbow baby is a baby born after a loss. A rainbow follows a storm and it gives hope that things get better.
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Popsugar reports that Jen drew inspiration from the concept of rainbows because Charlotte was a rainbow baby. Charlotte’s mum bought the rainbow headband she wore for the shoot.
But it’s not only the headband that was meant to be symbolic. The choice of laying the sweet baby down on a grey fur rug was meant to represent the grey skies that come with the storms in life. The wool that enveloped her was stood for the clouds.
After that, they took extra newborn coloured wraps to form a rainbow. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the rainbow is upside down.
“The rainbow comes from heaven to earth — red by heaven, violet by earth — to show God’s faithfulness,” said Jen. “Here I chose to have it start from earth to Heaven to show a receiving of God’s faithfulness and gift that comes in the midst of a storm.”
Many were inspired by the stunning and powerful photos because it not only commemorated the arrival of baby Charlotte, it was also a fitting tribute to her older siblings who sadly weren’t meant to be born into the world.
Many families, who have also experienced the grief of losing a child found comfort in the photo, knowing that they are not alone in their suffering.
About 20 percent of pregnancies reportedly end in miscarriage; an average of 1 percent of pregnancies in the U.S. end in stillbirth.
More than touching hearts, photo shoots such as this one helps to raise awareness and inspire compassion even from those who aren’t parents. This is a timely reminder that the storms in life are just temporary and that there is always hope.
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