This Photographer Is Bringing Attention to Pregnancy Loss Through a Powerful Photo Shoot

After having a miscarriage in December 2015, photographer Melanie Paterak from Atkins, AR, has experienced how difficult it can be to discuss loss. So when a woman contacted her to see if she'd be interested in creating a photography project that centered on pregnancy loss, she jumped at the opportunity to open up the conversation through a powerful photo shoot.

Melanie told POPSUGAR that she received a text with the photo shoot idea from a local woman who had suffered a miscarriage. "I told her we had also lost a baby," Melanie said. "She and I got on the phone the next day and immediately clicked. We worked back and forth for around a month planning this shoot, then put out a post asking other moms if they'd like to be involved."

After recruiting a handful of women, Melanie started the project and quickly realized that every person's experience was different. She gave each woman a chalkboard and asked each them to write something that their friends and family had said to them after their loss. As you can imagine, some comments were more helpful and validating than others. And after seeing these women be so open with experiences both negative and positive, she's encouraging other women to speak up about pregnancy loss.

"My hope is that women who have been through loss will look at this and understand they're not alone," explained Melanie. "The title of this project was 'Positive Words.' We completely understand that during difficult times, sometimes people are at a loss as to what to say. Sometimes your heart may be in the best place with the best intentions, but in a place of grieving, we interpret things differently. We felt this project was important to show what stuck with us, both the positive and not so, and some women even shared their due dates of their rainbow baby and rainbow baby's birth."

Melanie plans to do a separate shoot revolving around the same topic, this time involving dads. Until then, she's enjoying every moment with her 1-and-a-half-year-old rainbow baby, Pierce. Read ahead to get a look at the incredibly powerful project.

Portraits by Melanie Photography

"She's in a better place." Was I not good enough?

Portraits by Melanie Photography

"At least you didn't have to get to know her and then lose her."

Portraits by Melanie Photography

"At least you weren't THAT pregnant."

Portraits by Melanie Photography

"He is handsome . . . At least you would never know he had a heart condition."

Portraits by Melanie Photography

"At least you're still young. You can try again."

Portraits by Melanie Photography

"You aren't going to cry on me on you?"

Portraits by Melanie Photography

"At least you were not that far along."

Portraits by Melanie Photography

"At least you were able to get pregnant." Two of my babies died.

Portraits by Melanie Photography

"I'm sorry you can't have children."

Portraits by Melanie Photography

"Just remember she doesn't replace him." (After my stillbirth).

Portraits by Melanie Photography

"There had to be something wrong with your baby."

Portraits by Melanie Photography

"She is beautiful." My 36-week stillbirth girl was PERFECT.

Portraits by Melanie Photography

"Your baby will always be with you."

Portraits by Melanie Photography

"I'm sorry. I know how much you wanted this. I'm here for you."

Portraits by Melanie Photography

"I want you to see that even though the greatest losses and sadness of the times you had, you, my beautiful baby girl, will overcome it ALL."