This Gorgeous Rainbow Baby Photo Shoot Honors Both Love and Loss

Published on 8/19/2019 at 5:00 PM

Ashley Sargent Photography

Any woman who has struggled with infertility or loss knows how lonely it can feel. In an effort to lessen the sense of loneliness, Ashley Sargent, an Alabama photographer, united women who miscarried and then went on to conceive rainbow babies — babies born after loss. Dozens of women agreed to participate, which Sargent hopes will help everyone who sees the gorgeous images understand they are not alone if they too are experiencing the pain of trying to have a baby.

"Our son is a result of a four-year prayer," Sargent told POPSUGAR about her journey through infertility. "It was a very dark time for my husband and myself. I felt so lost and alone. I was afraid to talk about my emotions, and I just couldn't understand why I had to go through so much pain."

I also know that pain, having lost a baby at 23 weeks pregnant. I went on to conceive another baby after a painful and emotional IVF journey. When I came across Sargent's photo shoot featuring rainbow babies and their brave mamas, I felt an instant connection to them. In the deeply moving photos, the women not only honor the babies they had to say goodbye to, but also celebrate the life that came after loss. "I wanted our stories to all be shared together," Sargent said about the clients and friends who participated, adding, "They are mothers of all ages and generations."

Read on to see the beautiful and touching photo shoot, and learn more about how the project has already inspired so many.

"It was a very emotional shoot," Sargent told POPSUGAR. "Some of the moms were ready to tell their stories, and some of them were still holding onto new raw emotions."

"[The moms who participated in the shoot] struggled between celebrating the children they are blessed with, and trying to remember the children they lost," Sargent explained.

To help honor the angel babies, Sargent surprised each woman with a balloon. "They knew we were doing the photo shoot for the purpose of spreading hope and encouragement, but I also wanted this to be about them, and their broken hearts, and a way to allow them further healing. I asked them to take a balloon and remember the children they lost, whisper their name, or a little 'I love you,' and to let go of that hurt."

The moment was deeply emotional for many of the moms.

They watched as their balloons drifted up, up, up. And away.

"I hope our photo shoots gives hope to those that are still in that dark place," Sargent told POPSUGAR.

"I hope this is uplifting to those needing a little peace. I hope that grieving mothers can know it's OK to talk about their children . . . all of them."

POPSUGAR asked Sargent how the participants reacted to the shoot. "So many moms reached out to me thanking me," she said.

Many moms relayed how healing it was to talk about what they went through, and appreciated the opportunity to use their struggles to help someone else.

For many of the moms, this experience was about women helping and loving others.

"It's a breath of fresh air to bring positive news to the world!" Sargent said.

Sargent said the takeaway of the shoot is that ultimately, if you are struggling, "You are not alone. We all struggle. We all have pain, but you can overcome. Do not lose your hope."