A Birth Is a Birth No Matter How Small- Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

Today, October 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. While I have never experienced a loss like this myself, I have been able to support others through it as a doula, photographer, and friend. 

July, 4th 2019 Sweet Baby James physically came into the world. He had passed in his mother's womb around 16 weeks. He was so little but already meant so much to his family.    

I'm sure every person in the room had a different version of the story to tell. But here is mine. Mostly via images.

Many tears were shed. But joy filled the room as we awaited his arrival. We talked about our children and pregnancies. Shared silly stories. Had many moments of silence and rest. Talked about baby names and where we came from. Samantha and I had actually gone to the same high school and had a few mutual friends. The best stories were of her and her sisters births and how they all had the same doctor! He wasn't due to be on call until the morning so we weren't sure if he would make it to help deliver her sweet sleeping baby. In the end he did arrive just in time! Sometimes our bodies just know to wait for the right people to show up. Concord Hospital was truly amazing with their care and staff that were there to support Samantha and her family through the entire process... even after their shifts had ended. 

I had the title of this blog planned for a long time. I've had friends who had their births dismissed because of how soon they had to deliver. Miscarriage. While medically maybe this word has it's place - this was a birth. The birth of a sweet boy to his loving parents.

With permission from this family I share with you their story in images. These images show all aspects of birth and their 16 week old baby. Please keep this in mind if you choose to move forward as it may be hard for some to see. 

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If you or a friend are experiencing a loss and wish to have your birth/baby photographed please reach out. Myself and many other photographers in the area will do so for free or by donation. We want everyone to be able to have these moments captured to help you remember every important moment and detail. Many find that having photos to look back on help you process and heal. It is not a requirement to share these images but I thank Samantha and her family for sharing these intimate moments with all of us to help bring awareness and real life events to the public eye.