A poignant photo series sheds light on the emotional turmoil surrounding miscarriage and infertility. While rainbow baby images often symbolize hope for women who have suffered a miscarriage, there are many others grappling with complex feelings after a pregnancy loss, even if they are not actively trying to conceive.
After enduring three miscarriages and unsuccessfully taking fertility medications for six months, Laura Mitchell was informed that IVF might be her final opportunity to carry a pregnancy to term. Overwhelmed with grief, Laura sought a way to articulate her emotions before deciding on her next steps toward motherhood. She connected with photographer Chloe Smith of Smith Photography, based in Seattle, to document her journey through a heartfelt photo shoot.
Chloe resonated deeply with Laura’s struggle. Although she is a proud mother of two, she always envisioned her family including four children. “When my son turned two, we felt ready to welcome another child,” she shares. After two challenging years of trying to conceive, Chloe experienced a miscarriage. Despite having two healthy pregnancies previously, doctors were puzzled by her loss, ultimately diagnosing her with PCOS. “I’ve come to terms with the idea that expanding my family may not be in the cards for me. Even though my experience with miscarriage was singular, the emotional toll lingers,” she reflects.
The inspiration for the photos came from a collaborative effort. “When Laura first requested this session, I jotted down all the emotions I had faced since my miscarriage. The only analogy that fit was a tornado,” Chloe explains. “It encapsulates the whirlwind of feelings, the highs and lows. There were moments when I felt completely numb, as if my heart was twisting inside. The tornado symbolizes those heart-wrenching emotions.”
Laura identifies the poppy as a symbol of her experience since baby books often liken a four-week pregnancy to the size of a poppy seed. All of her pregnancies ended in early miscarriages, and she is determined to move past the “poppy seed” stage. She shares her journey on her blog, Beyond the Poppyseed, where she candidly discusses her struggles with infertility and loss.
Chloe hopes these photographs provide insight into the heavy emotions that accompany miscarriage. “People often don’t understand the depth of this pain until they encounter it themselves. Sometimes, well-meaning comments can feel hurtful,” she notes. “Being told you cannot have children is a gut-wrenching reality, often filled with shame and internal conflict. Experiencing one or multiple losses can be incredibly difficult to navigate. Women need support, not unsolicited advice.”
In one powerful image, Laura’s poppy symbol intertwines with a rainbow, representing her ongoing hope for a rainbow baby.
The photo shoot proved to be an emotionally charged experience for both women. “There were moments where we walked in silence, and I found myself tearing up several times during the shoot and while editing,” Chloe admits. “It was both therapeutic and heart-wrenching. I truly believe I was meant to tell these stories, even when they’re tough to share.”
For more on how to navigate the emotional challenges of pregnancy and infertility, check out this excellent resource on intrauterine insemination. Also, if you’re exploring options for home insemination, Make A Mom offers great insights.
Summary: Laura Mitchell’s poignant journey through infertility and pregnancy loss is captured in a moving photo series by Chloe Smith. The collaboration highlights the emotional complexities surrounding miscarriage and the hope for future pregnancies. Through symbols like the poppy and rainbow, they aim to shed light on the heartache faced by many women in similar situations.