by Melissa Willets posted in Pregnancy

Loss moms like me don't need Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month to make us aware of the tragedy and trauma of loss. But this month is crucial for raising the collective consciousness about the reality of living with loss, an ache that will never go away. It can only be soothed over time, with love, and perhaps, the promise of new life.
JoAnn Marrero of From Labor to Love Photography recently captured eight women who are pregnant with rainbow babies -- babies conceived after the dark storm of loss. These photos honor that loss, and embrace the hope of new life. In a post on Facebook, Marrero wrote, "We must remember and celebrate the beautiful souls that we grieve for so deeply, yet we must stand tall, be brave and look ahead to the beauty the future will bring."
"During our Annual Maternity Rainbow session we honored eight amazing women," she added, and then went on to explain the backstory of some of the losses these brave moms have endured.
"We hold in our hearts baby Evan who passed shortly after birth and for the sorrows we felt through miscarriages and dreams that haven't yet come true. We honor a beautiful pair of sisters who both have losses yet celebrate sister Anna who gave birth to her rainbow baby just 11 months ago and is now pregnant and is carrying (growing, nurturing and loving) her sister Beth's rainbow baby."

Her powerful post concludes, "The power of love and family...