Celebrating Rainbow Babies: The Power of New Beginnings
- adelemorris
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
There is something deeply moving about the arrival of a rainbow baby.
A rainbow baby is a baby born after a miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, or infant loss. Much like the rainbow that appears after a storm, these little ones bring light, hope, and healing after one of life’s darkest experiences. Their presence doesn’t erase the loss, but it adds a new chapter to your story, a chapter filled with love, gratitude, and new beginnings.
As a newborn photographer and a mum who has walked the path of loss myself, I’ve had the honour of photographing many rainbow babies. Each session is steeped in emotion, in depth, and in meaning. Today, I want to share why these sessions matter, what makes them unique, and how they can offer a sense of celebration and healing for families.
What Is a Rainbow Baby?
The term "rainbow baby" describes a healthy baby born after losing a previous baby due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death. The concept is powerful: just as a rainbow doesn’t make us forget the storm, a rainbow baby doesn't replace the baby who was lost. Instead, they remind us that beauty and hope can exist alongside grief.
Rainbow babies are often born into a world already filled with emotion. They arrive to parents who know the depths of loss. Who’ve waited longer. Prayed harder. Felt more fear. And who also, often, love with an intensity shaped by the journey that came before.
Why Rainbow Baby Photography Matters
Capturing images of your rainbow baby isn’t just about documenting their tiny features or those early days. It’s about celebrating the journey it took to get here.
For many parents, rainbow baby sessions are incredibly cathartic. The experience of honouring both the baby they lost and the one they’ve welcomed brings a sense of peace. These sessions are filled with a quiet kind of joy, the kind that whispers, "We made it."
As your photographer, I take great care to acknowledge and respect every part of your story. Sessions are relaxed, baby-led, and deeply respectful of your emotional landscape.
Creating Space for Both Joy and Grief
One of the most beautiful things about rainbow baby photography is that it doesn’t shy away from the complexity of your journey. It embraces the whole story: the heartbreak, the waiting, the hope, the healing.
Some families bring memory items from their angel baby, perhaps a small teddy, a blanket, or a framed photo. Some want to include soft rainbow colours in the styling, while others opt for more subtle nods. There’s no one right way to do it.
What matters most is that your session reflects you. Your love. Your strength. Your family’s unique story.
Styling and Symbolism in Rainbow Baby Sessions
I offer a range of gentle rainbow-themed props and accessories for those who wish to use them:
Delicate rainbow wraps
Subtle rainbow backdrops
Embroidered rainbow hats or blankets
These aren’t bright or overwhelming. They’re soft, meaningful touches designed to honour your baby’s significance while keeping the styling elegant and timeless. And of course, everything is optional.
You can also bring items that connect you with your angel baby, a name tag, a small keepsake, or something that represents them. These little touches can be woven into your session in a way that feels respectful, personal, and deeply meaningful.
The Power of Telling Your Story
Sharing your journey, whether publicly or privately—is an act of courage. Rainbow baby sessions give you a safe, beautiful way to tell that story without words. Through images that show your baby cradled in love. Through moments that honour both grief and joy.
Through portraits that capture not just what you’ve gained, but what you’ve carried through.
Photography becomes a form of storytelling—a way of saying, "This is our journey. This is our joy. And this is the baby who came after the storm."
My Own Rainbow Baby Story
As a mum who has experienced pregnancy loss, I understand how fragile those early days feel. I remember the mix of gratitude, fear, and fierce love. That experience changed me, and shaped the way I approach every rainbow session I photograph.
It’s why I offer a calm, supportive space for families. Why I work slowly, gently, and with great care. Why I make space for tears, for quiet, and for honouring your full story.
You Deserve to Celebrate
Every baby deserves to be celebrated. And your rainbow baby, born after loss, deserves to be honoured in a way that reflects the journey you’ve taken to meet them.
These photographs will become more than just keepsakes. They’ll become reminders of strength, resilience, and the light that followed your storm.
If you're ready to book a rainbow baby session, or simply want to learn more, I’m here. You don’t need to have the perfect words or know exactly what you want. Just bring your story, and I’ll take care of the rest.
📸 Ready to celebrate your rainbow baby with a heartfelt, meaningful session? Get in touch here.
Let’s Talk in the Comments
I'd love to hear your thoughts:
Have you welcomed a rainbow baby into your family?
What does the term “rainbow baby” mean to you personally?
Your voice matters here. Feel free to share, reflect, or simply say hello.
You Might Also Find These Posts Helpful
Whether you’re preparing for a newborn session, navigating the emotions of welcoming a rainbow baby, or simply seeking reassurance as a new parent — here are some blog posts you might love:
"78 Quotes to Announce and Celebrate the Arrival of a Rainbow Baby"
A collection of heartfelt quotes perfect for announcing the birth of your rainbow baby or reflecting on their significance. Ideal for birth announcements, nursery art, and more.
"25 Touching Quotes to honour National Rainbow Baby Day"
25 emotional quotes to celebrate and honour your rainbow baby on National Rainbow Baby Day. A beautiful way to reflect on your journey and the joy that follows loss.
“When, How & Why to Book a Newborn Photoshoot”A gentle guide to help you feel confident about when to book, what to expect, and why it matters — especially for rainbow baby parents.
“About My Studio: A Safe & Calm Space for Newborns”Peek inside the studio and discover how I create a soothing, baby-led environment that’s perfect for nervous new parents and emotional moments.
“What Is a Rainbow Baby? And Why We Celebrate Them With Extra Love”A heartfelt look at what it means to have a rainbow baby, with real stories and sensitive insights from my own clients.
“How to Prepare for Your Rainbow Baby Photoshoot”Practical tips and emotional support to help you feel ready for your session, even if you’re feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.
You deserve support, care, and beautiful memories.Explore the rest of the blog for more thoughtful reads created with you in mind — from bump to baby and beyond.
Support for Rainbow Baby Parents
Welcoming a rainbow baby is a deeply emotional journey, one filled with both joy and grief, hope and healing. Whether you’re currently expecting or holding your rainbow baby in your arms, please know you’re not alone. There are incredible organisations and communities out there offering support, understanding, and comfort for every step of this journey.
Here are some trusted places you can turn to for support:
Tommy’s
A leading UK charity supporting parents through pregnancy loss, stillbirth, premature birth, and beyond. They offer a wealth of information, helplines, and a rainbow clinic directory to support parents expecting after loss.
Sands – Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity
Offering bereavement support, local groups, and practical help to anyone affected by the death of a baby. Sands also runs online forums and provides compassionate guidance during future pregnancies.
The Lullaby Trust
Provides expert advice on safer sleep for babies and emotional support for families who have lost a baby suddenly and unexpectedly. Their Care of Next Infant (CONI) programme supports families during subsequent pregnancies and beyond.
Remember My Baby
A volunteer-based UK charity offering remembrance photography for families who have experienced the loss of a baby. I’m proud to volunteer with them to help families preserve precious memories with sensitivity and love.
PANDAS Foundation
Supporting parents with perinatal mental health issues, including those navigating grief, anxiety, and depression after loss or while parenting a rainbow baby.
Please remember: your feelings are valid.
The joy of a new baby can sit alongside grief, fear, or uncertainty. If you’re struggling, there is help. These organisations are here to hold space for you—just as you hold space for your little one.
And if you’d like a safe, gentle photography experience to celebrate your rainbow baby, I’d love to connect with you. You're not alone on this path. 💗
About Me
I’m Adele Morris, a multi-award-winning newborn and family photographer based in Porthcawl, Bridgend, South Wales. I specialise in heartfelt, high-end maternity, newborn, and family photography that celebrates your unique story with care and creativity.
As a mum of three, I know just how precious those early days are, and how important it is to feel safe, seen, and supported while capturing them. My own experiences of baby loss, IVF, and parenting have shaped the way I work: with empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of the emotions that come with new life.
Before photography, I spent over 20 years working in education and special educational needs. I hold an Enhanced DBS check, multiple newborn safety posing certifications, and a Licentiate qualification with the SWPP. My studio is a calm, inclusive space where every family is welcomed with warmth and professionalism.
I also volunteer with Remember My Baby, offering remembrance photography to grieving families, a privilege that reminds me daily of the power and value of the work I do.
My work has been featured in Vogue Italia, Swansea Life, South Wales Weddings, Wales Online, and Bump, Baby & Beyond, and I bring that same level of care and artistry to every session I create.
Whether you’re holding your baby for the first time or adding to your growing family, I’ll help you capture the moments that matter—beautifully and safely.
Comments