'4 Years, 7 Attempts, and 1,616 Shots': Photo of Rainbow Baby Goes Viral
Pregnancy is a blessing, and a new baby even more so. Sadly, for many couples, it takes years of IVF treatments and multiple miscarriages before they finally have a little one to hold in their arms.
A baby born after so much struggle and heartache has been affectionately termed a “rainbow baby” — a miracle baby.
According to The Bump, “A rainbow baby is a baby born shortly after the loss of a previous baby due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or death in infancy.”
“This term is given to these special rainbow babies because a rainbow typically follows a storm, giving us hope of what’s to come.”
Penn Medicine notes that a 2017 report showed 1 million babies were born between 1987 and 2015 thanks to the help of IVF treatments.
The road is long and often brings disappointment. Mothers usually have to try the treatments again and again.
According to Penn Medicine, the chances of carrying a healthy, full term baby following treatment is only 21.3 percent if you are under 35 years of age.
But the hope of a sweet baby boy or girl keeps many couples pushing through the struggle together. Because the reward at the end of those storms is truly priceless.
A trend on social media featuring photos of “rainbow babies” has encouraged parents to share their stories.
In February, People featured a photo taken by photographer Kelly Chance. The effect was quite stunning.
On first glance, it appears to be an infant pictured next to a work of art. But look closer and you’ll see exactly what that rainbow is made of.
Vials, needles, and other items used on the Cetinguc’s journey to their “rainbow baby” are featured in the photo.
These types of photos are growing in popularity, as parents with similar stories are moved to save their needles and vials too, hoping one day to use them in a photo like this one.
On August 10, Packer Family Photography shared their first ever “rainbow baby” shot. The result is both eye-catching and sobering, a reminder of the family’s struggle toward their future hope.
The photo caption notes that the mom of this sweet baby said it took “4 years, 7 attempts, 3 miscarriages and 1,616 shots” before they brought their “rainbow baby” home.
Other parents have since commented on the photo — which has been shared over 50K times to date. One mom shared a photo of her IVF baby surrounded by ultrasound pictures.
“Worth the wait,” the baby’s onesie reads. Another mom replied to the rainbow heart needle photo with one of her own.
Though this one wasn’t taken by a professional photographer, the message still carries quite an impact.
In a country where many fight for the right to terminate a pregnancy, these women’s stories serve as a reminder that babies are a gift to be treasured.
What a beautiful collection of photos. Congratulations to all the families who have found joy in their “rainbow babies.”
Our prayers are with those still trying to conceive. We hope one day you will all be able to take a “rainbow baby” photo as well.
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