LOOK: Amazing rainbow birth photos show there is life after loss

This series of touching photos documenting the birth of rainbow baby Liam will give hope to many couples who long to have a baby after a stillbirth or miscarriage.

LOOK: Amazing rainbow birth photos show there is life after loss

These photos taken by Georgia-based photographer Rachel Smith have been touching hearts all over the internet.

Capturing each beautiful detail of the day Erika and Luke Messamer's son Liam came into the world, the photos are all the more powerful when viewed knowing why his birth is so special.

You see: Liam is a rainbow baby.

They had a stillborn daughter

Erikah and Luke were expecting a daughter 18 months earlier.

But, sadly, they soon found that the baby they planned to name Ailene Martina ("Ali") would be stillborn at 23 weeks.

Luke was in Japan when he heard the news

He tells photographer Rachel Smith that it was the longest flight he has ever been on.

She was in labor for 33 hours

After a grueling labor which lasted nearly two days, Erikah gave birth to her daughter, Ali.

She was born sleeping at 10 oz. and 11 in., but was considered stillborn soon after she came into the world.

9 months after the painful loss, Erikah and Luke found out that they were expecting another child.

Finally parents

18 months after that heartbreaking stillbirth, Erikah and Luke's prayers were answered when they welcomed their healthy son, Liam, into the world.

They never gave up hope

Erikah describes her son Liam as "proof that there is life after loss."

A rainbow blessing

They consider him a rainbow baby sent straight from heaven.

Sheer bliss

The look of pure joy on the faces of Liam's parents is truly priceless.

Mother and son meet

Photographer Rachel Smith says in her blog, "Erikah wants nothing more than for families and especially mother's to know that it's okay to talk about your loss or losses because they were something real."

Their story truly shows that there is hope for couples who long to have children after stillbirth

Welcome to the world, Liam!

LOOK: The raw beauty of childbirth captured in stunning photos

source: Rachel Smith photography If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

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Written by

Bianchi Mendoza

English