Images by Leilani Rogers
Photographer Leilani Rogers’ stunning birth photography captures the emotional journey of couples facing the challenges of miscarriage and the joy of welcoming rainbow babies. Every birth is unique, but for Julian and Mia Collins, the birth of their daughter was particularly poignant due to their difficult path to parenthood.
After experiencing years of infertility and multiple miscarriages—including two early losses and a devastating later miscarriage when an ultrasound revealed that their son, Max, had no heartbeat—Julian and Mia found hope with the arrival of their daughter, Lily. Lily is a “rainbow baby,” a term used to describe a child born following a loss.
The couple’s emotional journey was beautifully documented by Austin, Texas-based photographer Leilani Rogers, who has captured a variety of birth stories. “Getting to know the Collins family has been an incredible experience,” she shares. “They worked tirelessly to bring Lily into the world and worried until the very moment she was placed in their arms. You can see the relief and happiness radiating from them in these images.”
When the couple discovered Mia was pregnant with Lily, they felt a mix of excitement and anxiety due to their previous losses and concerns over low progesterone levels and the pregnancy hormone HCG. “We were fully prepared for the worst,” Mia recalls. “Every day felt like we were waiting for something to go wrong.”
After a long labor of nearly 40 hours, the couple was thrilled to finally become parents. Mia described the experience as “surreal” and deeply emotional, often reflecting on their loss of Max during labor. The photos not only capture the touching moments but also highlight the emotional impact that miscarriage and the journey to parenthood can have on fathers. For Julian, the birth was filled with joyful anticipation, mixed with concern for Mia’s well-being.
“I was in awe of holding something so perfect, and I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for finally becoming a father,” Julian expressed. “It’s a dream I’ve always had, and I can honestly say it’s the most incredible thing I’ve ever done.” One memorable image shows Julian cradling Lily against his chest, where her tiny face rests against a tattoo he has in memory of Max. Rogers describes this moment as a “symbol of triumph.”
The atmosphere in the delivery room was serene, but once Lily arrived, it transformed into a celebration with family members coming in to share hugs and joy. “It was such a beautiful moment,” Rogers recalls. “You can clearly see the joy and relief in their faces. Documenting a father’s genuine reaction is particularly special; birth is a family experience, not just about the mom and baby.”
Julian and Mia credit their extended family for their unwavering support throughout their journey. “The road through infertility and loss is incredibly challenging, regardless of where it leads you,” Mia reflects. “Finding support in unexpected places truly made a difference for us, whether it was our friends, family, church, or our faith in God.”
The couple’s trials brought them closer together, forging a strong bond as they navigated their experiences. “All the birth stories I capture hold a special place in my heart,” Rogers notes. “But telling a story of triumph, like Julian and Mia’s, makes it even more meaningful.”
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In summary, this heartwarming story illustrates the profound emotional journey of Julian and Mia Collins as they welcomed their rainbow baby, Lily, after overcoming significant challenges. Their experience highlights the importance of support and family during such pivotal moments in life.