When I think of a story of beauty and hope, I think of Abrya and Michael’s. Their Reading, Pennsylvania pregnancy story is one that didn't begin with all the joy you might expect.
It’s a story of grief, fear, and joy, reminding us that there is always hope through what may feel like an unbearable storm.
In October 2023, after 22 weeks of pregnancy, Abrya and Michael went through the unimaginable—losing their sweet baby girl, Mila, who was born sleeping. This was their first pregnancy, and it ended with such unfairness, leaving them to navigate the road of grief and the heartbreak of losing someone so special. "Leaving the hospital empty-handed was one of the most painful experiences of my life," Abrya says.
Four months after their daughter Mila’s birth, and after many false positives, Abrya discovered she was expecting again. Reflecting on that moment, she shares, "I was terrified. I didn’t want to tell my partner because I was afraid it was another false positive. I was also afraid of another baby born asleep. I didn’t want my partner to hurt again. But I chose to tell him anyway, and I’m so grateful I did. He has been my rock and support since we found out so early.”
This pregnancy, however, was also not without its own challenges. Abrya explains, “I had very low HCG levels, began spotting, and our baby was measuring two weeks behind. I also had low progesterone. We stayed hopeful, but we could tell that even the midwives were doubtful. After beginning progesterone supplements and undergoing constant lab work, our little fighter started measuring on track and thriving. We faced another hurdle with genetic testing; there wasn’t enough of the baby’s DNA in my blood to determine any results. We had to wait for the 20-week anatomy scan, which thankfully showed no markers of genetic defects—and that we were having a baby boy.”
When I asked what her favorite part of this pregnancy was, Abrya replied, “Feeling the baby move! Even when the jabs are hard, I love that he moves so much and reassures me he’s here and doing just fine.”
I had the pleasure of photographing and getting to know Abrya and Michael for their maternity portraits. “Aside from the baby shower venue, maternity pictures were the first thing I looked into and started booking,” she shared. “I definitely knew I wanted maternity pictures even before I got pregnant. I wanted someone who could provide the gowns, had a style I liked, and also offered newborn shoots.”
“I loved how comfortable I felt. I didn’t have to worry about what to wear or how to pose because Ashlie made everything easy and smooth. I felt no pressure and felt so confident in the way she posed us.” Abrya mentioned when reflecting on her maternity photoshoot in my Reading, Pennsylvania studio.
From the start, I knew it was important to incorporate her daughter into her maternity portraits. This can be a powerful part of the healing process. “It was very important to us to still give Mila the maternity pictures that we were denied because of her passing. Having both of my babies as the subject of some of the portraits is something I will always cherish.” We honored Mila by incorporating butterflies into the portraits, a symbol that reminds them of her.
“When I look at our portraits, I feel a flurry of emotions. I’m so grateful I found Ashlie, someone I am so comfortable with. I am filled with joy thinking of the baby boy I get to bring earth-side. I also have waves of grief. Being able to incorporate our daughter into our portraits means the world to me. My heart is so full looking at the portraits, knowing she is always with us and her little brother. I couldn’t be more thankful for Ashlie working with us to make sure our sweet girl was not forgotten.”
Abrya is “so excited to bring a healthy baby boy earth-side, to hear him cry, to see his face. Every sleepless night will be worth it, knowing my son is alive. Every hurdle we face as first-time parents will be nothing compared to the loss of our first. I am looking forward to his life more than anything. Whatever happens, whoever he grows to be, I will face it with pride in my son because I know loss, and nothing can change my love for both of my children.”
One of the moments she’s most looking forward to is bringing her little boy home and seeing Michael walk to the car, safe and snug in the car seat.
Are you interested in creating lasting memories of your own family journey? Explore my maternity portrait services and let me help capture the moments you’ll cherish forever.
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