A meaningful maternity boudoir session at the studio
*A gentle heads up - this blog post references pregnancy loss
When M reached out to book her second boudoir session with me, she was in a new season of life. She was pregnant, and she was grieving a past pregnancy loss, and she wanted to do something kind for herself as a way of honoring what she had gone through and celebrating where she was now. She wanted her session to be about gratitude, feeling beautiful, and cultivating love for herself and her body.
She started the session wearing a favorite, colorful robe of hers, which she actually wore during her first boudoir session with me as well! It created a meaningful thread of continuity between her boudoir sessions. She also wore a sports bra and cozy plaid pj pants followed by a mix-matched bra and underwear set. She loved how both looks felt effortless and everyday. M borrowed a few pieces from my studio layering wardrobe as well, including a stretchy fitted black slip and a flowy sheer robe. Some moments really accentuated the shape of her body lines and pregnant belly, and some moments where her belly isn’t visible felt like a beautiful celebration of herself as an individual.
M also was a participant in my Dear Body project, so as part of her boudoir experience she hand wrote a love letter to her body that I incorporated into her portraits. Her words provide a powerful window into the layers of emotion and meaning her session evoked.
Dear Body,
What a year we have had together. Twelve months ago we were running races traversing Tokyo and newly pregnant. Now we are no longer running, homebound, and pregnant again.
Admittedly, I’ve struggled with a grudge against you. How could you lose the baby? What is wrong with you? What is wrong with us?
But I know you wanted it like I did - that’s why you held on so long. And here we are, pregnant again, and rediscovering each other on the journey. You are doing so much for me. I know that my trust in you wavers still, but my awe continually grows.
Each change, the good and the bad, brings with it a sense of wonder at your capabilities. You remind me of how we are enough and that we make so much of life together. I look forward to the growth yet to come and the experiences we will share. I am so grateful for you and I will strive to share with you the grace you deserve.
Love,
M
Portraits at my Minneapolis boudoir studio
