The heartbreaking photos showing the pain of losing a child

At any given moment, countless women and men around the world are grappling with the grief of child loss.

Regardless of the catalyst - whether it be miscarriage, divorce, infertility, abortion - child loss is so often a private pain, one that’s not always discussed openly.

Though a poignant photo project, Susana Butterworth is hoping to pull back the curtain and let others know they’re not alone in their heartbreak.

The US photographer’s first child, a little boy named Walter, was stillborn earlier this year. When Butterworth was 35 weeks pregnant, doctors found her unborn son had a rare, serious genetic disorder.

After seeing how loved ones shied away from talking about her loss, Butterworth created the EMPTY Photo Project, aiming of breaking down the stigma surrounding child loss.

“As a photographer and artist, I naturally wanted to make something meaningful out of this heartbreaking experience,” the 23-year-old tells HuffPost UK.

“Those who have lost children can’t heal if they feel alone and have no one to talk to.”

The series features portraits of mothers who have experienced child loss, taken in locations significant to their individual stories. 

Sands Australia provides support and information about miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death. Call 1300 072 637 or visit sands.org.au