You can use your pregnancy or birth announcements to set the appropriate tone. You may want to start by telling your closest family and friends in person first, so you can get their support. A lot of parents use rainbow imagery in their announcements because it keeps in mind the baby that was lost while you celebrate the baby that's coming. It’s important to take time to grieve after the loss of a child and to understand the grieving process. Grief is a very personal and complex emotion. Even if you’re anticipating a joyful new arrival, you can still mourn for the baby you lost. Talk with others who've been there. This could mean joining a grief group, talking with people you know who have lost a baby, or even just talking with your spouse. This helps you realize that you're not alone and could bring a measure of comfort.

Expecting again can raise a slew of conflicting emotions like guilt, relief, excitement, and sadness. You can go through every emotion, grieve the way you want to grieve, and celebrate this new pregnancy however you like. You might want to keep it to yourself until your pregnancy becomes visible, and that’s OK, too. Honoring a Pregnancy Loss and Celebrating a Rainbow Baby

Why Call Them a “Rainbow Baby”?

Society offers few outlets for parents to express their emotions and honor their pregnancy losses. Don’t be shy about asking your doctor for a referral to a mental health professional or counselor who can help you navigate this difficult time. Increasingly, women are sharing their stories of pregnancy loss more," Dr. Amaru adds. "It's a huge help, because it allows women to see their stories reflected in other women's stories." Real parent stories about rainbow babies A rainbow baby is a term for a child born after a family has suffered a pregnancy loss. The experience often comes with complicated emotions. It's normal to feel anxious when you're pregnant again and even guilt about being happy. It's important to take care of yourself and reach out for support. Rainbow Baby FAQs When something is taken from you, there is always something else given in its stead, just shinier and brighter.”

Rainbows have long been a symbol of light and beauty after a storm. So-called rainbow coalitions suggest diverse communities coming together to foster progress and unity. Most women who lose a baby will get pregnant again. Your body takes time to heal, but it’s your mental state that will often take the longest to recover. While it's impossible to ever fully recover from the loss of a child, those who have tend to seek and share advice and encouragement online. Here are some real mom stories about grieving angels, trying for a rainbow pregnancy and hopes for a rainbow baby:I [got] pregnant with our rainbow [baby], after my second son was stillborn at 36 weeks. We had our anatomy scan and did genetic testing, baby [was] healthy.Here’s the thing ... I fear people forgetting our angel.Our rainbow [was] due five days before our angel's first birthday." — LauraSawrie

I had a miscarriage. I was only 3-4 weeks pregnant at the time, but it was the worst time of my life. I didn't tell anyone but my husband, who never wanted to talk about it again. I felt alone and sad all the time ... My doc said to wait three months, so I did.We started trying again [and I got] pregnant with a little girl." — sweetpea7731 Shannon Smith,M.D., a board-certified OB/GYN/ partner at Brigham Faulkner OB/GYN Associatesin Boston, MA, and a member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board. Remember that this pregnancy isn't the same as your last one. Just because you lost your other baby doesn't mean you'll lose this one, too. Think about what you're grateful for. Practicing gratitude makes us happier. Recognizing all the good in your life, even outside of this new pregnancy, can lead to more satisfaction and help build stronger relationships.

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I miscarried twice ... both in the first trimester. Igot pregnant the second time about three months after the first miscarriage, and was taking birth control pill both times. I got an IUD soon after the second since I knew I couldn't handle a third loss at that time.I had my IUD removed since it was time, began a new relationship and got pregnant ... I [got pregnant] with my rainbow and everything is going perfectly so far. ... I was beginning to think I'd never get to be a mom." — 1inchllama Jennifer Wu,M.D., F.A.C.O.G., a board-certified OB/GYN/ founder of Women's Health of Manhattanin New York, NY, and a member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board. A rainbow baby is a pregnancy that ends in the birth of a healthy baby following a pregnancy loss," explains Shannon Smith, M.D., aboard-certified OB/GYN and partner at Brigham Faulkner OB/GYN Associatesin Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board. "The term symbolizes a healing and optimistic light for the parents after a traumatic experience." Mayo Clinic, Pregnancy After Miscarriage: What You Need to Know, October 2021. | Show in the article