Everything you need to know about rainbow babies

When you see that second pink line on a pregnancy test, it changes your whole life in the snap of a finger. Having a baby is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that fills you with love, hope and anticipation. However, along with this delight, comes the anxiety of a miscarriage, the birth of a deceased baby or the loss of the baby you have longed for... But, in these cases, what happens to mothers who suffer the pain of miscarriage? How do they cope with the unbearable agony and sadness? What happens if they finally conceive another child after such a devastating loss? This is what it means to have a rainbow baby.

The symbolism of rainbows

A rainbow baby is an appellation given to a healthy baby born after miscarriage, infant loss, stillbirth or neonatal death. A rainbow baby is the result of a rainbow pregnancy, which is sometimes filled with complicated emotions such as fear, relief and even guilt.

Although the future rainbow baby brings the parents joy, it is impossible to forget the previous loss. When the rainbow baby is introduced, the previous baby is often referred to as the "angel".

The name "rainbow baby" derives from the idea of a rainbow, emerging in the sky after a storm or a dark and chaotic period. In recent times, the phrase has gained popularity on blogs and social media, and has come to represent optimism and healing.

After the loss...

Talking about how you feel after loss can be reassuring. You can communicate with your partner, family and friends. Don't be afraid to reach out to your doctor for a referral to a mental health expert or counsellor who can help you through this difficult time.

It is essential that you take care of yourself and give yourself time to recover. Women who experience perinatal loss are more likely to suffer from postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, sadness, anxiety and difficulty sleeping.

Don't put too much pressure on yourself to heal alone or to "get over it", and put aside worries such as fear of childbirth. Instead, seek medical assistance and encourage your partner and family to be patient and loving enough. Some mothers say it helps to connect with other women who have lost a baby through support groups or social media.

Postpartum emotions

The bittersweet feelings that accompany the birth of a baby don't always end with the birth of your child. According to studies, 15-20% of women who have experienced early pregnancy loss experience despair or anxiety, which can last up to three years.  Others suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of miscarriage.

It is essential to plan for the duration of your bereavement. No child can replace a child you have lost, even if at the beginning you are more focused and centred on the baby you have just given birth to. Sadness and loss can come unexpectedly, just as it did during pregnancy.

Healing does not mean forgetting

Don't be afraid to keep your lost baby in your life, but do it in a way that is unique and meaningful to you. Creating new and wonderful rituals with your rainbow baby is also a unique way to commemorate their new and amazing existence.