What is a Rainbow Baby?

A rainbow baby also called sunshine baby, is a term used to describe a child born to a parent who has previously experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, or infant loss.

The birth of a rainbow baby can be a bittersweet experience for parents who are overjoyed by the birth of their child, while still mourning the loss of a child who has passed away. The term is inspired by the appearance of a rainbow in nature. "after every storm comes a rainbow".

Expecting a Rainbow Baby

Most women who lose their babies will get pregnant again and have a healthy baby. Expecting again can cause a lot of conflicting emotions such as guilt, relief, excitement, and sadness. You can go through the range of emotions at your pace, grieve the way that feels right for you, and celebrate this new baby however you like. It's perfectly fine to keep it to yourself for a few weeks before your pregnancy becomes visible. It's not just your physical health that needs to be taken care of; your mental health is equally important.

Rainbow babies are a lot more common than people think, as around 85 percent of women suffer a pregnancy loss before having a baby. About one-third of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, and many couples don't even realize they're pregnant until after the first trimester. This means that 1 out of 3 babies will not survive past the first month of life. 

This statistic alone makes it extremely important for couples to know how to deal with this situation if they find themselves experiencing one.

Women who experience pregnancy loss are at a greater risk of developing severe mood disorders such as postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. You might feel anxious about losing this baby, as well. If you do, talk to someone you trust, whether it's a friend, family member, doctor, counselor, or support group.

The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. There are millions of other women going through what you are, and there are also plenty of resources available to help you cope with these feelings.

Rainbow Baby Gifts

A rainbow gift for mom and baby is one of the ways to honor the loss that came before while celebrating the arrival of the newborn.

It is very special to give gifts to mothers who have suffered from pregnancy loss. The best time to buy gifts for moms who have lost a baby is during the first year following the loss.

Mothers who have gone through pregnancy loss often need extra love and attention. They may feel guilty because they believe they should be happy about their new baby, but they miss their previous children so much.

If you want to make sure that your gift will be appreciated, consider giving something thoughtful. A card or flowers are nice, but some mothers appreciate things like a blanket, stuffed animal, or a handmade quilt.

Don’t forget to include a note explaining why you chose each item. For example: “I made this quilt for you because I know how hard it was to lose your son.”