The “rainbow baby”, a rainbow after the storm
August 4, 2021
In nature, the rainbow heralds the return of sunshine and good weather after the storm. With the family, it's the same. For some time now, we have been hearing about "rainbow babies", but who is behind this beautiful expression?
The “rainbow baby” is a miracle baby born after a perinatal bereavement in his family. Why this term? After every tragic pregnancy, there is a period of doubt: would it be possible to get pregnant again? Will I have the strength to want another baby? Some women may feel guilty about recovering from this ordeal. So talking about a rainbow baby allows them to emphasize that they are not forgetting what they have been through but are willing to move on.
The impact of perinatal bereavement often downplayed
The appearance of this comforting term says a lot about the psychological state of parents who have experienced perinatal bereavement. Indeed, according to studies, one in 10 women suffers a miscarriage and often needs psychological support. Despite the statistics, the impact of this event on the state of the parents is often minimized. To date, only one country has introduced leave for women who have suffered a miscarriage, and that is New Zealand.
In your opinion, should tragic pregnancies (miscarriages, perinatal deaths, or premature deaths) be taken more seriously?