Annually, National Rainbow Baby Day is observed on August 22. On this day, families across the nation honour the lives of their deceased infants while also commemorating motherhood. A rainbow baby is a child born to a family that has experienced stillbirth, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or infant fatality in the past. These subsequent pregnancies can induce acute anxiety, guilt, and even dread, in addition to happiness and healing. The name ‘rainbow’ alludes to the child’s ability to provide optimism and solace following a previous loss.
The background of National Rainbow Baby Day
Rainbow babies and pregnancy loss have existed since the beginning of time, but the holiday celebrating them is relatively new. National Rainbow Baby Day was established in 2018 by Alexis DelChiaro, founder of the charity What The Fertility. Being a mother and raising her children, according to the former TV personality and anchor, was her true vocation and passion. In response to her experience, she created National Rainbow Baby Day.
In terms of sorrow and anguish, miscarriages, stillbirths, and infant loss are sometimes compared to a storm. A rainbow baby is a pregnancy that is fruitful after an unsuccessful one. By 2008, the expression was included in the collection “Our Heartbreaking Choices” by Christie Brooks, in an article titled “Forty-Six Women Share Their Stories of Interrupting a Desired Pregnancy.” As a consequence, the term gained popularity in mother-to-mother online forums, aided by the cultural destigmatization of miscarriages.
In their 2015 children’s book, “A Rainbow Baby Story,” Crystal Falk and Kim Roman provided families with care and advice on the topic. Beyoncé and Jay Z, who both have rainbow babies, are occasionally featured on prominent websites and in magazines. Rainbow babies represent many things, including love, faith, and new beginnings. Their very existence is a gift that their parents never anticipated receiving. Speaking about rainbow infants is also necessary because it can help parents who have lost a child feel less alone. The day has been designated a national holiday for this reason.
5 fascinating facts about rainbow babies
The birth of a new child will precipitate grief outbursts.
Some parents find it difficult to enable others to hold their rainbow baby.
It is possible for mothers of rainbow infants to experience postpartum depression and anxiety.
Mothers may experience sentiments of estrangement or overprotection.
In the weeks following childbirth, most new mothers experience feelings of isolation and isolation.
NATIONAL RAINBOW BABY DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | August 22 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | August 22 | Thursday |
| 2025 | August 22 | Friday |
| 2026 | August 22 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August 22 | Sunday |
