Rainbow Baby Day is celebrated annually on August 22. It’s a day when families throughout the country commemorate the lives of their lost infants while also celebrating motherhood. A rainbow baby is a child delivered to a family who has previously experienced stillbirth, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or infant mortality. These subsequent pregnancies can cause intense anxiety, guilt, and even dread, as well as joy and healing. The name ‘rainbow’ refers to the child’s ability to bring optimism and relief after the emotional storm of a previous loss.
History of Rainbow Baby Day
Pregnancy loss and rainbow infants have been around since the dawn of time, but the holiday to honor them is relatively recent. Rainbow Baby Day was established in 2018 by the charity What The Fertility, founded by Alexis DelChiaro. The former T.V. personality and anchor claims that becoming a mother and raising her children was her genuine calling and passion. She developed National Rainbow Baby Day as a result of her experience.
Miscarriages, stillbirths, and infant loss are sometimes compared to a storm in terms of sadness and anguish. A rainbow baby is a successful pregnancy following a failed one. By 2008, the expression appeared in Christie Brooks’ collection “Our Heartbreaking Choices” in an article called ‘Forty-Six Women Tell Their Stories of Interrupting a Much-Wanted Pregnancy.’ As a result, the term gained traction on the internet in mother-to-mother forums, aided by the de-stigmatization of miscarriages in popular culture.
In their 2015 picture book, “A Rainbow Baby Story,” Crystal Falk and Kim Roman gave care and advice to families on the subject. Celebrities who have had rainbow babies, such as Beyoncé and Jay Z, are occasionally featured on popular websites and magazines. Rainbow babies symbolize a lot of things: love, hope, and new beginnings. Their very existence is a gift their parents never imagined they might get. Talking about rainbow babies is also essential because it can make parents who have lost a child feel less alone. That is why the day has been designated a national holiday.
Rainbow Baby Day timeline
The term appears in Christie Brooks' collection “Our Heartbreaking Choices,” in a narrative.
“A Rainbow Baby Story” is released by Crystal Falk and Kim Roman.
National Rainbow Baby Day is established by the charity What The Fertility.
This year, National Rainbow Baby Day marks its fourth year of observance.
Rainbow Baby Day related content
Rainbow Baby Day FAQs
Are rainbow babies healthy?
Yes, they are. Although people may consider them more fragile than others, they are as healthy as any baby.
How to announce a rainbow baby?
Balloons can represent joy, happiness, and festivity. With a bundle of colorful balloons, spread the word about your rainbow baby.
What is a unicorn baby?
A unicorn baby is the one who wakes up every two hours to get nursed.
How to Observe Rainbow Baby Day
Tell your story
Sharing the story of your child's conception and delivery is one of the most enjoyable ways to commemorate them. Other parents can find your story online using the #NationalRainbowBabyDay hashtag, and take comfort and hope from your success.
Remember the little ones
It's impossible to celebrate a rainbow baby without also remembering the children you've lost. It can be helpful, whether you choose to make a miscarriage memorial or simply spend some quiet time of reflection.
Contribute to a pregnancy loss charity
Infertility and miscarriage are difficult things to overcome. Even when we aren't in certain situations, we can learn from them. If it's within your reach, make contributions to a charity focused on helping families with pregnancy loss.
5 Interesting Facts About Rainbow Babies
Triggers will be present
Grief spurts will be triggered by your new baby.
Heavy attachment
Some parents find it difficult to allow their rainbow baby to be held by others.
Postpartum depression and anxiety
New mothers of rainbow babies may experience postpartum sadness and anxiety.
Feelings of disconnection are normal
Mothers may have feelings of disconnection or overprotection.
Feelings of alienation
During the weeks following childbirth, most new mothers feel alienated and alone.
Why Rainbow Baby Day is Important
It can help others
Raising knowledge of difficulties that can occur during pregnancy, as well as how life after pregnancy loss, can save lives. When people share their experiences, it can help others understand when they should seek medical treatment or navigate their emotions.
It honors the lives of babies
This day honors the thousands of infants whose lives were short-lived. This day honors the memory of these little ones and helps parents grieve.
It creates awareness
The loss that comes with losing a child is a heavy burden to bear. This day creates awareness of the fears of having a child right after and how to deal with this.
Rainbow Baby Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | August 22 | Thursday |
| 2025 | August 22 | Friday |
| 2026 | August 22 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August 22 | Sunday |
| 2028 | August 22 | Tuesday |
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