Rainbow baby. It’s a term that is used to describe a baby born after weathering the storm of child loss. Some say the baby offers families hope, a rainbow at the end of the storm. But ask any parent who has endured tragedy, even though there is new life, that doesn’t mean that it’s filled with rainbows and happiness.
You never get over the loss of a child. As a parent, we never forget. A piece of our hearts will always ache for that child we can no longer hold in our arms.
While the world sees your pregnancy glow and a growing belly, fears of loss can consume you. The constant worry that this baby might not survive is met with anxiety and grief. While the world may think you will finally get that happy ending, deep down your heart hurts. This rainbow baby will never replace your child who died.
But on those difficult, dark days, a simple reminder: what happened in your past doesn’t mean it will happen this time around.
The loss of a child changes you forever, but a rainbow baby has a unique way of healing the heart. I am at peace being a mother to two children on earth and two in Heaven. I have learned that grief and happiness can coexist. And as I stare at this beautiful rainbow of mine, this baby born after the dark clouds of loss, I smile knowing she has helped me see the beauty in life once again.
In honor of “National Rainbow Baby”, this is an excerpt from my piece published in the book, “So God Made A Mother”.
For more inspiration, follow Stacey on Instagram and Facebook.