Jasmine PraslaWhat is a rainbow baby?
As a newborn photographer, I occasionally get asked what is a rainbow baby. We at Memory Frames Studio, Kitchener newborn photography studio strive to bring clients’ visions alive. When a client books a newborn session with us we ask them a list of questions. Questions like what colors they would like to use? What type of props do they want? Anything special they would like to include in the set-up etc? These questions help us understand their vision and custom design setups for their newborn session. Whenever possible we try to include elements in our newborn setups to create final images that tell client stories. Considering such small details helps us create images to which the client can connect emotionally and adore forever. One question on our list is if they would like to do a rainbow setup. While asking this question we do mention that we usually include a rainbow setup if the baby is a rainbow baby. At times we get hit back by a question, what is a rainbow baby? Today in this article we discuss rainbow babies.
Rainbow Baby
The word rainbow baby is used for babies born after a previous loss due to miscarriage, infant loss, or stillbirth. A baby born after a loss brings a sense of healing, hope and joy just like a rainbow in the sky after stormy weather. A colourful rainbow represents a sense of hope and a bright future after a stormy period, similarly, rainbow babies bring happiness and hope to parents who are going through a difficult time.
My experience
One thing that I have noted about the clients that don’t know what a rainbow baby is are most likely the ones that have not experienced a loss. In other terms parents that have experienced an infant loss somehow find out about the phrase “rainbow babies” through friends, family or the Internet. Just like these people I too found out about this term after I had a pregnancy loss. Having a miscarriage was a difficult experience to go through. I felt like the only thing that might help me feel better was having a baby. I wanted a baby more than ever. I was fortunate to have a baby after a year and a half. From the time I found out about my pregnancy, I started feeling a sense of positivity and hope. This baby definitely was a colorful rainbow in my life after a difficult phase.
Healing after loss
The journey of pregnancy loss can be a difficult one. Parents often experience feelings of sadness, guilt, and confusion as they try to come to terms with their loss. It is not only the mother but both parents get affected by such a loss. The grief can be particularly acute for parents who have experienced multiple losses or for those who have struggled with infertility. It can take an emotional and mental toll on parents. While there is nothing that can help you forget the loss of a pregnancy or an infant, having a rainbow baby does help with healing and a sense of hope. The road to having a rainbow baby can be a long and challenging one, marked by setbacks and uncertainty. Difficulty conceiving after a loss can add up to anxiety and depression. If you are feeling depressed it is very important to talk to your loved ones and reach out for professional help if needed. Talking to parents with similar experiences or going through the same journey can also help you connect and feel better.
It is important to remember that not all parents who have experienced pregnancy loss are able to have a rainbow baby. For some, infertility or other medical issues may make it difficult or impossible to conceive again. In these cases, parents can find other ways to find hope and healing, whether through adoption, surrogacy, self-care or other means.
Conceiving and the birth of Rainbow Baby
For those who are able to conceive again after a loss, the experience of pregnancy can be fraught with anxiety and fear. They may be constantly worried about the health of the baby and the possibility of another loss. For some, the anxiety can be so overwhelming that they struggle to enjoy the pregnancy and connect with their baby.
When a rainbow baby is born, it can be a transformative experience for parents. The birth of a rainbow baby can help to heal some of the pain of previous losses and bring a sense of closure to a difficult period. Parents often feel a sense of gratitude and awe at the miracle of new life and may find themselves cherishing every moment with their rainbow baby.
Rainbow babies can also bring a sense of hope and inspiration to others who have experienced pregnancy loss. When parents share their stories of loss and hope, it can help to create a sense of community and support for those who are going through similar experiences. The birth of a rainbow baby can be a powerful symbol of resilience, strength, and hope in the face of adversity.
While the birth of a rainbow baby can be a joyful experience, it is important to acknowledge that it does not erase the pain of previous losses. Parents may still experience feelings of sadness or grief as they remember the baby they have lost. It is important for parents to seek support and allow themselves to grieve as they navigate the complex emotions that can arise after a loss.
Rainbow baby newborn photoshoot
If you choose to do a newborn photoshoot for your rainbow baby you can request the photographer to include rainbow baby props and setups. Have a look at some of the beautiful setups done by Memory Frames Studio, Kitchener Newborn photographer for their clients’ rainbow babies.
In conclusion, rainbow babies represent hope, healing, and the promise of a bright future after a period of loss and grief. While the journey to having a rainbow baby can be challenging and emotional, the birth of a baby can be a transformative experience for parents. By sharing their stories and supporting one another, parents who have experienced pregnancy loss can find a sense of community and hope.