Rainbow baby

Rare card · No. 49357

A rainbow baby is a child born to a family that has previously lost one or more children due to stillbirth, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, termination for medical reasons, or death during infancy. The term "rainbow" is symbolic of the hope brought by the child after the emotional storm of the previous loss. Research conducted at the University of Michigan establishes that "parental relationships have a higher risk of dissolving after a miscarriage or stillbirth, compared with a live birth", and that the risk is highest for those couples who have experienced a stillbirth. In the 21st century, such parents seeking to have another child often turn to online support groups for information and encouragement. According to physician Jennifer Kulp-Makarov, "It is an extremely emotional and devastating experience to lose a pregnancy or baby. To create a life or bring a baby into the world after such a loss is amazing like a miracle for these parents." Those interested in supporting such families...

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