Pregnancy After Loss

Pregnancy after miscarriage, stillbirth, NICU loss, or infant death is often described as one of the most complicated journeys a parent can walk. It can bring hope, joy, and anticipation, but it also carries fear, anxiety, and grief.

​

For many families, pregnancy after loss does not feel the same as it once did. Appointments may be filled with worry instead of excitement. Milestones may be shadowed by memories of what was lost. Even moments of happiness can be accompanied by guilt or a fear of “forgetting” the baby who came before.

​

🌈 What Is a Rainbow Baby?

A rainbow baby is a child born after the loss of a baby due to miscarriage, stillbirth, NICU loss, or infant death. The term comes from the idea that, just as a rainbow appears after a storm, these babies bring hope and light following a period of darkness and grief.

​

For many families, the arrival of a rainbow baby is filled with mixed emotions—joy, gratitude, and relief, but also lingering fear, sadness, or guilt. It’s a reminder that grief and love can exist side by side. Welcoming a new baby does not erase the loss of the one who came before; instead, it honors the journey and the enduring love parents hold for all of their children.

​

Three Little Birds supports families in using the terminology that is right for them and their family.

​

What Families May Experience

• Heightened Anxiety – Constant worry about the health of the baby or fear of another loss.

• Mixed Emotions – Joy and grief can exist side by side. Parents may feel hope for the future while mourning the past.

• Guilt or Hesitation – Some parents may question whether it’s “okay” to celebrate, or feel guilty for looking forward.

• Need for Extra Support – Medical providers, therapists, support groups, and trusted friends can play a vital role.

 

How to Support Parents Pregnant After Loss

• Acknowledge the baby who died. Recognizing their child helps parents feel seen and validated.

• Avoid clichés. Phrases like “this time will be different” or “everything happens for a reason” can feel dismissive.

• Offer ongoing support. Pregnancy after loss can feel long and isolating—gentle check-ins and listening ears matter.

• Celebrate carefully. Joy is welcome, but it should never pressure families to “move on” from their grief.

​

Peer Support Networks & Online Communities

• Pregnancy After Loss Support (PALS) - Offers peer connection, provider advocacy, and community support for those pregnant after a loss.

• Postpartum Support International – Pregnancy After Loss Group - Facilitated peer support led by trained volunteers, offering emotional connection for parents experiencing early miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss.

• Star Legacy Foundation Virtual Support Groups - Free online grief-support groups open to families who've experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss—compassionate and accessible.

• Perinatal Grief & Loss Support - Offers peer-to-peer support through all phases—from trying to conceive to parenting after loss.

• March of Dimes Facebook Community - A safe, welcoming space to share experiences and seek support around miscarriage, NICU stays, infant loss, and more.

 

Clinical Support & Specialized Programs

• ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) - Medical guidance underscores the value of therapy or psychiatric support if difficult symptoms like anxiety or depression persist beyond two weeks.

 

Holistic Tips & Practical Guidance

• PUSH – Pregnancy After Loss (PAL) Guide - Practical, stage-by-stage tips and resources—from trying to conceive through pregnancy and afterward. A comforting, step-by-step companion.

​

Pregnancy after loss is both a continuation of grief and a celebration of hope. Each step forward honors the baby who is missed and the new life that is so deeply cherished.

​