Rainbow Baby: Meaning Of Term Used By Kenyan Celebrity Parents

This is the couple's second child together after they suffered a miscarriage in late 2022. Omondi had previously shared the heartbreaking news on his social media accounts, asking his fans to pray for him and his fiancée during the difficult time.

Comedian Eric Omondi and his fiancée Lynne Njihia welcome their second child together on August 9, 2023. /INSTAGRAM.ERIC OMONDI

Omondi and Njihia join celebrities who have welcomed 'rainbow babies', following ordeals of miscarriage that not only carry physical hardships but also cause mental and emotional damage, throwing a mother into unexpected grief and leaving her drowning, doubting her capacity to sire a child again.

Viral Tea takes a look at the term 'rainbow baby' that is growing in popularity among celebrity couples:

What Is A Rainbow Baby?

According to WebMD, a rainbow baby is a term for a baby that is born after the parents have a pregnancy loss. The name draws on the symbol of the rainbow, representing beauty after a dark time.  

Nearly one in four pregnancies end in loss. That could be a miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, or blighted ovum.

Parents who are pregnant again after a loss might go through a wide range of emotions like grief, joy, confusion, sadness, and anxiety. This means that for those who have experienced the loss of a baby, the birth of a rainbow baby is a time of immense joy, reflection, healing, and mixed emotions.

Rainbow babies are often described as ‘miracle’ babies due to the powerful impact they can have on helping parents heal after a loss. However, rainbow pregnancies can still bring strong feelings of anxiety, guilt, and even fear.

Conflicting emotions of honouring a baby who has died while celebrating one that’s healthy, and grieving a loss while celebrating new life, often accompany a rainbow birth.

The exact number of rainbow babies born every year isn’t known, largely because miscarriages often go underreported or not reported at all.

If you’re expecting a rainbow baby, here are some of the things you may experience:

Allowing space for mixed emotions with a rainbow baby

Rainbow pregnancies are often emotionally complex and involve feelings of grief and guilt along with relief, excitement, and elation.

It’s important to process emotions by enlisting your partner’s support, consulting medical professionals, and connecting with others who have experienced loss.

Women who have experienced infant loss are at an increased risk for postpartum depression and anxiety. You can work with a counsellor or mental health professional to get the help and care you need if this time is difficult.

Expecting...and anxious

Anxiety is a common emotion for anyone who’s pregnant with a rainbow baby. This is normal and understandable.

You may want to reach out to friends, family members, or a support group. You can also work with a counsellor or mental health professional on ways to manage your anxiety.

For example, journaling may be helpful to jot down your feelings and emotions. Self-care is also important when you’re pregnant with a rainbow baby.

Monitoring Your Rainbow Baby

Your doctor will let you know which tests and monitoring they can offer during your pregnancy. Careful monitoring will help bring your rainbow baby to full term, though some women take comfort in knowing their baby is developing safely.

Counting your baby’s kicks is one way to monitor their health at home. Counting kicks is important because a change in the third trimester is often the first sign of distress.

Starting around 28 weeks, you can count your baby’s kicks at the same time each day. Knowing what’s normal for your baby can be comforting.

Let your doctor know if you notice any changes or are concerned about your baby’s movements.

Even after safely delivering your rainbow baby, you can find ways to remember the child you lost. Eventually, sharing your story with your rainbow baby as they get older can be comforting.

Family activities like planting a tree together, or creating a rock garden, can give you a space to continue healing together.

As your rainbow baby grows, be sure to share your story with them. Let them know how special they are to you.