A rainbow baby is a child born to a family after the loss of one or more children due to miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, termination for medical reasons, or infant death. The term symbolizes hope and healing, much like a rainbow appearing after a storm, representing beauty following a dark and difficult time

. Rainbow babies often bring complex emotions for parents, including joy, anxiety, guilt, and grief. The experience of pregnancy after loss can be emotionally challenging, with parents sometimes feeling a mix of celebration for the new life and sorrow for the one lost

. The concept has gained popularity in recent years, and August 22 is recognized as National Rainbow Baby Day, a day to celebrate these children and honor the siblings who did not survive

. Some parents embrace the term as a source of comfort and identity, while others may feel discomfort with it, preferring not to define their child in relation to a loss

. In summary, a rainbow baby is a symbol of hope and new beginnings following the grief of pregnancy or infant loss, carrying deep emotional significance for families who have experienced such loss