There is nothing more devastating than losing a loved one, especially a little one whom you were getting to know more and more as the days passed by. Whether they were still developing in your womb or you were fortunate enough to hold your bundle of joy in your arms before their passing, the pain is still unfathomable. Their unexpected departure leaves a long-lasting grief that parents have to live with throughout their lives. However, bereaved parents can hold on to the memory of their baby in numerous ways. Hence, with it being Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, here are a few ways you can honor your rainbow baby. These methods of honoring your angel baby can help you feel closer to them and cope with the pain of their passing.
Honor your rainbow baby by writing about them
Create a website, write in your diary, or make journal entries to honor your rainbow baby, using the outlet to touch upon your fondest memories with your child. You can also attach pictures and videos to your website or create a playlist to honor your rainbow baby. Writing about your little one will be very painful at the beginning because you will be reliving every moment with every word. However, penning down your thoughts will ease your pain and help you come to terms with the loss over time. Moreover, by creating a website, you might find support from fellow moms with similar experiences.
You can also write a letter to your angel baby every so often to tell them about what’s going on in your family, new milestones achieved, or to let them know how much you miss them every day. Writing a letter weekly or monthly might just be the connection you are seeking with your late child to come to terms with the loss.
Keep a physical keepsake to honor your angel baby
It’s always helpful to have a memento or physical reminder to stay connected with your child. You can wear your angel baby’s name, birthstone, or strand of hair in a locket so they constantly stay by your side even after their passing. Getting a tattoo in honor of your angel baby that features their name, favorite toy, favorite rhyme or tune, footprints, or something special to them is also a great way of honoring your rainbow baby.
Even keeping their favorite toys, hospital tags, ultrasound pictures, favorite clothes, blanket, etc., in a box can give you comfort when you are feeling low. You can make a dedicated photo album for your beloved baby as well. Having some kind of physical reminder will make it easier to connect with your child even if years have passed after the loss.
Plan an activity to honor your rainbow baby
Be it on their birthday or any other day, plan activities like a fundraiser event, going on a remembrance walk, planting a tree, helping kids in need, joining a cleanliness drive, volunteering, building a garden, etc., to honor your angel baby. Lighting a candle in memory of your child is a great way to honor them as well.
Talk to your loved ones about the baby you lost
This will surely be painful when you first start talking about them but it will give you immense strength and much-needed support from your loved ones. Even talking to your older children about your rainbow baby (and their rainbow sibling) will bring you some relief. Also, always remember your baby by their name. This will make your connection stronger.
You can also ask everyone to perform random acts of kindness to honor your angel baby. Joining support groups, talking to people with similar experiences, and opening up to them, will not only help you ease your grief but is an honorable way to remember your baby.
Living with the memory of pregnancy or infant loss is not easy and moving on will certainly take time. However, take one step at a time and you can surely find beautiful ways to honor your rainbow baby.
