Hope After the Storm

Abstract

Healthy babies born after a perinatal loss are colloquially referred to as rainbow babies, as they light up the sky and give hope after the storm. However, the emotional impact of perinatal loss can be devastating and may lead to feelings of grief, complicated grief, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Furthermore, during subsequent pregnancies, women are faced with the daunting task of confronting new or old feelings of grief/loss while bonding with her unborn child, which can compromise prenatal attachment. Moreover, unresolved grief, postpartum depression, or postpartum anxiety can have a profound effect on postnatal attachment, leading to insecure attachments. In this chapter, the authors review current research related to perinatal loss and subsequent attachment with special consideration for mental health treatment options for women post perinatal loss. Specifically, the reproductive story, embodied storytelling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and establishing continued bonds are highlighted with a case illustration.