How To Announce Your Rainbow Pregnancy
Announcing a pregnancy might feel like an exciting milestone – “I'm pregnant again, I did it, we can breathe.”
Or it might feel like a giant weight you cannot bear – “I am pregnant again but will it last, can I do this again, do I want people to know?”
Maybe you are stuck between the two.
In this post, we’ll explore different ways to announce your pregnancy, while acknowledging the unique emotional challenges that come with expecting a rainbow baby. Whether you choose to make a grand reveal, share the news quietly with loved ones, or even have someone else share it for you, the most important thing is that the decision aligns with your feelings and needs.
The sky is the limit when it comes to the number of different ways you can go about the how of announcing your pregnancy. But it really depends on the decisions you've made about the If, When, and Who.
For help with the If, When, and Who elements of your announcement decision, see my related post: Announcing Your Rainbow Pregnancy: If, Who, When and How.
If you have decided not to announce your pregnancy, that is absolutely fine. This blog post is meant to help with ideas, not convince anyone they should be announcing. Get those “shoulds” out of here and do what feels best to you.
If you are going to announce, whether you're speaking one-on-one with loved ones, planning a creative reveal, or posting on social media, making the experience as comforting and meaningful as possible can be a big step toward acceptance (if you are in denial like I was) and maybe even some excitement.
If you are looking for more guidance and peace during the first trimester of your rainbow pregnancy, I have created a journal just for you:
Losing a baby is such a profoundly life-altering event. And the pregnancy that follows also comes with its own set of challenges. With weekly affirmations, thoughtful prompts, and space to explore connecting with your coming rainbow and your forever-loved angel, this journal provides support for the unique emotions and experiences that come with pregnancy after loss. Available in both printable and hyperlinked digital formats.
Table of Contents
A Quick Disclaimer
Before we move on I want to state VERY CLEARLY that I am neither a Medical Health Care Provider nor a Mental Health Care Provider. Nothing I write here should be taken as medical advice. I am simply here to share my own experiences in the hope it will help someone feel less alone, and possibly avoid some of the mistakes I made along the way.
If you have any questions or concerns about your pregnancy or your emotional state, PLEASE seek help from a professional.
Announcing to Your Partner
Sharing the news of your rainbow pregnancy with your partner can be one of the most emotional moments of your journey. Depending on how you want to handle things, this will likely be the first time you try to say it out loud (though, there are ways around that if you're finding that part hard).
Whether you choose to tell them right away or after you’ve processed your own feelings, the timing should feel right for you.
Your partner may also have mixed emotions, especially if they’ve experienced the previous loss(es) alongside you, so consider how you want to approach this sensitive conversation.
You might prefer a quiet, intimate moment or perhaps plan a more creative reveal. However you choose to tell them, focus on what will make you both feel the most supported and comfortable.
And I want to be clear. While you are responsible for how they find out about your pregnancy, you should not be solely responsible for their emotions around the subject.
It is good to lean on each other during this time, but not to the point where one partner is fully carrying the emotional load of the other.
If you or your partner is having trouble coping, please seek counseling from a professional right away.
For a deep dive on announcing to your partner, see my related post:
Telling Your Partner About Your Rainbow Pregnancy.
Personal Conversations
If you’re considering telling people about your pregnancy one-on-one, try to keep your focus on what feels most comfortable for you. Sharing your news with close, trusted loved ones can offer reassurance and support, but only if—and when—you feel ready.
For deeper considerations on IF you want to announce at all, see my related post:
Should I Announce My Rainbow Pregnancy?
There’s no rule that says you have to make personal announcements unless it feels right for you.
If this is the way you want to go, try to think about what would make the experience as comfortable as possible for you.
Don't take on other people's feelings when you already have so many of your own. This moment is about your emotional needs and what helps you feel secure.
Here are some things to consider as you prepare:
- Find a setting that feels safe: Whether it's at home, on a walk, or anywhere that gives you a sense of ease, choose a place where you can focus on your own feelings without distractions.
- Share what you feel comfortable sharing: This is your news, and you are in control. You don’t have to explain or justify your emotions. You can share as much or as little as feels right.
- Go at your own pace: There’s no rush. If you need time to process before telling others, or if you’d rather wait and talk when it feels less overwhelming, that’s perfectly okay.
- Keep it small if that’s what feels best: If you only want a few people to know right now, that’s your decision to make. You can take your time and share more widely whenever—if ever—it feels right.
Remember, personal conversations should be about creating space for your needs, not about meeting anyone else’s expectations. Whether you share with a few close people or decide to hold onto the news a little longer, your comfort and emotional well-being come first.
For more guidance on WHO you want to share your news with, see my related post:
Who Should I Tell About My Rainbow Pregnancy?
Letting Someone Else Share the News
If the idea of personally announcing your pregnancy feels overwhelming or emotionally draining, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having someone else share the news for you.
If you are stuck between not wanting to announce but dreading people asking you about your bump when it starts to show, this option might be for you.
Sometimes, we’re not ready to face others’ reactions or even the act of saying the words out loud. In such cases, asking a trusted person to share the news on your behalf can take some of the pressure off and help you hold onto some control over it all.
Here are some ways to approach this option:
- Choose the Right Person: Pick someone you trust deeply—someone who understands your feelings and respects your wishes. This person could be your partner, a close family member, or a friend who has been a strong source of support.
- Be Clear About Your Preferences: Make sure to communicate exactly how you want the news shared. You might want them to mention specific things, such as asking for privacy or gently letting people know that this is a sensitive time for you. If you’re not ready for follow-up conversations or questions, ask them to convey that as well.
- Personal or Group Announcements: Decide whether you'd like this trusted person to make individual announcements or to share the news with a group of people all at once. This could be in the form of an email, text, or even a small gathering, depending on what feels easiest for you.
- Use Technology to Your Advantage: If the idea of face-to-face announcements still feels too heavy, but you want a personal touch, you can also ask someone to help send a group message or create a social media post on your behalf. This way, the news gets out there, but you’re able to step back from the immediate responses and reactions.
- Set Boundaries: Let your designated announcer know your boundaries and what you’re comfortable with. For example, they might share your news but let others know that you aren’t ready to talk about it in detail just yet. This can give you some breathing room while still letting people in on your news before it becomes noticeable.
By allowing someone else to share your pregnancy news, you can protect your emotional well-being while still informing those you care about.
This is another area where it would be good to put your needs first and not worry about other people's feelings around how they find out. If they are worth having in your life, they will understand where you are coming from.
This option is completely valid—and a good reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to announcing your pregnancy.
Creative Announcements
The above options don't talk much about joy. It is perfectly acceptable to feel joy about your pregnancy and want to shout it from the rooftops.
While all of us who have experienced this type of loss understand how it feels, all of our stories are different. There is no one way to feel or to deal.
Creative announcements can add a special touch to your news. Sometimes, funneling your focus into the how of the announcement can take your mind off of the rest.
If finding a cute way to tell close loved ones or everyone you know seems like it might be fun for you, go for it. Adding some fun into the mix for yourself might help you move past some of your fears (but it's ok if it doesn't).
I have mentioned before that I use the term “rainbow baby” because it is one of the most recognized terms for a baby born after loss. Some people really like the term and it brings them comfort, acknowledging their grief and loss while still finding joy in this new possibility.
For others, labeling this new baby based on the previous loss feels like they are taking something away from the new baby.
Either way you want to approach this is fine, go with how you feel. The examples I provide below are just a jumping-off point for you to customize your own announcement. They can have a rainbow theme, or not, completely up to you.
So, all that said, here are a few ideas to inspire your reveal (or you can also visit this pinterest board for more ideas):
- Photoshoots: Capture beautiful moments with a professional or a friend. Holding a sign that reads “Rainbow Baby on the Way” or incorporating rainbow-themed props can make for a touching photo. Or if you don't like the rainbow verbiage or message, there are a lot of other cute themes you can go with to announce your little one.
- (Rainbow) Chalk Art: Create a beautiful chalk drawing on your driveway or sidewalk featuring rainbows, baby footprints, and the announcement message.
- Sibling Announcement: If you have older children, involve them by having them hold a sign that says, “I'm going to be a big brother/sister!” You can add in some rainbow decor or t-shirts if you like, or leave the rainbows out of it.
- (Rainbow) Onesie: Share a picture of a (rainbow-themed) onesie along with a sign that says, “After every storm comes a rainbow. Baby [Last Name] arriving [due date].”
- Ultrasound Photo with Rainbow: Combine an ultrasound photo with a rainbow overlay or place it in front of a rainbow background.
- Rainbow Cake or Cupcakes: Bake a rainbow-colored cake or cupcakes (or buy them if you're not about that baking life) and share a photo with a message like, “Our rainbow baby is on the way!” Or serve the cake/cupcakes to your loved ones and tell them in person. Or both!
- Letterboard Announcement: Use a letterboard to spell out a sweet message like, “Our little rainbow is due [due date].”
- (Rainbow) Baby Shoes: Take a picture of tiny baby shoes in rainbow colors alongside your shoes and your partner’s shoes.
- (Rainbow) Book: Hold up a children's book about rainbows with a sign that says, “Reading up on rainbows because we're expecting one!”
- (Rainbow-Themed) Nursery Decor: Share a sneak peek of the (rainbow-themed) nursery decor with a caption announcing your baby’s arrival.
- Rainbow Paint Swatches: Hold up paint swatches in rainbow colors with a sign that says, “Painting our world with a little rainbow. Baby [Last Name] due [due date].”
- Seasonal Twist: Combine the rainbow theme with the current season, such as a rainbow-colored pumpkin for a fall announcement or a rainbow sandcastle for a summer announcement.
- Pet Involvement: If you have pets, have them wear a sign or bandana that says, “Guarding our rainbow baby arriving [due date].”
- Customized Calendar: Highlight your due date on a calendar with rainbow stickers and share a photo of it.
Take these and make them your own. Turn them into something unique and memorable. Adding some personal touches to your announcement can make it more fun and possibly help you look forward.
For more considerations on WHEN you might want to make your announcement, see my related post: When Should I Announce My Rainbow Pregnancy?
Social Media Announcements
Announcing your rainbow baby pregnancy on social media might seem like a scary thing to some, or a relief to others. If you do not want to have personal conversations with people or be present for their reactions, this may be the way you want to go.
A lot of the announcement ideas listed above can be shared to social media. Some of you may want to do some in-person conversations or announcements first and then post to social media.
Yeah, you guessed it, I'm going to say that you should do whatever feels the best and least stressful to you.
If a social media post sounds like an option for you, here are some thoughts on how you may want to proceed:
- Decide How Much You Want to Share: Sharing your journey can be healing, but it’s entirely up to you how much you want to reveal. You might want to briefly acknowledge the significance of your rainbow baby, or you may prefer to keep the details private. Do what feels right for you in this moment.
- Post When It Feels Right for You: There’s no timeline for when or how you should share your news. Whether you choose to announce in a big way or simply to inform a select few, make the decision that feels most aligned with your emotional needs.
- Be Mindful of Your Audience: Remember that your audience may include people who have experienced loss or are struggling with fertility. It may also include people you don't find supportive and you'd rather not hear from.
- Sensitive viewers: You may want to speak with these people ahead of time, or give them some sort of warning. Acknowledging it in your post is also an option and can show your empathy. Some platforms also let you choose who will see your post. You may consider removing them from being able to view the post if you know they would rather not see it. Putting a trigger warning on your post may be another good approach if you are unable to or don't want to customize your audience.
- Non-supportive viewers: If you have enough of these, you may want to avoid posting on social media. But if you want to, there may be some ways to minimize contact from them.
- Purge: Go through your friends/followers and purge before you make your announcement. If they are not the kind of people you want hearing your news, maybe they aren't the kind of people you want to be connected with on social media. Some people find this extreme, some people find it cathartic, do what's right for you.
- Limit Who Sees Your Post: As I mentioned above, some platforms let you pick and choose who will see your post.
- Limit Who Can Comment on Your Post: Some platforms also let you turn off comments on your posts. If you do not want to see reactions to your news, good or bad, consider posting where you'll have that option.
- Purge: Go through your friends/followers and purge before you make your announcement. If they are not the kind of people you want hearing your news, maybe they aren't the kind of people you want to be connected with on social media. Some people find this extreme, some people find it cathartic, do what's right for you.
When it comes to announcing your rainbow pregnancy on social media, there’s no need to rush or follow anyone else’s rules. Whether you share a lot, a little, or nothing at all, the choice is entirely yours. Focus on what brings you peace, set the boundaries you need, and remember—you’re in control of how and when to share your story.
For a broader view of your rainbow pregnancy, see my guide:
13 Top Tips For Navigating Your Rainbow Pregnancy.
Announcing at Work
Figuring out when to announce your pregnancy at work can be stressful, especially if you’re already feeling emotionally vulnerable.
Among the many things to consider are things like workplace policies, your need for accommodations, and the culture of support (or lack thereof) in your work environment.
You may also want to wait until you’re ready to manage reactions from colleagues. Unless you need immediate accommodations to keep you and baby safe, there’s no rush—share the news when it feels right for you.
For a deeper dive on all things related to workplace announcements, see my related post: Announcing Your Rainbow Pregnancy at Work.
Finding What Feels Right for You
Whether you’re feeling ready to share your news or hesitant about opening up, the most important thing is to make decisions that honor where you are emotionally.
There’s no right or wrong way to approach this—whether you choose to tell loved ones in person, have someone else spread the word, create a fun reveal, or share the news on social media. Every choice is valid as long as it feels right to you.
You are not obligated to follow anyone else’s timeline or expectations. The process of announcing your pregnancy should focus on what brings you comfort and peace.
Whether you’re excited, anxious, or somewhere in between, give yourself permission to navigate this in a way that prioritizes your emotional well-being.
You’ve already been through so much—this is your time to make decisions that feel right for your heart, on your own terms.
And you are not alone. If you would like to join a supportive community that can help you with these many, big decisions, The Thing About Rainbows has a private Facebook group:
Before you go, I want to reiterate VERY CLEARLY that I am neither a Medical Health Care Provider nor a Mental Health Care Provider. Nothing I have written here should be taken as medical advice. PLEASE seek help from a professional if you have any questions or concerns about your pregnancy or your emotional state.
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