is normally considered a joyful occasion.
However, for some families, childbirth can also involve profound grief.
Imagine welcoming a healthy newborn while simultaneously mourning another baby who did not survive.
This can create an extremely complicated emotional experience.
Parents may feel:
- Happiness
- Love
- Grief
- Shock
- Sadness
- Emotional exhaustion
A purple butterfly can help healthcare workers and visitors understand that the family may be experiencing both joy and grief at the same time.
A Symbol of a Surviving Sibling
The purple butterfly is sometimes placed near the surviving baby’s hospital cot