A range of experiences
Here at Tommy’s, we’re here to support everyone throughout their pregnancy journeys. We know everyone’s fertility and pregnancy journey is different, and so there are a range of ways to describe all the babies we’ve loved and lost.
For example, many in our community talk about their dream of having a rainbow baby. This is a commonly used phrase used to describe a baby born after loss. But, fewer will have heard of a sunrise or sunset baby.
A sunset baby
This month, we spoke to mums Natalie and Sarah, who shared their story of heartbreaking loss. They shared during their pregnancy with twins, they sadly had a sunset baby.
“I was so excited to see our little twinnies jumping around on the screen together, but devastation hit as we were told that one of the twins had left us – our sunset baby.”
A sunset baby is a twin who dies in the womb, leaving behind a surviving twin. This can happen at any point in the pregnancy journey, including during birth.
A sunrise baby
As well as the term sunset baby, used to describe a twin who dies in the womb, there is a term to describe the surviving twin: a sunrise baby.
A mix of emotions
Having a sunset and sunrise baby can bring up a mix of emotions, all of which are valid. On 1 hand you may be heartbroken by your loss, and on the other relieved the surviving twin is okay.
Remember, grief is personal to everyone, and no one can tell you how you should feel after baby loss. No matter where you are in your pregnancy journey or how you're feeling, we're here for you.
Finding support
If you're struggling with losing your sunset baby or baby loss in general, our support and information is available 24/7.
If you're in need of more tailored support, our lovely midwives are on hand between 9 and 5 on weekdays. They can provide information, practical advice and support to help you through your pregnancy journey.
