Born after Loss: The Invisible Child in Adulthood

Early childhood literature suggests children born after the loss of an infant
sibling are at risk for attachment disorders, yet there continues to be a lack of intervention available to support
the parents of these children during their pregnancies. The stories of these adult subsequent children give
meaning to why attachment disorders can result and provide a strong case for intervention around infant loss
and the subsequent pregnancy. Contrary to other studies on this topic, these participants summarize healing
and hope. KEY WORDS: Infant loss, subsequent pregnancy, replacement child, sibling loss, invisible. “A loss
fully recognized and grieved liberates us.”