This nail art trend commemorates the “invisible loss of miscarriage”
Today, October 15th, is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. It’s a day to stand with parents in solidarity and to honor personal loss. And Sara Peterson, a nail artist who has suffered a miscarriage, is creating ultrasound manicures for moms who have experienced the same loss she has.
"After three years and numerous fertility treatments, my hubby and I finally conceived in April. On May 30, my heart was broken when I found out my baby was no longer living and growing, and he was taken from me the next day," Peterson wrote in the caption of her Instagram post.
Sadly, Peterson’s story is not unique. According to March of Dimes, 10 to 15 percent of women who know they’re expecting will suffer a miscarriage. Yet the stigma surrounding miscarriages—and publicly discussing the pain they cause—continues to persist. So Peterson decided to let other women know that they are not alone.
In October 2017, Peterson hand-painted her son’s ultrasound on her nail to honor his memory and empower “invisible mothers,” as she calls herself and others who have experienced miscarriage. This year, Peterson is offering to paint ultrasound nails for invisible mothers in her area.
"I don’t know what it means for other mothers, Peterson told Babble.com on October 12th, “but for me, it made me so happy to look down and see my baby and have him with me for a little while."
“People would see it and ask what it was, and that allowed me to share about him and spread awareness for miscarriage,” Peterson continued.
Shortly after experiencing her miscarriage, Peterson founded Invisibaby.com, a resource website for mothers who have lost pregnancies and infants. She hopes that by grieving together, “invisible parents” are able to heal and help lessen the stigma around pregnancy and loss.
We’re applauding Peterson for her strength, and also for her ability to make something so beautiful and positive from a personal tragedy.
