If You See a Purple Butterfly Sticker Near a Newborn Baby, You Need to Know What It Means
In neonatal wards, everything is designed to support and protect new life. Among the soft blankets and quiet monitors, a small purple butterfly sticker might catch your eye—usually placed on an incubator or crib. This tiny symbol carries a powerful, heartbreaking message that many people don’t know but should.
The purple butterfly signifies the loss of one or more babies in a multiple birth.
When parents are expecting twins, triplets, or more, and one of those babies passes away—either before or shortly after birth—a purple butterfly is gently placed by the surviving infant. It silently communicates that while a baby has survived, there has also been loss.
This initiative started from a real-life experience: a mother who lost one of her twin daughters during birth. Nurses unintentionally said things like, “You’re lucky to have one baby,” without realizing the pain it caused. The butterfly was introduced as a way to alert staff and visitors to be more sensitive with their words and actions.
Why this matters:
Grief in these situations is complex. Parents are celebrating the life of one child while mourning another. The sticker helps avoid awkward or painful conversations and gives families silent support and understanding during an incredibly emotional time.
If you see a purple butterfly:
Show quiet empathy. Avoid asking questions like, “Is your baby a twin?” or “Where’s the other one?” A simple smile, warm presence, or respectful silence can be far more comforting than you realize.
This small gesture speaks volumes. It’s a powerful reminder that love and loss can exist side by side—even in the very first days of life.
