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Pregnancy Loss Support

Pregnancy loss, whether through miscarriage or stillbirth, is a deeply personal and often devastating experience. Despite its frequency, it remains a topic shrouded in stigma and silence, making it difficult for many to find the support they need.

The grief experienced after a pregnancy loss is profound and multifaceted. Women often report feelings of shame, self blame and guilt. The societal tendency to minimise these losses can worsen these feelings, leaving many to grieve in isolation. It is important to recognise that these emotions are valid, and that seeking support is a crucial step in the healing process.

If you or someone you know is struggling with pregnancy loss, don’t hesitate to get in touch. There is strength in seeking support and sharing your story. By acknowledging the emotional impact and seeking appropriate support, you can find a path to healing.

  1. Acknowledge Your Grief: Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions. Grieving is a personal process, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and understand that it’s okay to grieve in your own way
  2. Seek Support: Connect with others who have experienced similar losses. Support groups, both in-person and online, can provide a sense of community and understanding. Sharing stories can help us heal and connect with others who have faced similar challenges. Whether through friends, family, or online communities, knowing that you are not alone can make a significant difference.
  3. Professional Help: Consider speaking with a therapist who specializes in grief and pregnancy loss. They can offer strategies to cope with the emotional aftermath and help you navigate your feelings.
  4. Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote your well-being. This could include exercise, meditation, or hobbies that bring you joy. Others might find solace in writing, art, music, or nature. It’s important to find what works for you and to give yourself permission to heal at your own pace.
  5. Create Memories: Some find comfort in creating a memory box or holding a small ceremony to honour their loss. This can offer a tangible way to acknowledge and remember the baby.

While the pain of loss never completely disappears, it is possible to find a new normal. This means honouring the loss while also finding ways to embrace life again. It is a journey, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. Remember, you are not alone.

Here is a list of resources and communities that are ready to support you through this journey.

In the UK you can get a free certificate in memory of your baby if your pregnancy ends before 24 weeks (or 28 weeks if your pregnancy ended before 1 October 1992). https://www.gov.uk/request-baby-loss-certificate

Coping with pregnancy loss involves leaning on community, friends, and family for support, but also finding reliable tools and resources to turn to. Here are some informative resources in the UK.

https://www.sayinggoodbye.org/

https://www.tommys.org/baby-loss-support/

https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/

https://pregnancyafterlosssupport.org/

 

Here are some helpful miscarriage blogs and websites to turn to. Sometimes learning someone else’s story helps give us the inspiration we need to carry on. Here are just a few of those stories:

1.  The Uterus Monologues

2. Saltwater and Honey

3.  The Fertility Tribe

4. Pregnantish

5. Mama Rissa

6. Postpartum Progress

7. Miscarriage Hurts

Here are some highly recommended books that might help you navigate this difficult time:

  1. The Miscarriage Map by Dr. Sunita Osborn: This book combines personal and clinical experiences to provide a comprehensive guide to understanding and coping with miscarriage.
  2. The Brink of Being: Talking About Miscarriage by Julia Bueno: This book offers a compassionate exploration of miscarriage, blending personal stories with expert insights
  3. An Exact Replica of a Figment of My Imagination by Elizabeth McCracken: A deeply moving memoir about the author’s experience with stillbirth and her journey through grief and healing
  4. Saying Goodbye: A Personal Story of Baby Loss and 90 Days of Support to Walk You Through Grief by Zoe Clark-Coates: This book provides daily support and guidance for those grieving a pregnancy loss
  5. Coming to Term: Uncovering the Truth About Miscarriage by Jon Cohen: Written by a science journalist, this book combines personal stories with scientific research to provide a thorough understanding of miscarriage
  6. Dr. Lora Shahine has authored multiple books like Planting the Seeds of Pregnancy: An Integrative Approach to Fertility Care and Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.

 

Here are some movies that explore the theme of pregnancy loss, miscarriage, and stillbirth:

  1. Pieces of a Woman (2020) - This film follows a woman grappling with the emotional aftermath of a home birth that ends in tragedy.
  1. Return to Zero (2014) - Based on a true story, this movie depicts a couple’s journey through the loss of their child during pregnancy.
  1. The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009) - While primarily a fantasy romance, this film includes a subplot about pregnancy loss.
  1. Private Life (2018) - This drama explores the struggles of a couple trying to conceive, including the pain of miscarriage.
  1. Rabbit Hole (2010) - This film deals with the grief of a couple who have lost their child, touching on themes of loss and healing.
  2. The odd life of Timothy Green (2012) - Cindy and Jim are devastated to learn that Cindy cannot conceive. However, the sudden appearance of an orphan boy, Timothy, in their lives, puts the couple out of their misery.

 

© Corinne Crawford

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