You are not alone. In the United States, 1 out of 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage and 1 out of every 160 pregnancies end in stillbirth.
There are no words to explain the pain, grief, devastation, and confusion that comes after a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. There is often immense guilt, shame, and anger that the individual feels following the loss.
I lost a baby at 7- 8 weeks. I was confused, angry, sad, and full of guilt. Even though the loss was 7 years ago, I still hold that baby in my heart. And I always will
Here are some tips if you have recently gone through a loss
1. It is is important to have a safe place to articulate and fully feel any emotions you are having. Talk, cry, get angry, feel sad, and express yourself to a friend or family member. If that is not available, reach out to a therapist or psychologist that can help you organize your thoughts.
2. Physically work your way through the pain through exercise and movement.
3. Join a support group (there are many great virtual options now!)
4. Don't try and forget your child or feel that you have to "move on". Find a way to keep their memory a part of your life.
If you have gone through a loss, please know that you are not alone and that there is support available. Remember that taking care of your mental health is important.
On October 25, 1988, President Reagan designated the entire month of October 1988 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. On that day he said: “When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them. This month recognizes the loss so many parents experience across the United States and around the world. It is also meant to inform and provide resources for parents who have lost children due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, stillbirths, birth defects, SIDS, and other causes. Now, therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Aware
ness Month. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.”
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