How to Help a Loved One After a Miscarriage
News of pregnancy always comes with mixed emotions. For most couples there is immediate joy, but that joy is also usually mixed with a bit of worry. And this worry isn’t for nothing, because sadly one in four pregnancies will end in miscarriage.
While miscarriages are common, it doesn’t make dealing with grief and sadness any easier for anyone involved. It can be very difficult for us to know how to respond to a friend or loved one who has recently experienced a miscarriage.
Understand the Full Picture
Most miscarriages happen in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This is when the baby is referred to in technical medical terms as an “embryo.” To the grieving parents, this is much more than an end to an embryo; it is the death of a son or daughter who they have perhaps been trying so hard to have for many years. There are far too many emotions involved in miscarriage and it’s important to always keep a fuller picture in mind.
Reassure Her
Many women feel guilty after a miscarriage. They assume they have done something wrong. Science doesn’t really understand why miscarriages happen. A woman may take excellent care of her health and still experience a miscarriage. It’s important to reassure her that she has done nothing wrong. It’s equally important to let her know that it is okay to grieve.
Remember the Partner
Mothers-to-be often get all the attention after a miscarriage. But the partners of these women are hurting as well. Not only have they been hit with the initial loss, but they often think that they must summon extra strength to keep things together while their partner grieves. The partners, too, need space and time to grieve.
If you or a loved one has suffered a miscarriage and would like to speak to someone about your loss and to work through the grieving process, please reach out to me. I would be more than happy to discuss how I may help.
SOURCES:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-brink-being/201908/what-say-someone-after-miscarriage
https://www.miscarriagesupport.org.nz/helping-someone-after-a-miscarriage/