If you're reading this, it either means you or someone close to you has experienced the unfortunate loss of a pregnancy. We understand that this can be an incredibly difficult time and hope that this guide will help provide some guidance and support during this difficult period.
Accepting Your Emotions
It's important to acknowledge that there is no right or wrong way to feel after a miscarriage. Allow yourself the space and time you need to grieve in your own way, even if it might seem odd at times. Whether you're feeling angry, guilty, confused, sad or numb - allow those feelings without attempting suppress them.
Reach Out for Support
You are not alone! Find trusted confidantes whom you know would offer compassion without getting judgmental. Consider speaking with medical professionals such as counselors or therapists who specialize in postpartum grief counseling- they've seen things far worse than yours! Connect with online support groups for women struggling with miscarriages- sharing experiences could ease the pain!
Understand Why You Had A Miscarriage
There isn't always an identifiable reason behind why a miscarriage occurs but understanding what happened may help give some sort of closure/problem-solving direction.
Here are reasons why:
1) Chromosomal issues (which usually happen randomly) 2) Hormone disorders like PCOS/high levels of prolactin/thyroid dysfunction. 3) Immunological disorders including autoimmune diseases(Antiphospholipid Syndrome)/antibodies attacking fetus. 4) Lifestyle causes like smoking/alcohol/drug abuse/bad diet/intense physical activity. 5) Infections which when undetected/untreated could result into premature birth/miscarriages.
Consulting doctors before trying again lowers risk factors associated with future pregnancies.
Physical Recovery
Following losing your baby comes recovering physically- it is a detailed process which could last days/weeks. Here are some tips for recovering from a miscarriage:
- Rest as much as possible, avoiding heavy lifting or intense exercises while bleeding
- Follow your doctor's prescribed instructions on what to eat and drink, especially iron-rich foods
- Rinse with warm water after using the bathroom instead of wiping until bleeding stops(abt 2 weeks).
- Wear sanitary pads and avoid tampons/bath for about 2 weeks.
Mental Recovery
Miscarriages can cause various mental symptoms ranging from anxiety/depression to posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorders(OCD) amongst others.
Firstly,acknowledge these feelings so that you don’t let them take over your life's trajectory: Then adopt coping mechanisms such as:
1) Art Therapy(painting/writing)- creative processes decrease the intensity of negative emotions. 2) Physical Exercise (Yoga/jogging): decreases cortisol levels-stress hormone) 3) Mindfulness Meditation: increases calmness/reduces reappearance of past traumatic events. 4) Crying as it triggers endorphins(the happy hormone)
Miscarriage Privacy and Disclosure
The next question that needs answering is,"should we tell?". It’s imperative to note; this choice rests exclusively with YOU!
Once you've processed your emotions and feel comfortable enough, share with people you trust most amongst family members, friends or colleagues depending on how close-knit everyone is. Albeit understanding they probably don't know what words will hurt/help at this moment-same goes when choosing NOT TO speak about it too.It should fit nicely into regular conversation for casual acquaintances,
Most importantly - brace yourself pre any unwanted insensitive comments/questions like;
“when are you planning on trying again?” “Is there something medically wrong?” "At least she was early” etcetera.After sharing remember Everyone grieves differently, Some would come bearing gifts and apologies,others would stay clear. It's important not to take people's reactions personally!
Keep on Living
Now that the storm has passed,give yourself permission to look for moments in life that bring joy- maybe simple things like movies or time alone with pets/ family? Avoid being pressured into adulting ASAP - emotional wounds can still open when least anticipated.
In summary, we hope our guide provided some useful information about how you could handle aftereffects of a miscarriage Remember there’s no prescribed way of grieving so kindly forgive yourself. In case it may seem insurmountable (it does from time to time) seek professional help for support- tackling it all might be too much to singlehandedly carry out.
Goodluck!