Many people do not recognize the grief that can follow a pregnancy loss from miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, or newborn death. They respond with an attitude of: “Cheer up; you can try again.” This attitude rarely comforts. Because the baby may not have been held held or perhaps never seen, some people assume the parents should not feel loss. The parent-infant bonding process begins long before birth, so grief is a common and normal response to a loss. The grief following a pregnancy loss can be especially difficult when society seems to say that the grief doesn’t exist. The following may help you deal with different aspects your grief.
Stages of Grief
Grief is a cycle that you will become familiar with as you work through your feelings and emotions. Nobody grieves the same way, and the rate at which individuals move through each stage of the grief cycle will vary from person to person. Do not try to rush yourself through the stages of grief–it is important to work through each one and understand that you will likely experience each stage more than once. Read More…
Living Children
The loss of a baby is difficult for the entire family. Siblings are often confused about the sadness their parents are displaying and may not understand that the baby they had so looked forward to will not be joining the family. It is important that they be given age-appropriate ways to grieve and opportunities to express their feelings. Read More…
Carrying on with Life
The days and weeks following a loss can leave you feeling like you are on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Even the simplest, everyday tasks often feel impossible. You probably feel as though time is standing still. While life is never the same after a loss, you will eventually begin to figure out what your “new normal” is and will once again find fulfillment in life. Read More…
Trying Again
The decision to have another baby is one that many couples face after experiencing a pregnancy or infant loss. If the decision to try again is made, a whole new set of emotions enters your grief cycle. ” Is it a betrayal to the baby I lost to try again? Will I ever feel at ease during a new pregnancy? How will I cope if we lose the new baby?” Pregnancy after a loss is a fragile time, but one that can be celebrated as well. Read More…