The Emotional Side of Miscarriage
Everyone processes a miscarriage in their own way. Whether a person does not have a difficult time or is experiencing grief, these are normal responses. In fact, couples may not respond to a miscarriage in the same way. Because it is hard for others to understand what she is going through and what kind of support she may need, being open and honest in communicating how she is feeling will help others to know what they best can do at this time.
Though she may be grieving, there are some things a woman can do to help herself during this time of sorrow:
- Stay physically healthy. This is a stressful time emotionally, but also physically, and she will be experiencing many post-pregnancy symptoms. She can expect swings in her mood and energy levels. Eating nutritious foods, getting plenty of rest, and staying active will help her stay physically at her best.
- Continue to share feelings. Family, friends, and her doctor can be a great support. If she has trouble sharing with friends and family about her experience, she may consider working with a counselor or minister, or seeking out a grief support group.
- She should give herself permission to grieve – to cry, journal, and sob as she processes her emotions in healthy ways. Trying to numb her feelings or push her emotions down could be more hurtful in the long run.
- Honor her baby’s memory in some way. She might name her baby, create a keepsake box, plant a tree, write a poem, or express herself in another way.
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