Pregnancy Loss
Miscarriage is a reality, and because you are here, I am assuming it is now your reality. Please know that I’m deeply sorry for your loss. I don’t know where you are at in your journey right now but let me reassure you that I care about your pain, your feelings, and your tears. Please don’t hide them. They should be shared, let someone in and tell them how you feel.
If you don’t know where to turn or who to turn to, I’m here for you, ready to support you. You don’t have to go through this alone; I will walk beside you as you journey through your loss.
If no one else says this, please hear me…You were carrying your baby, who will forever be yours. It does not matter at what week gestationally you lost your baby, You are a momma to that special little one whom you will carry with you in your heart instead of your arms.
Let’s define a miscarriage
So we have the facts, Miscarriage (also called early pregnancy loss) is when there is pregnancy loss before 20 weeks. For women who know they’re pregnant, about 10 to 20 in 100 pregnancies (10 to 20 percent) end in miscarriage. Most miscarriages – 8 out of 10 (80 percent) – happen in the first trimester before the 12th week of pregnancy. Miscarriage in the second trimester (between 13 and 19 weeks) happens in 1 to 5 in 100 (1 to 5 percent) pregnancies. Pregnancy loss that happens after 20 weeks is called stillbirth. (Quoted from March of Dimes).
If you are unsure if you have had or think you are having a miscarriage, Please contact your medical provider.
I believe as I talk to women there needs to be an open and honest conversation around pregnancy loss. I want you to get the help you need but I also want you to get the healing you need. We as Americans have a hard time with death but I can tell you this, where there is life there will be death and we need to embrace both. As you are journeying through your loss, I pray God blesses you with people who will help you to embrace the life that you carried and are now going to grieving~
Online Resources are a great place to start because you can be in the comfort of your own home.
StillBirthDay is a resource that is filled with information that can bring comfort and direction.
ACOG (American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists) has medical information that can bring knowledge and understanding
Michigan has a PDF online resource put out by MDHHS
If you are interested in final arrangements…
There are local funeral homes that will help with this process if your baby passes after 12 weeks. Please contact me for more information.