Healing from a miscarriage: finding hope again

Experiencing a miscarriage is one of the most heart-wrenching events a person can go through. The loss of a pregnancy can leave you feeling isolated, confused, and overwhelmed with grief. If you are navigating this painful journey, you are not alone. Here are some insights that can help you heal from a miscarriage and find hope again.

Understanding the Grief

Grief is a complex emotion that can manifest in many ways. After my miscarriage, the sense of loss was profound and often overwhelming. It’s important to acknowledge that grieving a pregnancy loss is valid, and everyone copes differently. Allowing yourself to feel these emotions is the first step toward healing.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

It’s essential to acknowledge your feelings rather than suppress them. Journaling became a vital outlet for me, enabling me to process my emotions. For instance, after writing about my thoughts, I realised that it was acceptable to feel devastated about my loss. Whether through writing, talking to a trusted friend, or seeking professional help, expressing your feelings is crucial for emotional recovery (and I really don't recommend ignoring your feelings as they will surface at some stage...)!

Seek Support

Connecting with others is pivotal during the healing process. Friends and family who understand or have experienced similar loss can provide the comfort you need. Furthermore, joining a support group for those who have experienced pregnancy loss can be extremely healing. Social media can now connect you with many other individuals who carry the same grief and there is healing in community and connection. This was a personal catalyst for why I wanted to start the Poppy - to create a community for women and men to find support and hope.

Take Care of Your Body

Physical health significantly influences emotional well-being. After my miscarriage, I consciously took steps to care for my body. This included eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, and engaging in my normal strength program (and yes, it was still hard and physically confronting to look at the mirror as I was 12+ weeks pregnant when I miscarried and hence, had a bump, but no baby inside). It was not easy to choose health over staying in bed with junk food, but I knew it was the right thing to do.

Create a Ritual

Creating a ritual to honor your lost pregnancy can provide a meaningful way to process your grief. I chose to light a candle on the due date of my baby, which created a moment of reflection and remembrance. Simple gestures like planting a tree or writing a letter to your unborn child can also serve as powerful rituals that honor your loss while celebrating your love for them. I also love my baby breath necklace which was created as part of our Poppy collection which always reminds me of my baby in heaven.

Embrace the Journey of Healing

Healing is not a linear process. It is filled with ups and downs. I learned that it’s okay to have good days and bad days. Allowing myself to feel joy again amidst the grief was essential to my journey. Be patient with yourself, as healing takes time.

Consider Professional Help

If your grief feels overwhelming or persistent, seeking professional help can be beneficial. A therapist who specialises in grief can provide valuable tools to navigate your emotions. A miscarriage can be pain and grief hidden behind the doors of your "happy life" and it's important to know that it's a deep, profound, gut-wrenching loss that deserves all the healing and support required.

Focus on the Future

As I began to heal, I started to consider the future. The concept of a "rainbow baby" — a term used to describe a baby born after a loss — became a source of hope for me. While it’s essential to honor your loss, it’s also essential to dream about what’s next. Whether that means trying to conceive again or exploring other avenues to build your family, focusing on the future can serve as a powerful motivator for healing.

Embracing Healing and Hope

Healing from a miscarriage is a deeply personal journey that requires time and self-compassion. While the pain may never fully fade, it is possible to find hope and happiness again. By acknowledging your feelings, seeking support, and envisioning your future, you can navigate this challenging time and emerge stronger. Remember, you are not alone. There is a compassionate community ready to support you as you heal.

Love, Sarah x