Today’s post addresses a topic very close to my heart. And while it is not the easiest subject to address, I believe it is important to talk about. Perinatal loss… the loss of a child through stillbirth, miscarriage or shortly after the birth of the child, is a devastating and poignant part of many families’ stories.
And if they decide to add another child to their family, the journey through pregnancy after loss can be difficult. With an extra awareness of the fragility of life and the long days, weeks and months of waiting for the safe arrival of this new child, parents can find themselves with mixed emotions. In an almost impossible juxtaposition, they may be feeling hope and love for their unborn child side by side with ongoing love and grief for the child they lost.
Even more difficult may be the triggers that they face along the way… the unintentional questions of ‘is this your first baby’, special moments or memories of the child they lost, or even friends or family members who view this pregnancy as a ‘replacement’.
What can we do to support those who choose to embrace the hope of welcoming a new child into their family after experiencing loss? We can listen, we can be present, we can celebrate the child they lost, and we can provide compassionate care as they wait to meet their child’s new sibling.
If you have experienced perinatal loss, please know that you are not alone and your child is not forgotten. I would love to hear their story and say their name with you – and I would be honoured to support you on your journey through pregnancy after loss. xo