A stillbirth is the death or loss of a baby before or during delivery. Both miscarriage and stillbirth describe pregnancy loss, but they differ according to when the loss occurs. You are not alone with perinatal loss and miscarriage.
In the United States, a miscarriage is usually defined as loss of a baby before the 20th week of pregnancy, and a stillbirth is loss of a baby after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Read more on the cdc.gov website.
For some, perinatal loss and miscarriage are an extension of their infertility concerns. “Losing my baby has changed me and I don’t know if I can ever be the same again.” The emotional upheaval of this experience can cause a family to stay stuck.
Stuck in their grief, stuck in self-blame, stuck in the confusion, sadness and anger. Further re-injury may occur with providers and uneducated friends and families. causing the feelings of isolation to deepen. The bereavement journey in this valley is filled with anguish and agony.
Grief support is available and it provides a space to grieve and move to the other side of the journey.