A Need for Better Support for “Life After Miscarriage”
As a Chiropractor who specializes in emotions and their effect on our expression of health, I am recognizing a need for support in certain matters. One area that is near and dear to my heart is miscarriage support. Miscarriage can have a profound emotional impact on you, but also on your partner, friends, and family.
I have spoken to and interviewed numerous women who have experienced miscarriage, and in doing so, have observed a glaring similarity in all their stories – there is little to no support for your healing after a miscarriage. Most women I spoke to were sent home with some basic aftercare instructions and not much else. Here are examples of what some moms were told when they learned they were having or had experienced a miscarriage:
“Just let us know if you have any extra bleeding.”
“You might feel some extra cramping, here is a prescription for pain medication.”
“Go home and rest. Let us know if you feel anything that is concerning to you.”
To my surprise and delight, there was one mom who felt a little more supported. Since she was established with her midwife group, she felt secure in calling them for comfort. They chatted with her for about an hour and gave her the contact information for a counselor who specialized in supporting women after miscarriage.
Having a miscarriage can lead to a variety of different emotions, a rollercoaster even, and it is common to feel tired, lose your appetite, or have a difficult time sleeping after a miscarriage. At the same time, you may feel a sense of guilt, shock, sadness, and anger while your body is simultaneously going through hormonal shifts as it readjusts to not being pregnant. The changing of hormones can intensify the emotions you may be facing, and I want you to know that there is no right or wrong way to feel.
I do not want to downplay the importance, and sometimes necessity, of medical care when dealing with a miscarriage. However, I am calling for a better approach of guiding women through the postpartum experience.
I do want to acknowledge the significance of how your emotions have a critical impact on your health, your ability to adapt to your new situation, and your ability to cope.
You are divinely created, and we want to honor you and hold space for you at Mind and Body Family Wellness. If you, or someone you know, have experienced a miscarriage, an hour ago, a month ago, a year ago, 10+ years ago, it would be my privilege to talk to you and explore how we can support you through whatever you may be enduring, holding onto, or feeling. There is no handbook for life after miscarriage, but there is a team here who would be absolutely honored to care for you.
From my heart to yours,
~Dr. Chelsey
Doctor of Chiropractic | Mind and Body Family Wellness
