The Devastation of Infant Loss
Infant loss, whether it be through miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death, is a devastating and heart-wrenching experience that can leave us feeling isolated and alone. The grief and pain of losing a child can be overwhelming, and the lack of understanding and support from others only compounds the feelings of isolation. It's important to know that you have a right to grieve your loss and that there is no "right" or "wrong" way to feel. Grief can manifest in many different ways and can look different for everyone and it is common to experience emotions such as guilt, anger, sadness, and frustration.
One reason that infant loss can be so isolating is that it is not often talked about openly. Miscarriage and stillbirth are still considered taboo topics, and as a result, those who have experienced these losses may not feel comfortable talking about them with their support system. Additionally, the societal expectation of moving on and "getting over" the loss quickly can make it difficult to process and grieve your loss in a healthy and supportive way. This can contribute to feelings of isolation and make it difficult to find understanding and support from others.
It is also important to note that the isolation can be even more profound for parents who have experienced stillbirth or neonatal death. They may have not had the opportunity to bond with the baby, and may not have the same recognition and acknowledgement from others, as a baby that was alive for some time.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
You are not alone in your experience of infant loss. Miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death are unfortunately common experiences, and many families go through the grief and sadness that come with losing a baby.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the statistics of infant loss and miscarriage are as follows:
Miscarriage: Miscarriage, or the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks, is relatively common, occurring in about 10-20% of all pregnancies.
Stillbirth: Stillbirth refers to the death of a baby before or during delivery, and it occurs in about 1 in 160 pregnancies.
Neonatal death: Neonatal death refers to the death of a baby within the first 28 days of life, and it occurs in about 1 in 1,000 live births.
Preterm birth: Preterm birth, or birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy, affects about 1 in 10 babies born in the United States.
HOW CAN I HEAL?
Talk about your experience: A therapist can provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to talk about your birth experience, and process any emotions you may be feeling.
Process your feelings: A therapist can help you to identify and process feelings such as guilt, anger, or sadness related to your birth experience.
Learn coping strategies: A therapist can teach you coping strategies to help you manage your emotions and reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Build a support system: Connect with a supportive network of friends and family, or other individuals who have also experienced a traumatic infant loss in a support gruop.
Trauma-focused therapy: Therapies like EMDR Can be effective in treating birth trauma, as they specifically target and process traumatic memories and emotions and help you to find meaning from your experience.
Mindfulness and self-care: Mindfulness and self-care practices such as yoga, meditation, and journaling can help you to cope with stress, reduce symptoms of anxiety, and improve overall well-being.
Seek Professional Help: It is important to seek professional help for birth trauma, as the emotional and physical impact can be intense and long-lasting. A therapist can work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns.
BEGIN TREATMENT TO HEAL FROM INFANT LOSS
Please know that it's okay to take the time you need to heal, and that healing from this loss is a process that takes time, and it may not be a linear journey. Remember that you are not alone in your experience, and that you deserve to be treated with compassion and understanding.
If you ever feel overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to reach out. I am here to support you and help you navigate this difficult time.
OTHER SERVICES OFFERED WITH JOANNA N ROSENBLATT
Aside from Trauma Therapy and EMDR therapy offered from my Westchester, NY-based therapy practice. I also offer therapy for women, trauma, infertility, maternal overwhelm, and parenting stress. In addition, I offer anxiety treatment, OCD treatment, sexuality and intimacy issues, and online therapy. Feel free to learn more about me, or visit my blog today!