Miscarriage, Termination or Infant Loss

Infant loss (through miscarriage or termination) is an indescribable experience that each family will cope with in their own way. Some of the words used to describe losing a baby include shock, disbelief, heartbreak and devastation. Many people who have been through this experience feel that no one truly understands what they are going through and as a result it can be a very lonely time.

Sadly, in our culture the topic of miscarriage or termination are considered quite taboo; a private event that is not really spoken about. It will be discussed in the media if well-known celebrities go public with an experience like this (think of the recent Chrissie Teagan and Meghan Markle’s public announcement of a miscarriage) however for the average person it is a private thing. This may be by choice but for many women and families there is little opportunity to talk about these losses in an open and honest way. Many friends and family members (no matter how well-meaning) are often uncomfortable, feel unsure about what to say and have difficulty supporting the bereaved through their own feelings about the loss. People around you may not even know that you had been pregnant. These losses then become a secret pain that the family feel they must grapple with alone.