Tips for Coping with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Recurrent pregnancy loss can be emotionally painful for any woman. To help understand the impact recurrent pregnancy loss can have on a woman's life and for tips on coping with recurrent pregnancy loss, I have interviewed psychotherapist Windy Ezzell.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

"I am a North Carolina Licensed Professional Counselor with15 years experience counseling and guiding children, adults and families. I have a general practice working with depression, trauma,anxiety and griefas well as a specialty practice working with reproductive health concerns, infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, fertility preservation and family building."

What type of impact can recurrent pregnancy loss have on a woman's life?

"A miscarriage is devastating. However, adding the diagnosis of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss or recurrent miscarriage and the impact can be profound.

The impact of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss on the individual womancan manifest as anger, fear, depression and overwhelming anxiety. A post traumatic stress responsecan occurtriggered by thoughts of possibly never having a child, feelingbetrayed by their body and grieving thelost hopes and dreams for the futureof each pregnancy loss.

The impact of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss on a woman's interpersonal relationships can manifest as isolation, loneliness and guilt. A woman may isolate to withdraw from the pain of seeing and hearing of pregnant friends and family members. Friends and family may unintentionally make insensitive statements orwithdraw due to not understanding Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Spouses and partners may deal with their grief differently, which can also lead to misunderstandings and a break down in communication regarding the grief and loss."

What are some tips for coping with recurrent pregnancy loss?

"It is important to build a healthy coping 'tool box' in response to Recurrent Pregnancy Loss or any life transition. Nurturingthe physical, emotional, spiritual, and sexualparts of self will be a useful guide through the natural grieving process.

Acknowledge each loss and give it individualized attention through a symbol, memorial or artistic/creative medium

Support groups

Mind/Body groups

Journaling

Exercise

Honor dates, anniversaries, and holidays

Keep communication open, especially with significant other

Reach out for professional counseling if necessary"

What type of professional help is available for someone that is having a difficult time coping with recurrent pregnancy loss?

"There are many books, groups and professionals available to guide men, women and couples through this journey. The following agencies offer professional referrals and educational resources: The American Society for Reproductive Medicine, RESOLVE, and The American Fertility Association."

Thank you Windy for doing the interview on coping with recurrent pregnancy loss. For more information on Windy Ezzell or her work you can check out her website at www.innersolutionscounseling.com.

Recommended Readings:Miscarriages: Causes & Help

How to Recover From Infant Loss

Parents Recovering From Infant Loss