Perinatal Grief and Loss
Fertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, termination, neonatal death, SIDS/SUDS
Perinatal grief and loss is experienced by parents who have experienced a range of different losses including fertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, termination, neonatal death and SIDS/SUDS. We know that 1 in 4 families experience miscarriage (pregnancy loss prior to 20 weeks). Rates vary for stillbirth and other perinatal losses.
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Perinatal grief and loss is a process and not an event, and there is no time frame on the process. Perinatal grief and loss can effect thoughts, feelings, behaviours and beliefs, and relationships with others and relationship with self. When a family experiences grief and loss in the perinatal period the intensity of grief is not about the number of weeks gestation - it is impacted by the hopes, dreams and imaginings the parent had about their baby - what we know as “Gestation in Mind”.
​Common perinatal grief and loss feelings:
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disbelief and shock, sadness, anger, bargaining
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trauma feelings
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families who have experienced pregnancy or child loss often can feel very isolated as those around them may not know what to say and avoid them or say well-meaning but hurtful things.
We also know that perinatal grief and loss can be a very isolating time for bereaved families. Perinatal grief and loss is known as a “disenfranchised grief”, it is often not spoken about or validated. People around the bereaved family may not know what to say and may avoid the family or may say well-meaning but hurtful comments. In either case the bereaved family is left feeling isolated and alone.
Carla is passionate about supporting families who have experienced perinatal loss.