Talk about your baby and your feelings with your partner, family and friends. It may sound trite, but this is an excellent outlet for releasing bottled-up emotions
Try to resume old relationships and start new ones
Learn more about talking to children about a loss
Help from Others
Do not isolate yourself
Admit to yourself and your family when you need help. This can lessen your pain and loneliness
Accept help from others
Let others know specific things they can do for you, such as providing food, company or childcare
Allow family and friends to share your grief and let them offer their support
Attend a support group. Couples who have “been there” can give support, help and hope
Taking Care of Your Emotional and Spiritual Health
Read books, articles and poems that provide understanding and comfort so you do not feel alone. Avoid “scare” literature and technical medical publications
Keep a diary or journal of thoughts, memories and mementos
Write letters, notes or poems to or about your baby
Request help or support from your clergy to renew your faith and hope
Big Decisions and Changes
Don’t move or change jobs or relationships. Wait 24 months before making these changes
Avoid long trips
Coping mechanisms and reflexes are impaired, making judgments difficult
Don’t put away baby clothes until you are ready
Don’t let others make decisions for you
Caring for Your Physical Health
Avoid junk foods and fast foods
Drink eight glasses of liquids (juice, water, soda) each day. It can be useful to keep a measured jug of water in the refrigerator to assure that you drink enough
Don’t drink caffeine or alcohol because they may cause dehydration, headaches or low back pain. Alcohol also can depress body function and natural emotional expression
Do something active every day, such as biking, walking, jogging, aerobics or stretching. Even a walk around the block can be useful
Avoid tobacco because it depletes the body of vitamins, increases the acidity of the stomach, decreases circulation and causes palpitations
Avoid increased work activity. Maintain rest patterns if you are unable to sleep
Schedule a physical examination about four months after experiencing a loss because the body is at risk of developing diseases during grief
Grief is a personal journey but we are here for you if you need additional help and support.
