I probably should tell you all a little about myself before I begin since this is my first post. My husband and I have been through 3 miscarriages within the last 2 years. We lost the first at 8w, second at 5w and the most recent, in March, at 12w.
Now, onto my post...
It seems like there has been a boom of women announcing pregnancies recently on social media as well as within our social group and I just cannot feel genuinely happy for them. It's become a situation where I would rather stay home than have to hear them talking about their successful pregnancies while we're out as a group.
How do you handle the sadness of watching others go through healthy pregnancies when you're still struggling to accept your recurring loss?
I've yet to be able to honestly talk with anyone about our losses, people know they've happened, but they aren't aware of the details. I don't have anyone close to me that has dealt with miscarriage, much less reoccurring miscarriages to talk to. Help.
Re: Dealing with friends pregnancies after loss...
Have you considered taking a break from social media? That really can help. But as far as being around people who are talking about it, I don't have any advice... have you thought of grief counseling at all? You have been through a lot, and it would give you someone to talk to.
I'm so sorry for your losses. I honestly think that what you're feeling is a normal part of the grieving process. How do I handle it? I'm not saying it's the right way but some of it is avoiding and when backed in a corner it's putting on a "game" face and faking through it. I was recently invited to a "gender reveal party" which I declined to without explaination. I'm not sure if she's aware of my loss or not but I wasn't up for that one. I would say it gets easier with time but if you are having recurrent losses, that probably doesn't help much.
I can relate to not talking to people about the losses and I can tell you that even if they were in your situation, it doesn't necessarily mean they would be understanding or supportive. Sad but true. I found that out the hard way but unfortunately I couldn't keep my last loss a secret since we had already started to announce before we lost him.
This board has helped me immensely with my losses. I had the hardest time with my latest loss and I really should find a IRL group but I've been avoiding it. Maybe that's something that could help you. My doctor gave me a list of groups in my area.
(((Hugs)))
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[/RA with Sjogren's Syndrome. Risk of heart block in newborn. Age: DH and I are both 38.
BFP #1: 11/25/2007, EDD 7/28/2008 - Missed m/c (blighted ovum) 12/6/2007 6w3d, D&C 1/3/2008.
BFP #2: 4/2008 - Natural m/c at 6w.
Met with RE in 5/2008 full cycle analysis and SA normal. Not considered high risk for blood clots but prescribed 1 baby aspirin a day precautionary during TTC and Progesterone suppositories during 1st trimester of pregnancy.
BFP #3: 10/17/2008. EDD 6/23/2009, Third time's the charm! Healthy baby boy born 6/27/2009 via emergency c-section.
BFP #4: 6/14/2011. Healthy baby boy born 2/16/2012 via elective c-section.
BFP #5: 1/15/2014. EDD 9/22/2014. 2/17/14:.We have a BABY!!! Heart rate 167 and measuring on time. 3/10/14 u/s #2 baby measuring perfectly at 12 weeks at heart rate of 166. NT u/s was normal. Maternit21 blood draw on 3/5/14. Results back on 3/19 - Normal. It's a BOY!!! 4/10/14 at 16 weeks, 3 days discovered baby's heart stopped at 15 weeks, 6 days. D&C 4/11/14. Pathology results were all normal. New information on 8/11/14 - blood test revealed 1/3 of babys blood was in mine caused, most likely, by a tear in the placenta from extreme coughing. Doctor believes this to be the cause of death. Repeat D&C and Hysteroscopy scheduled for 8/19/14. My Chart
I'm taking a hiatus from Facebook (my prime source of triggers) and I'm going to look into a group shares/grief counseler.
I'm so sorry for all of your losses and I hate more than anything that we are here on this board but I'm happy to have found such an understanding, supportive group. Thank you all so much!
Me: 31 DH:28
BFP: July 6 2014. Ectopic discovered at 7 weeks. TTC since February 2014
~TTC #1 Since 3/2014
~BFP #1 6/2014 EDD 2/11/15
~MMC 7/31/14 @12weeks ~D&C /2/2014
I did deactivate my account on FB until I can get a handle on my emotions and properly grieve.
It's tough y'all.
@kyliehopeful - My sister in law has a baby shower coming up and I'm not sure I'll be able to attend so I know exactly what you're going through! I plan on just being honest with her about why I won't be attending and if she doesn't understand then that's on her. You have to do what's best for YOU!
Thanks for your message, I've been feeling guilty about not attending the baby shower however your right, I need to do what's best for me right now. Plus I would need a box of tissues just to get through it!
I remember crying on the way home from my friends' kids' birthday parties wondering if that was ever going to be me. I also say that you've got to protect yourself and take care of your own emotional health. Obviously you want to be there for your friends, but do the minimum (send a gift or card) and don't attend the actual event if you know it's going to cause you to spiral. No one who has been through recurrent losses or fertility struggles understands what it's like to hope month after month for a child and come up empty handed. Make sure you also get out and do fun stuff w/your husband and friends that's not child related.
3 IUIs to get BFP w/baby #2
Lost baby #2 at nearly 12 weeks (D&C on 9/19/14)