26/06/2025
🕊️ Grief After Miscarriage
1. It’s real and valid
Even if the loss occurs early in pregnancy, grief can be profound. Many women and their partners grieve not only the baby but also the hopes, dreams, and identity connected to becoming a parent.
2. It can be disenfranchised
Miscarriage grief is often minimised or overlooked in society. People may say things like “at least it was early” or “you can try again,” which can make grieving individuals feel unseen or dismissed.
3. Emotional and physical recovery
Alongside emotional pain, there are often physical symptoms. Hormonal shifts, physical discomfort, and reminders of loss can intensify the experience.
4. Guilt and self-blame are common
Many women blame themselves—even when miscarriage is out of their control. This can lead to shame and isolation.
🌑 Grief After Termination (Abortion)
1. A complex emotional experience
People may feel relief and grief at the same time. It’s possible to feel confident in the decision but still mourn the loss of a potential future.
2. Stigma and silence
Termination grief is often deeply private. Fear of judgment can prevent people from speaking openly, making support harder to access.
3. Hormonal impact
Like after miscarriage or childbirth, hormonal changes can trigger emotional lows, anxiety, and even depression after a termination.
4. The need for non-judgmental support
Whether the termination was for medical, personal, or social reasons, the need for compassionate and non-judgmental care is essential.
đź’¬ Support Needs in Both Cases
A safe space to talk without fear of judgment
Recognition that grief doesn’t follow a timeline
Acknowledgement of the loss, regardless of gestational age
Options for peer support, counselling, or grief programs
Practical and emotional care for partners and families, too
Zoe’s Place is grounded in this understanding. The grief we support is often disenfranchised—unseen or unsupported by wider systems—yet it’s deeply real. That’s why creating space for acknowledgment, compassion, and community is so essential.
