I’m always amazed on this same day every year, the sheer quantity of women that come forward to share that they have experienced pregnancy loss. When it happens to you, all you see are happy pregnancy announcements, and you think you’re the only one. I’m so proud of all of the women sharing their stories. It’s such a hard thing to talk about, so if a woman shares her loss with you, listen. Even if it’s uncomfortable for you, just let her talk. The simple act of you listening, is allowing her to navigate her grief. Ask her how she felt during her pregnancy. Ask how far along she was, if they had picked out a name. If she wants to keep talking, then don’t be afraid to ask questions. This little person existed, if only for a brief period of time, and she wants the world to know it was real. This little person may not have had the right “tools in their toolbox” to keep growing, but that doesn’t mean it never happened. So often women feel they have to grieve briefly and then sweep it under the rug, but they need to be allowed to both celebrate and grieve their pregnancy. So it’s simple, pave the way for these women to speak up, and just listen.
