What is Perinatal Loss?
Perinatal loss is a devastating experience that occurs when a pregnancy is lost or a baby dies during pregnancy, at birth, or shortly after. The loss of a child is one of the most difficult experiences that any parent can go through, and it can have long-lasting effects on a person's mental and emotional well-being. In this blog, we will discuss the types of perinatal loss and grief, and examine some of the ways that parents can cope with this difficult experience.
Types of Perinatal Loss
Perinatal loss can occur in a number of different ways. Some of the most common types of perinatal loss include:
Miscarriage - A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week.
Stillbirth - A stillbirth occurs when a baby dies after the 20th week of pregnancy, but before birth.
Neonatal death - A neonatal death occurs when a baby dies within the first 28 days of life.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) - SIDS is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby under the age of one.
Grief and Perinatal Loss
The experience of perinatal loss can cause intense grief for parents, and it can be difficult to know how to cope with this grief. Grief is a normal and natural reaction to loss, and it can take many different forms. Some of the most common ways that people experience grief after perinatal loss include:
Shock and disbelief - Many parents feel shocked and unable to process what has happened.
Guilt and blame - Some parents may feel guilty or blame themselves for the loss.
Anger and resentment - Parents may feel angry and resentful towards themselves, their partner, or others.
Sadness and depression - The loss of a child can lead to feelings of sadness and depression.
Coping with Perinatal Loss
Coping with perinatal loss is a difficult and ongoing process. There are a number of things that parents can do to help them cope with their grief, including:
Seeking support - Talking to friends, family members, or a counselor can be a helpful way to process feelings and emotions.
Acknowledging the loss - It's important to acknowledge the loss and allow yourself to grieve.
Taking care of yourself - Eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising can help with physical and emotional well-being.
Finding ways to remember - Creating a memorial or finding other ways to remember the child can help with the grieving process.
Perinatal loss is a difficult and heartbreaking experience, and it is important for parents to know that they are not alone. By seeking support, acknowledging the loss, taking care of themselves, and finding ways to remember, parents can begin to cope with their grief and begin the healing process. It is important for parents to remember that the grieving process is a personal one, and that there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
References/Sources:
Cacciatore, J., & DeFrain, J. (2012). Conceptions of grief and healing among parents who have experienced perinatal loss. Illness, Crisis & Loss, 20(4), 305–320.
Gold, K. J., Boggs, M. E., Mugisha, E., & Oremo, J. (2016). Perinatal depression and anxiety in Kenya: A qualitative study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 203, 227–235.
Kersting, A., Kroker, K., Schlicht, S., & Wagner, B. (2011). Internet-based treatment after pregnancy loss: Concept and case study. Journal of Psych
