Honouring pregnancy loss month

by Dr Sarah Fogarty.

October marks Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and honouring the lives of babies lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death.

It’s important to break the silence that often surrounds pregnancy loss and to extend compassion to those affected. If you’re reading this and have experienced a loss, know that you are not alone. As one of the 1 in 6 women in Australia who has experienced stillbirth, I understand the heartache and complex emotions that come with losing a child. Many of us at Uplift WHC have been through similar journeys, and it’s our mission to provide a safe, supportive space for healing.

Understanding Pregnancy Loss in Australia

Pregnancy loss is a deeply personal experience, yet it affects a significant number of families across Australia. Sadly, approximately 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, and every day, six babies are stillborn. This means that many women and families are navigating this devastating experience daily, often without adequate support or recognition. Pregnancy loss, whether early or late, is a heartbreaking event that can leave a lasting emotional, physical, and psychological impact.

For many women, it’s not just the loss itself but the feeling of isolation and silence that follows. Despite how common pregnancy loss is, it can feel like a taboo subject, leaving those affected unsure of how to grieve or where to seek support. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month aims to change this by facilitating conversations, encouraging communities to provide support, and helping families honour the children they’ve lost.

Creating Space for Healing

Grief after pregnancy loss is complicated and unique to each person. The path to healing is deeply personal, and there is no “right” way to cope. However, creating spaces for emotional and physical healing is essential. At Uplift, we want you to know this is a place where you’ll feel supported, your loss is acknowledged, and you can begin caring for yourself in a way that feels right for you.

As a bereavement massage therapist, I offer massage sessions specifically designed for women who have experienced pregnancy loss. Bereavement massage is a nurturing, gentle form of massage that focuses on emotional healing as well as physical recovery. It provides a safe, calming environment where you can process your grief, release tension, and allow your body and mind to rest. Whether you’re grieving after a recent loss or a past one, massage can help ease the emotional and physical strain you may be carrying.

Pregnancy After Loss

For women who are pregnant after experiencing a loss, the journey can be filled with anxiety and fear, alongside the hope for a new beginning. Here at Uplift, we offer specific pregnancy after loss massage appointment where you can feel safe, your story is heard, and your experiences are respected. We understand the unique challenges that come with pregnancy after loss, and we’re dedicated to supporting your body both physically and emotionally. Our clinic is committed to providing holistic care for women who are navigating this complex time.

In addition to pregnancy after loss massage, our women’s health physiotherapists offer personalised assessments and treatments tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re recovering from a pregnancy loss or pregnant again after one. Our team understands the emotional and physical challenges of pregnancy after loss and will work with you to create a care plan that addresses your concerns, eases discomfort, and supports your well-being.

You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone

October may be a month dedicated to raising awareness, but the support doesn’t end when the month is over. Our doors are always open, and we encourage you to reach out whenever you feel ready. Whether it’s to honour your loss, ease the emotional strain of a new pregnancy, or simply take care of your body, we are here to help you find comfort and healing.

If you’d like to learn more about bereavement massage, pregnancy after loss massage, or our women’s health physiotherapy services, please reach out. We are here to support you in your healing journey, offering compassionate and specialised care every step of the way.