Perinatal Loss: Navigating Grief and Healing
Perinatal loss is a heartbreaking experience that affects many families every year. This term encompasses a range of losses, including infertility during the preconception period, fetal death during pregnancy (miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, induced abortion, and stillbirth), as well as infant death within the first year of life (neonatal or post-neonatal death). Regardless of the type of loss, no two families will experience it the same way. Each journey through grief is deeply personal, shaped by individual emotions, circumstances, and support systems.
Understanding Grief: Emotional and Physical Symptoms
The grieving process following a perinatal loss can evoke a wide range of emotions and physical symptoms. It’s important to understand that grief is complex and can manifest differently in each person.
Emotional Symptoms
- Overwhelming sadness or deep sorrow
- Difficulty accepting the reality of the loss
- Persistent thoughts of your child and their future
- Feelings of depression or numbness
- Increased anxiety about surviving children (if applicable)
- Feelings of guilt, anger, or even rage
- Withdrawing from loved ones or social situations
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Physical Symptoms
- Excessive crying or inability to stop tears
- Changes in appetite (either loss or overeating)
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
- Physical aches or pains, such as headaches
- Increased use of substances like alcohol or drugs
- Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviors
When to Seek Help
Grief is a natural part of the healing process, but if the emotional and physical symptoms persist over time or begin to significantly disrupt daily life—impacting eating, sleeping, relationships, or work—it may be time to seek professional support. Grief can sometimes transform into clinical depression or anxiety, and recognizing the signs early can help prevent it from becoming more challenging to cope with.
If loved ones express concern or if you find yourself struggling to cope with your grief in a healthy way, reaching out for help is an important step toward healing. Your well-being is a priority, and no one should have to navigate this journey alone.
Therapeutic Approaches to Healing
At Wholesome Psychology, we offer a range of therapeutic treatments that can help you cope with the grief and loss associated with perinatal loss. Our compassionate therapists are trained in various techniques to support you through this difficult time. Some of the therapies we offer include:
Grief and Loss Treatment Methods
- Grief Work Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Person-Centered Therapy
- Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Faith-Based Therapy (for those seeking spiritual support)
Depression Treatment Methods
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy
- Behavioral Therapy
- Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
- Positive Psychology Approaches
Supporting You with Doula Services
A doula can provide invaluable support during the grieving process, offering emotional care and guidance in the wake of a perinatal loss. Our doulas can assist you by:
- Providing a safe space to express emotions and validate feelings
- Offering information and education about perinatal loss
- Helping you make informed decisions about your care
- Advocating for your needs within the healthcare system
- Creating a nurturing environment that promotes healing
- Supporting family members and partners in coping with the loss
- Providing continued support in the months after the loss
At Wholesome Psychology, we’re here to support you through every stage of grief and healing. Whether through therapy, doula services, or a combination of both, we aim to create a compassionate and healing space for you and your family.
Contact us to learn more about how we can support you during this difficult time.