Logan Reid
Experiencing a miscarriage can be a difficult and painful time for mothers and their families. While hospitals do not typically give anything to mothers who have miscarried, there are treatments and procedures that can help speed up the process of passing the pregnancy tissue and reduce bleeding and infection. This includes medication and, in some cases, a dilatation and curettage (D&C) procedure. Hospitals may also provide certificates in memory of the baby, and guidance on disposal policies, with options for shared or individual cremation or burial of pregnancy remains. Mothers who have miscarried may also receive care instructions, including advice on rest, exercise, and emotional support.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment | Treatment options include medication to speed up the passing of pregnancy tissue, a procedure called dilatation and curettage (D&C), or expectant management, which involves waiting for the body to pass the pregnancy tissue naturally. |
| Post-miscarriage care | Hospitals may provide guidance on post-miscarriage physical and emotional recovery, including recommendations for rest, avoiding strenuous activity, and returning to work gradually. They may also advise on contraception, future pregnancy planning, and the importance of blood group testing, especially for RhD-negative individuals. |
| Emotional support | Hospitals may offer certificates in memory of the baby or provide information on support groups, grief resources, and memorial services. |
| Remains disposal | Hospitals typically have sensitive disposal policies, offering options for cremation or burial of pregnancy remains, either individually or shared, with the option for parents to make private arrangements if preferred. |
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What You'll Learn
- Hospitals may give a certificate in memory of the baby
- Miscarriage care packages, including soaps, journals, and jewellery
- Advice on physical recovery, including rest and avoiding strenuous exercise
- Information on emotional support, such as support groups or grief websites
- Options for burial or cremation, with guidance from the Royal College of Nursing
Hospitals may give a certificate in memory of the baby
Experiencing a miscarriage can be a difficult and traumatic event for mothers and their families. While hospitals do not typically give gifts to mothers who have miscarried, some hospitals may provide a certificate in memory of the baby. This certificate can serve as a token of recognition and validation for the mother's loss.
The certificate is often called a "certificate of nonviable birth" or a "life certificate." It can be issued by the hospital or a relevant health department, such as the Iowa Department of Public Health, upon request. This certificate acknowledges the existence and loss of the baby, providing a sense of closure and recognition for the mother and her family.
In addition to the certificate, hospitals may offer sensitive disposal policies for the pregnancy remains. They might provide options for individual or shared cremation or burial, usually paid for by the hospital trust. Alternatively, parents may choose to take their baby's remains home and make private arrangements. These options allow parents to grieve and memorialize their baby in a way that feels meaningful to them.
While hospitals may not provide gifts, there are other ways to show support and comfort to a mother who has miscarried. Thoughtful gestures, such as cards, books, handmade crafts, or personalized gifts, can convey love and support when words are challenging. These gifts can provide solace and remind the mother that she is not alone during her time of grief.
Additionally, self-care practices are essential for mothers recovering from a miscarriage. This includes taking the necessary time off work, both physically and emotionally, and seeking support from a doctor or grief and loss resources if needed.
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Miscarriage care packages, including soaps, journals, and jewellery
While hospitals do not typically give care packages to mothers who have suffered a miscarriage, there are several organisations that offer these packages, and they can be purchased by friends and family as well.
What to include in a miscarriage care package
Care packages for mothers who have experienced a miscarriage are a thoughtful way to show love and support. They can include items such as soaps, journals, jewellery, and other self-care items. Here are some ideas for creating a thoughtful and supportive miscarriage care package:
- Soaps and bath products: Small, sample-sized soaps, bath salts, and bath bombs can be included. These items can promote relaxation and offer a calming, spa-like experience during a difficult time.
- Journals: A journal can be a private and safe space for a mother to express her feelings, worries, and grief. There are specific grief journals available, or you can choose a simple notebook.
- Jewellery: A piece of jewellery, such as a necklace, bracelet, or ring, can be a subtle and meaningful way to show support. It can serve as a reminder that she is not alone and that someone is thinking of her.
- Comfort items: Soft blankets, tea, and weighted eye masks can provide physical comfort and a sense of warmth.
- Grief resources: Include books about grief and healing from miscarriage, or information on pregnancy loss support organisations. Religious texts or scripture cards may also be appropriate, depending on the recipient's beliefs.
- Personalised items: Include a personal letter or card to express your condolences and let the recipient know that you are there for them.
Other considerations
In addition to the items included in the care package, there are a few other things to consider when supporting someone through a miscarriage:
- Time to recover: Everyone's experience is different, and it can take a few days to a few weeks to recover physically and emotionally from a miscarriage. Respect the mother's need for time and space.
- Practical support: Offer to help with everyday tasks or provide a home-cooked meal.
- Memorial options: Some hospitals offer certificates in memory of the baby, and there may be options for burial or cremation. These can provide a sense of closure and help with the grieving process.
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Advice on physical recovery, including rest and avoiding strenuous exercise
Experiencing a miscarriage can be physically and emotionally painful. It is important to give your body time to recover and heal. Miscarriages are often unexpected and can be a huge shock, so it is normal to feel anxious, angry, guilty, disappointed, or frustrated. It is important to acknowledge these feelings and understand that recovery takes time.
- Get plenty of rest. Your energy levels may be low during the first week, and you may feel tired and run down for several weeks. Listen to your body and take naps if needed.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for at least two to three days. Light exercise, on the other hand, can be beneficial for emotional release and physical recovery. Consider trying a new form of gentle exercise that brings you joy, such as yoga or walking.
- Take care of your body by staying hydrated and eating a balanced, nutritious diet. Cut down on sugary foods and drinks, limit caffeine and alcohol, and take your prenatal vitamins.
- Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, or rivers for at least one week.
- If you are breastfeeding, your breasts may be sore, tender, or full of milk. Use ice packs and breast pads, and wear a supportive bra.
- You may experience bleeding and heavy periods for several weeks after your miscarriage. Use sanitary products and change them frequently.
- Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if your symptoms do not improve. They can advise you on your physical recovery and provide support.
Remember that everyone's experience is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to physical recovery after a miscarriage. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself the time and space to heal at your own pace.
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Information on emotional support, such as support groups or grief websites
Experiencing a miscarriage can be emotionally distressing and isolating. However, it is important to know that you are not alone in this experience. Emotional support is available through various support groups and grief websites.
The Institute of Reproductive Grief Care is a non-profit organisation that provides resources for grieving parents. They offer a collection of books, booklets, and memorial items to help individuals process their loss. They also have a website that provides tips for healing, phone support lines, and online support groups.
Pregnancy Loss Support Program is another organisation that provides grieving families with pregnancy and infant loss counselling and support groups. Their volunteers help families navigate the overwhelming impact of pregnancy and neonatal loss, which can affect parents, siblings, grandparents, extended families, and friends.
March of Dimes is a community that provides support, comfort, and friendship to those who have experienced miscarriage or loss. They have a Facebook group called "Families Everywhere" where individuals can connect with others who have experienced preterm birth, NICU stays, infant loss, or infertility.
Additionally, there are other support groups and websites such as Empty Cradle, which offers support through Facebook, phone, and email. These platforms can provide valuable information, comfort, and a sense of community to individuals seeking emotional support after a miscarriage.
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Options for burial or cremation, with guidance from the Royal College of Nursing
When a baby dies before 24 weeks of pregnancy, there is no legal requirement for burial or cremation. However, guidance from the Royal College of Nursing advises that hospitals should offer parents the option of arranging an individual or shared cremation or burial of pregnancy remains, usually paid for by the Trust. Alternatively, parents may prefer to take their baby's remains home and make private arrangements. Hospitals should give parents time to decide and the option not to make a decision at all.
Some hospitals may still treat the remains of an early loss as clinical waste unless you request otherwise. This is not illegal in England and Wales, but Scottish government guidance differs. Hospitals may also provide a certificate in memory of your baby. If they don't offer it, you can ask.
If you wish to make your own arrangements, you can use a funeral director or a specialist cremation service, or choose to bury the remains at home or elsewhere. Some hospitals have dedicated baby memorial gardens or baby areas within cemeteries, where you can purchase individual or communal lairs. Memorial plaques are also available at some cemeteries.
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Frequently asked questions
If you miscarry at home, you are likely to pass the remains of your pregnancy into the toilet. You may see the pregnancy sac and/or the fetus. You can either flush the toilet or remove the remains for a closer look. You might want to bring the remains to your doctor or hospital for confirmation and potential testing.
If a miscarriage has begun, there is no way to stop it. Treatment will focus on avoiding heavy bleeding and infection. You can opt for expectant management, allowing the pregnancy tissue to pass naturally, or take medication to speed up the process. If the tissue doesn't pass naturally, a dilatation and curettage (D&C) procedure may be recommended. After a miscarriage, it's normal to experience pain and bleeding similar to a period for up to two weeks. You should seek medical attention if you experience strong pain, abnormal discharge, or a fever, as these could indicate an infection or remaining tissue.
It's common to experience grief and a range of emotions after a miscarriage. Hospitals may provide a certificate in memory of your baby. Support groups, grief and loss websites, or counselling services can offer guidance and emotional support. Self-care practices, such as rest and naps, can aid in your physical recovery. It's important to remember that everyone's experience is unique, and you should seek professional medical and emotional support as needed.
