How to support your body when you are going through a miscarriage.
There are so many things that your body is depleted of after a miscarriage. And something worth noting is that all miscarriages are not equal when it comes to trauma or experienced.
-
Some babies pass early on and your body instinctively passes the tissue.
-
Some babies pass partially and the placenta is retained and then a procedure is needed to pass the rest.
-
Some babies are later term and mom is induced - meaning she still has to go through a live birth to deliver her sweet baby.
-
Some babies come out so rapidly and so much blood is lost that mom goes down so quickly and has to be rushed to the hospital and given a blood transfusion to save her life while still passing the baby and properly caring for placenta removal.
I’m sure I missed some circumstances- but that spectrum breaks down that miscarriage isn’t a one size fits all like the term suggests. It’s complicated emotionally and physically and it depletes mama of so much.
So how can you support your body? Let’s dive in!
-
This can be a very pricey option, but also a great source of nutrients tailored directly towards your situation. A group of professionals will access your history and current state and compile an IV bag of the nutrients you are lacking. It will be administered to you through an IV and help you bounce back faster. Think about it like you would an IV at a hospital vs drinking water for dehydration. It packs a bigger, more intentional punch and helps you get over the depletion hump faster. This not something that would be needed for the “average” miscarriage, but for someone who is having a traumatic circumstance or a very hard time bouncing back after the miscarriage.
These infusion services often can come to your house for optimal comfort.
Some vitamins/minerals to consider replenishing:
B12 - Vitamin C - Glutathione
The infusion service will customize a vitamin pack for your specific needs.
Infusions will likely kick your appetite back into swing if you’re suffering from not wanting to eat.
-
Another thing to consider is Chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll can assist in the body's healings in a variety of ways including: decreasing inflammation, replenishing red blood cells, and removal of toxins.
You can increase the amount of chlorophyll in your diet by eating more plants; all plants have chlorophyll.
High chlorophyll foods:
Alfalfa, Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussels, Chlorella, Spinach, Turnip Greens
-
Beet juice is another natural remedy for after a miscarriage. It is known to decrease inflammation, increase energy levels, and help regulate blood pressure. The amount of vitamins and minerals in beet juice is extremely beneficial as well.
-
Beef and liver is a great supplement post miscarriage. Liver is loaded with vitamins and minerals that your body is in need of after the blood loss you just experienced. Beef liver in particular is high in a variety of B vitamins, zinc, and folate. Red meat, beef in particular, is very high in iron content.
You can mix it together in a hamburger patty & eat one or two a day at every other meal.
If eating liver isn’t something you have access to or prefer, you can order dedicated liver capsules here through the heart and soil company.
-
Iron is needed for your red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels to increase after blood loss. Some iron rich foods are red meat, peas, beans, dried raisins, and dried apricots.
-
Raw dairy contains lactase which is what is needed to absorb the nutrients in milk and dairy - as well as containing lactose. It is also very high in fat-soluble vitamins which serve as a natural hormone balancer and it also contains glutathione which is a small powerhouse of a protein that is found in most of the cells in your body. Glutathione’s primary functions are supporting the immune system, removing toxins from your body, and antioxidant protection.
Some types of raw dairy are milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream and kefir.
-
Make sure that you are adding electrolytes and minerals back into your body.
Coconut water is a great option!
You can also add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of salt (or both) to your water to help your body’s absorption rate.
-
Your body just suffered a trauma and you need to rest properly to heal. I know that resting for a mom is not easy, but you have to prioritize it. Allow room for your friends and family to step up and help. Let them cook, clean, make food, bring goodies, take your kids, etc.
Resting is going to allow you to heal faster and more fully (physically, of course).
In the beginning, if you are losing mass amounts of blood, try to avoid any foods that will cause vasodilation of the blood vessels.
Keep in mind that your body hasn’t caught up to the fact that the baby isn’t earthside - you may still produce milk. If you are, you’ll need to think about what will help you grieve in the healthiest manner.
Do you prefer to dry up and be done with it entirely?
Do you prefer to pump and feed other babies via donation?
This is something you need to take into consideration. Either way, you may need breast pads, a pump to relieve discomfort, wipes to clean your breasts while resting, nipple balm etc.
Set up a station next to your bed with all of your essentials so you don’t have to get up constantly. Here are some ideas:
Water
Snacks
Journal
Books
Coloring
Remote for the TV
Chapstick
Comfort Pillows
Breast pump or haakaa if you’re expressing milk and need relief
Box of tissues
Bell to ring
Cell phone + charger
If you prefer to have your children near, set up a station with their needs as well!
If not, hire a nanny/babysitter - allow your friends to help by taking your kids for a play date or setting up activities in your home that they can do with your children. Allow them to help with things like pick ups and drop offs or after school activities etc. Your friends are likely hungry for ways to serve you - here are easy yes’s!
If you’re in the hospital & allowing visitors - request these items for comfort:
Nutrient dense foods and drinks
A soft blanket
A change of clothing - nice comfy wear
Socks - hospitals are cold
A warm compression
Snacks that serve your body and healing
Your favorite pillow
A journal to write down your feelings
Period underwear or pads of choice (some prefer disposable so that it can be gone and no more mess/easier to move on from the loss of the blood is just tossed in the trash)
Let’s pause and talk about journaling.
I’ve had so many close friends go through the unimaginable when it comes to miscarriages, and every single one of them benefited so much from journaling - both mom AND DAD.
Journaling allows you to process your thoughts - no matter how dark and twisty they get - and it creates an outlet for you and your partner without any outside judgment.
Your journal can be something you use during this season of healing and then throw it away or you can choose to keep it. Whatever feels best for your grieving journey.
You will never stop grieving. That needs to be accepted. Your grief will remain the same size it is today… but YOU will learn and grow around it and the weight it holds will become lighter when you are emotionally stronger.
Talking about your baby and your feelings is going to help. It will reaffirm the baby's life and allow a space for you to work through your feelings. This doesn’t need to be done with everyone you know, but make sure you pick a person to be your support person through this season. They will bless you abundantly if you allow them to… mama, allow them to.
It’s going to feel personal and extremely intimate… and that’s ok. That’s why God designed the community. You aren’t meant to carry the weight of this load. Allow others to carry it with you.
Be prepared to be gentle with yourself and give yourself grace. There are going to be moments when something is off, something feels like it’s missing, signs that trigger emotions like seeing moms with new babies or even the nursery you set up for this bundle of love. Prepare yourself with coping mechanisms that allow room for grace. Again, talking with close friends and journaling is so important.
One final thought I’d like to share:
Take a picture of your baby. You may not want to see it or process your feelings now - but later you will likely be so grateful you have them. You can always delete them when you’re healing… but if you’re able to snap a photo or get a nurse to, it’s a great idea.