An Autumn offering - Self care to bolster you during those difficult days.
Here at MISS, we know that going through the heartbreak of pregnancy loss can bring up a whole host of emotions and challenges. Self-care may be the last thing on your mind as you mourn the future you had dreamed of, feel disconnected from your body, and try to avoid all of the shiny social media posts that make you see red. Rona and Catarina, from our support team, have got you. We hear you, we see you, and we want to guide you in how to feel a bit cosier and kinder to yourself as we enter Autumn.
Self-care is not something to be ticked off a to-do list - it is about nourishment, not optimisation. It’s about creating an authentic connection with yourself (including all those messy parts that we all pretend we don’t have). We know it can sometimes feel hard to carve out some time for you, perhaps because you’re juggling multiple plates or because an old tape is playing in your mind, telling you that self-care is somehow selfish. We are here to tell you that self-care is essential for your wellbeing, and that you absolutely deserve this time and space in your busy life.
Through our one-to-one and virtual support group services, we know that although pregnancy loss unites our community, every courageous person who shares their story with us is unique, so why shouldn’t self-care be too? You may be someone who lights up at the idea of physical movement or creating a beautiful environment around you. Maybe it is your emotional and social world that needs bolstering. You might be someone who wants to rekindle a previously more robust spiritual practice. Can you think of the areas in your life that need a little more attention at this time? Importantly, what feels truly accessible to you right now? It is okay to take small steps towards change; you are absolutely allowed to be gentle with yourself.
Some of our team absolutely love reading a Romantasy while surrounded by bath bubbles. If this is you, go get that bath running! If you are thinking nope, not for me - that’s also totally valid. Self-care to you might look more like a coffee with a friend or singing your heart out to your favourite music. It might involve a walk/run/cycle in a green space or even finally getting round to cleaning out an overflowing cupboard in the house. Whatever helps make your day that wee bit brighter and fills your cup, counts as self-care.
Something that we often recommend in our sessions is journaling. We know that some people find journaling speaks to their soul, while others feel a little stuck with it all. The first thing we would say is, as ever, make it authentic to you. If writing out word after word feels tough, feel free to doodle or collage with images that express how your inner world is looking and feeling right now instead. You might be somebody who processes out loud, and if that’s you, then voice notes, either to yourself or a trusted friend, can be really cathartic too.
Reaching out for a one-to-one support call or joining one of our virtual support groups is a really courageous step in your self-care journey. Our one-to-one calls last 50 minutes each; however, we can absolutely take our conversations at a pace that feels comfortable for you, whether that is finishing up a little earlier or booking in for follow-up calls at a later date. We will walk with you as you process your feelings surrounding your miscarriage journey, and provide you with helpful signposting and recommendations for podcasts, activities and other supportive organisations if this would feel beneficial to you.