Award Banner
Award Banner

Grieving parents: How to comfort someone who had a miscarriage?

Grieving parents: How to comfort someone who had a miscarriage?
PHOTO: Pexels

Miscarriage is a heartbreaking experience that can leave someone isolated, vulnerable, and overwhelmed. As a friend or family member, it's natural to want to provide comfort, but not everyone knows how to approach the situation.

Grief is a deeply personal process, and it's easy to unwittingly say or do something that upsets the person who has lost a pregnancy.

The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for comforting someone who has had a miscarriage, but there are steps you can take to support them while they heal.

In this blog post, we'll explore how to comfort someone who has had a miscarriage with sensitivity and compassion. We'll begin by acknowledging the reality of the situation and the importance of validating their emotions.

We'll examine the common responses to miscarriage, including the stages of grief, the intensity of feelings, and the impact on relationships.

1. Acknowledge the person's loss

PHOTO: Pexels

When comforting someone who has had a miscarriage, it is crucial to acknowledge their loss.

It is essential to remember that they have gone through significant emotional and physical trauma, and they need to know that their feelings are valid and that they are not alone.

Acknowledge that the loss is real and that it is okay to grieve.

Use compassionate and empathetic language, and allow them to express their emotions freely without judgment.

Simply being present and providing a listening ear can go a long way in comforting them during this difficult time.

2. Avoid cliches, such as 'everything happens for a reason'

When comforting someone who has experienced a miscarriage, it is important to avoid cliches that may come across as dismissive or trivialising of their emotions.

Some common phrases, such as "everything happens for a reason," can be particularly hurtful as they offer a simple and unsatisfactory explanation for a complex and devastating experience.

It is important to remember that each individual's grief and healing process is unique and that your role as a supportive friend or family member is to listen and empathise rather than offer platitudes or easy explanations.

By avoiding cliches and instead offering sincere condolences and a listening ear, you can help provide comfort and support to someone who is experiencing a deep loss.

3. Listen and allow them to express their feelings

PHOTO: Unsplash

Experiencing a miscarriage can be an extremely traumatic event in someone's life.

As a supportive friend or family member, it's important to comfort and empathises with the individual who has gone through this heartbreaking loss.

One essential step in providing comfort is listening to the person and allowing them to express their feelings. It's crucial to create a space where they can talk openly and share their emotions without feeling judged or dismissed.

Listen attentively to everything they're saying and show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings. It's essential to avoid interrupting, offering solutions or advice, or belittling their emotions.

Giving them the opportunity to express themselves can be therapeutic for them and help them to process their emotions in a healthy way.

4. Offer practical help, such as running errands or cooking meals

PHOTO: Unsplash

Experiencing a miscarriage can be a difficult and emotional time for couples.

As a friend or family member, one way to comfort someone who had a miscarriage is by offering practical help.

This includes running errands, like grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or dropping off and picking up children from school.

Cooking meals and offering to clean their home can also be thoughtful gestures during this time.

These practical activities can alleviate some of the stress that comes with day-to-day responsibilities, allowing the individual and their partner the time and space they need to grieve.

It is important to ask the individual what kind of help would be most beneficial to them and respect their decision if they choose not to accept any assistance.

5. Respect the person's wishes and privacy

PHOTO: Unsplash

In order to provide comfort to someone who has experienced a miscarriage, it is important to respect their wishes and privacy. Everyone deals with grief differently, and some individuals may want to keep their experiences private.

Therefore, it is imperative to ask the person what they are comfortable sharing and not push them to talk about their experience.

If they choose to share it with you, listen actively and offer support without judgment or criticism.

Additionally, refrain from sharing their personal information with others without their consent.

It is important to provide a safe and supportive environment while respecting their privacy during this difficult time.

6. Avoid talking about your own miscarriage experiences unless asked

PHOTO: Unsplash

When comforting someone who has had a miscarriage, it's important to tread carefully and be sensitive to their emotions.

One important tip for providing support is to avoid talking about your own experiences unless the person specifically asks for them.

Your experiences may not necessarily be helpful or relevant to their individual situation and could end up causing unintentional harm or discomfort.

Instead, focus on listening actively and offering words of empathy and support.

Be present and validate their feelings, letting them know that they are not alone in their grief.

By following this tip and being mindful of the person's needs, you can help them navigate this difficult time in a compassionate and comforting way.

7. Be patient and understanding

PHOTO: Unsplash

When supporting someone who had a miscarriage, it is important to remember that grief and healing take time.

Be patient and understand that the person may not be ready to talk or share their feelings immediately.

It is important to create a safe space for them to express themselves when they feel comfortable.

It is also important to recognise that there is no "right way" to feel or cope with this experience.

Allow the person to grieve in their own way without judgment or expectation. Remind them that you are there for them and will support them throughout this process.

By staying patient and understanding, you can help provide much-needed comfort and support for someone who has experienced this loss.

8. Offer support in the weeks and months to come

PHOTO: Pexels

If someone close to you has experienced a miscarriage, it is important to understand that grief is a personal journey and does not have a timeline. In the immediate aftermath of the miscarriage, profound sadness and shock may be prominent.

However, the weeks and months following a loss can be challenging for many, as feelings of grief and sadness can resurface unexpectedly.

As someone offering support, it is important to let the person know that you are available to listen and provide support during this time.

It can also be helpful to check in with them periodically and remember important dates such as what would have been the due date or pregnancy-related milestones.

Simply offering a listening ear and acknowledging that the healing process takes time can make a significant difference in helping someone come to terms with their grief.

PHOTO: Unsplash

In conclusion, comforting someone who had a miscarriage requires empathy, compassion, and sensitivity.

It's a delicate situation that should be approached with care, and there's no one 'right' way to do it. The most important thing is to be there for your loved one, listen to them, and acknowledge their grief.

Offer your support in whatever way they need it, and remind them that they're not alone.

With time, healing can begin, and your kindness and empathy can make all the difference in helping them through this difficult time.

ALSO READ: How men can support their partners after a miscarriage

This article was first published in theAsianparent.

homepage

trending

trending
    Kim Kardashian scolds security guard for stepping on 2025 Met Gala dress
    Woman carrying baby unhurt after escalator steps dislodge at HarbourFront Centre
    Taiwanese actress Cheryl Yang visits Singapore, goes on gastronomic tour
    Singaporeans earning above $10k most likely to be concerned about impact of US tariffs in Singapore: AsiaOne survey
    Man arrested for alleged theft of items amounting to $2,900 at shops in Changi Airport
    Post-GE episode of Sun Xueling reading children's book goes viral
    Ministers Ong Ye Kung, Chee Hong Tat did not have any dealings with Fujian gang member Su Haijin: Statement
    'Teochew dishes with a twist': Ya Hui teams up with restaurant to cook for dog charity
    Woman flamed by netizens for secretly recording voting process on Polling Day
    Poisonous rumours and pink smoke: Busy time for conclave whisperers
    Gates Foundation to open office in Singapore
    'Dog will return soon': GE2025 independent candidate Jeremy Tan wants to contest again

Singapore

Singapore
    • GE2025: Singaporeans living abroad share experience of voting overseas
    • 'Lest you forget, the SDP never say die': Chee Soon Juan says party already preparing for GE2030
    • We may not have won Punggol, but we won something deeper: WP's Harpreet Singh on GE2025
    • PAP's Gan Siow Huang wins Marymount SMC with 70.70% of votes over PSP's Jeffrey Khoo
    • Singaporean man in Thailand nabbed for being part of illegal vape network
    • Self-taught and self-made: Nanyang Polytechnic's K-Wave club moves beyond K-pop
    • 'Asia will be among the hardest hit': SM Teo on the region's need for solutions against climate change
    • Leadership transition for Singapore complete with strong mandate from GE2025: Analysts
    • Jail for former pre-school teacher who ill-treated 2 toddlers under her care
    • SMRT Trains fined $240,000 over accident that killed technical officer

Entertainment

Entertainment
    • (G)I-dle rebrands in light of 7th anniversary, sparking mixed emotions from fans
    • Parents thank Park Seo-joon for donation that saved child: 'It was the first time in a long while our family laughed'
    • Red Velvet's Irene and Seulgi, Exo's Doh Kyung-soo, Xdinary Heroes: Singapore concert calendar for 2025
    • 'My acting wasn't going anywhere': Zhang Zetong was close to leaving showbiz before winning Star Award
    • Blackpink divides opinions with Met Gala 2025 looks — and other hits and misses
    • JK Rowling insists she won't fire Paapa Essiedu from Harry Potter over his support for trans community
    • Khloe Kardashian used fillers to hide 'really big indention' on face
    • Rina Sawayama set to star in John Wick spin-off movie
    • Sean 'Diddy' Combs jurors say they have seen video of alleged beating, heard baby oil jokes
    • Byeon Woo-seok, Park Eun-bin, Kiss of Life: A peek at their childhood photos on South Korea's Children's Day

Lifestyle

Lifestyle
    • Local brands like Ann Chin Popiah and Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice to open at 5-star hotel in Macau
    • 'It hurts, losing everything': Mentai-Ya boss closes all remaining stalls after $550k losses in 2 years
    • Kenny Rogers Roasters now has an all-you-can-eat buffet for $28.90++, here's a sneak peek at the menu
    • This new American malt shop along Joo Chiat Road looks like it came straight out of a Wes Anderson film
    • Denza opens an 'experiential showcase' at Zhongshan Park
    • Things to do in Porto, Portugal: A curated 5-day itinerary
    • Buying a walk-up apartment in Singapore? Don't overlook the shops below - here's why
    • Fun for all in Saudi: A guide to exploring the country's best family attractions
    • Tiny island, massive flex: 60 times Singapore topped the charts
    • 5 false ceiling designs that never go out of style

Digicult

Digicult
    • A $500 wake-up call: How the Samsung Galaxy Ring made me realise my stress
    • Monster Hunter Wilds producer explains how game has remained unique and fresh over 20 years
    • Google Pixel 9a: The best AI-centric phone under $800 in 2025?
    • Western intelligence agencies warn spyware threat targeting Taiwan, Tibetan rights advocates
    • Taiwan says China using generative AI to ramp up disinformation and 'divide' the island
    • Russian court fines Telegram app for refusal to remove anti-government content, TASS reports
    • One Beijing man's quest to keep cooking — and connecting with Americans — on camera
    • Nintendo Switch 2 to launch in June with US$449.99 price tag
    • Games in April: RPGs, racing and Ronaldo in a fighting game
    • Is it time to get a MacBook at a good price? The M4 MacBook Air says yes

Money

Money
    • Giant deal: Malaysian company to acquire Cold Storage and Giant supermarket chains in Singapore
    • Japan, China, South Korea, Asean enhance regional financial safety net
    • Trump plans to hit movies made outside US with 100% tariffs
    • Do high floors equal to high returns? Let's unpack the numbers
    • What DIY property buyers in Singapore might miss out on (and why it matters)
    • 5 affordable condos with unblocked views priced under $1m
    • How tariffs could shape interest rates in 2025: What Trump's 'Liberation Day' means for Singapore home loans
    • GM delays investor call, UPS axes 20k jobs as Trump's tariffs create corporate chaos
    • India prepared to 'future-proof' trade deal as sweetener in US talks, sources say
    • UPS cuts 20,000 jobs, GM delays investor call as Trump's tariffs create corporate chaos

Latest

Latest
  • Daily roundup: Ng Chee Meng apologises for 2017 MOE incident, requests PM not to give him position in Govt — and other top stories today
  • Anti-corruption witness in Malaysia missing for one month after allegedly being taken away by 'police officers'
  • UN Security Council urges India-Pakistan talks on Kashmir, Islamabad says
  • American climber dies on world's fifth-highest peak in Nepal
  • Philippine coast guard says China ship conducting illegal survey within EEZ
  • US appeals court rejects Trump bid to revoke thousands of migrants' status
  • Netanyahu says new Gaza offensive will be intensive
  • US offers $1,300 stipend to encourage migrants to self-deport
  • Israel may seize all Gaza in expanded operation, officials say

In Case You Missed It

In Case You Missed It
  • Ong Ye Kung leads PAP team to victory while elder brother Howard Ong loses in Australia's election on the same day
  • Tan Kiat How weighs in on viral video of Gan Kim Yong being ignored by passers-by in Punggol
  • PSP's Tan Cheng Bock turns 85; SDP's Paul Tambyah joins celebration at Teban Gardens
  • PM Wong urges voters to 'choose leaders of good character' in PAP's first party political broadcast
  • It is 'important for Singapore's democracy' that WP wins more seats, says Pritam in election broadcast
  • GE2025: PSP, RDU, SDP, PPP, PAR, NSP promise to push for policy changes if elected to Parliament in first political broadcast
  • 'Everyone has the right to express their feelings': WP candidates address four-cornered fight in Tampines GRC
  • PAP's Desmond Lee responds to opposition's calls for GST exemption, says 'we want to make it progressive'
  • 'A fresher Pritam Singh': Teo Chee Hean to Aljunied resident who mistook PAP's Faisal Abdul Aziz for WP chief
This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.