Experiencing Loss: Miscarriage & Stillbirth
Miscarriages and stillbirths are much more common than most people realize. It is estimated that about 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, but the actual number may be much higher. There are many reasons why a miscarriage may happen, but the majority are not caused by anything you have done and could not have been prevented. While stillbirths vary greatly from region to region, every year, about 2 million babies are stillborn.
Every miscarriage or pregnancy loss is different and there is no right or wrong way to feel about it. Read more...
Grief and Faith After Loss After the birth of her two daughters, Chaya Hott was told she couldn't have any more children. A decade later, she was given the clearance for one more. Her pregnancy ended with a son who passed away. Chaya speaks about her unfathomable grief, as well as hope and faith.
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I experienced neonatal loss of twins 43 years ago, and it was very traumatic, since I had no emotional support, and never got to grieve or mourn. Today there is an organization that gives guidance and support to people with pregnancy and neonatal loss. Their name is NechamaComfort, and they are based in New Jersey.
I was only 23 yrs old when I experienced my first miscarriage. I then had a stillbirth at 37 weeks. I subsequently had 8 more miscarriages.the pain of losing so many was unimaginable, especially for me since I love children. Meanwhile we put our name in for adoption and waited 6 hrs. We finally adopted a baby girl right after her birth. We were totally delighted. We had to wait 30 days to have the adoption finalized, meanwhile taking care of this beautiful baby and believing that she’ll be ours.
Since she was born to a non Jewish mother, we wanted to convert her. We wanted to make sure she got her Jewish Neshama so we realized with the help of Chabad that we needed to become observant so we did that. We koshered our home kept Shabbat and moved to a larger Jewish Community in order for her to attend a Jewish Religious school. BH she grew up to be a wonderful Jewish girl, married a frum guy and bh they have 5 beautiful frum children who attend the same school that she did. I feel so blessed.
What you say about miscarriages and stillbirths being common, is unfortunately true. My children—that is, the families of my daughters and sons, have all experienced miscarriages, as have I— and two of them suffered stillbirths. Yes, many times people find themselves suffering in silence. I think having this section is an amazing idea and I thank you. Chabad.org always has its finger on the pulse of what is needed!
Please add to this area of discussion DEATH OF AN INFANT born with a health issue and lives LESS THAN 30 DAYS.
It breaks my heart for Rivka Singer -- I know the LORD is able to comfort and encourage both Rivka and her beloved husband.
My elder brother and his wife lost their daughter. She was in their arms for little over two months. My brother tried to save her, but she was with the LORD.
But let me proclaim the love, compassion and faithfulness of the LORD! HE is able.
One day my brother telephoned. During our conversation he suddenly said, "I know I will see her again!" I could tell he was smiling, and had real joy and anticipation. My brother (now with the Lord, also, had a wonderful sense of humor), went on to say, "...but I don't know whether she'll be a baby or grown!"
He was able to laugh.
You see how good, kind, compassionate, merciful, loving, GREAT is the True and Living G-d!