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... You have gone through a traumatic loss and are feeling emotionally and physically drained. Hormone levels are rapidly changing, and mood swings are normal. You may be feeling a range of emotions including shock and sadness, grief and emptiness, anger or irrational guilt, or even anxiety about future pregnancies. All these feelings are perfectly normal. In fact, emotional healing usually takes longer than physical recovery so allow yourself the time to grieve the loss.
Although miscarriages and stillbirths may be common, the feelings following the loss of a pregnancy are, unfortunately, often not discussed. The pain from this silence creates a loneliness that augments the suffering.
In this section, we wanted you to have a home where you can express the range of your feelings. We share with you the intimate, personal stories of women whose hopes and dreams have been shattered. We share their perspectives, as well as their journeys of healing, and how they ultimately found faith and consolation. We also share the answers to common questions that you may have. In sharing with one another, and in alleviating the loneliness of silence, it is our hope that we can bring some consolation.
While none of us can comprehend the ways of G‑d nor the reason why we need to experience suffering, we know that everything G‑d does is for our ultimate good (Berachot 60b). While it may be unfathomable to our limited understanding, everything in this world happens for a Divine purpose (Avot 6:11) and it is for the purpose of ultimately revealing G‑d’s presence in our world. The Torah (Yevamot 62a, Nidda 13b) explains that every pregnancy fulfills the Divine will and brings the ultimate redemption closer. May we quickly experience that time when G‑d will wipe away the tears from every face, forever.
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