MiscarriageHelp.com

Miscarriage Book: Updating My Book Description #miscarriagebook #repost #miscarriagesupport

by Ellen DuBois on 08/30/18

Hello,

If you're here, let me first say that I am deeply sorry for your loss. Anyone who knows the heartbreak of losing a baby to miscarriage is forever in my thoughts and prayers.

It's a difficult road to walk, and that's an understatement.

Something prompted me to read the description of my miscarriage support book on Amazon: I Never Held You. My gut told me to update it and so I followed it. I wanted to share it with you because this book was written after I dug out of the rubble left behind after I miscarried. I wanted to share and help others who were feeling the same, (lost, grief, alone, isolated), but could find little support. My book came out in 2003 and again in 2006 through Createspace.

Back then, there weren't a whole lot of books or resources to turn to. I needed someone, something, to let me know I'd be okay and wasn't alone. I always had my faith and took great comfort in God, but I longed for human connection, too.

With that being said, here's my revised book description:

I Never Held You is a support book for those who have endured the heartbreak of suffering a miscarriage. Written by Ellen M. DuBois with contributions by Dr. Linda Backman, this book poignantly describes how lonely and isolating a miscarriage can make you feel, validates your loss and most importantly, gently assures you you're not alone in your grief. With several stories by women who have miscarried, including the author's, this book shows how different women share similar feelings of loss, grief and ultimately hope and healing after miscarriage. Additionally, the author shares suggestions that proved helpful to her in balancing the emotional peaks and valleys after her loss, including anxiety attacks. From prayer and exercise to meditation and more, you can pick and choose what resonates with you. With the help of Dr. Linda Backman, Ed.D., licensed grief counselor, psychologist and author, you'll come to better understand grief and why it's so important to allow yourself the time necessary to heal. If you're looking for support after miscarriage, this book will help you or a loved one. Companion website: MiscarriageHelp.com

So, that's it. I simply wanted to share this with you.

God Bless and if you're feeling alone, please know you are not.

Ellen

Welcome to MiscarriageHelp.com. My name is Ellen DuBois, host of this site, miscarriage survivor, and author of I Never Held You: Miscarriage, Grief, Healing and Recovery. If you or someone you love has suffered a miscarriage, please know you're not alone. Connect with people who understand.

Note: Some people find it difficult to post comments here because it's not very clear how to do it. Just hit the "comment" link under any post. I'll get your comment and respond. If it's easier, please email me. [email protected]
Love & comfort to you, Ellen

The MiscarriageHelp.com Daily- paper.li- by Ellen DuBois. Updated daily with a curated selection of articles, blog posts, videos and photos. Click here. Miscarriage Support- Because Your Loss Matters.

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Eleven Years of Sharing. MiscarriageHelp #TuesdayThoughts

by Ellen DuBois on 08/28/18

Hello Everyone,

It's hard to believe MiscarriageHelp.com has been online since 2006. Wow. Eleven years.

Those years have been filled with tears, support, empathy, growing and understanding. A sisterhood of women who've shared the pain of miscarriage has formed and grown in a way only the Internet can provide because of its reach.

I never dreamed Miscarriagehelp.com would grow so exponentially.

It's become part of my life- this platform for women, (men and other family members/friends, too). Many people have told me they feel supported simply by reading the comments of others. They feel a sense of connection. Others have lived the same. Some women want to share their experience- their pain as well as their healing process. It's a way of letting out emotions and it's part of both an individual and a collective healing process.

Grief is so difficult to get through. When you're grieving a loss that doesn't go acknowledged ("accepted as valid or legitimate"), it's so isolating.

Some people visit when they don't know how to support a woman who has miscarried. The posts here give them better insight into what a woman is going through after suffering a miscarriage.

Whether you read, post or do both, I'm so grateful to have started this site.

Small steps. One day at a time.

How we grieve and what we experience after miscarriage is as different as we are. Yet, living through such a painful loss connects us. This connection gives us comfort and reassurance.

If you visit this site and you leave feeling you're not alone in this, I know something is happening that's helpful to you. That's what counts.

To all of you who have experienced the pain of miscarriage, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Here's one of the first comments made on this site. I think many of you will be able to relate to this woman's feelings:

To Ellen:

Hello and thank you once again for your comforting words and your call for prayer.

I seem to be a bit stuck right now. There is so much going on that I cannot focus my mind on any one thing long enough to deal with it all. I cry for the children I have lost, only to cry for the physical pain that I feel, only to cry in thankfulness for the saving of my life, only to cry for all of the what ifs....My emotions are scattered all over the map and occasionally when they meet in the middle, it is very overwhelming. My emotions can spin on a dime from gratefulness, to anger, to sadness, to disbelief. You name it and it is at the surface ready to jump right out. I cannot put one thing on hold to tend to the other and all of them together is truly getting to be too much. I am tired and impatient, weak and sad, all at the same time. I want to be strong and loving, happy and thankful. I know those emotions are inside, but I feel overpowered by all that has happened. I know brighter days are ahead but it is too cloudy right now to see the sun.

I have an appointment in the morning for a post-op check with my OBGYN. I am going to ask him for referrals so I can talk this all out with a professional. You would think that after surviving something that could have killed me, I would be happy and thankful. Yet, at the same time I am sad and angry. You would think that I would be a loving and kind mother and wife. Yet, at the same time I feel myself being very quick to anger and impatient. You would think that I could find solice in the fact that although I wish the two children I have lost were with me, they are with a loving God. Yet, at the same time I feel empty and have such a longing, it feels like I am being slowly and painfully torn to pieces inside.

Before February 6, I felt invinsible. I was carefree and happy and on top of the world. Now I feel like I've been kicked to the ground with the wind knocked out of me.

I know that I am going to be okay, but I can't find the strength to get back up on my own. People are trying to come and help me get back up, but I am lashing out and pushing them away. I am doubled over in pain and sadness trying to catch my breath and I can't find the strength to stand again. I really do need to talk to someone so that I can find the strength to stand under my own power and have those around me to lean on for support. They are there for me when I need them and I appreciate that so very much. What I don't want to find is that one day I find the strength to stand and I am standing alone. I love and need those that are most dear in my life but I need the healing to begin with me. Thank you again-"R"

Dear "R"

I'm sorry for what you're going through, and I know what's like to have a hard time focusing because your mind is on overload. You DO have so many emotions running rampant, and some stable ground would be appreciated by you- mind, body and spirit.

I support you 100% in your asking your OBGYN for a referral. It sounds like you need somebody to talk to who can help guide you through all of your emotions fighting against each other. (Which, I think is perfectly normal given what you're living...I was the SAME way).

Because you're dealing with so much grief, pain, longing, ache, angst...of course you are going to be a bit snappy. Please don't beat yourself up for that. You have suffered a loss, are grieving, and there is no room for guilt in this picture. You can only do the best you can...and it sounds to me like you are trying with everything you've got. However, if you feel anything like I did, (and still do in certain circumstances), you KNOW there's a better day coming, and your faith keeps that thought alive, yet you find yourself feeling like you're treading water and need somebody to throw you a lifejacket.

Your lifejacket IS there, and with some help, you'll be able to sift through the rubble and find it.

Those who love you, R, LOVE you because you're you. They understand you are in pain, and if at times you push them away I am sure they know why. Yes, it probably hurts them...moreso because they realize you feel so alone right now and they cannot break through the barrier of pain which is surrounding you. It's like a heavy cloak you want OFF.

Time...God...Help...Faith...Your Beautiful Strength...WILL get you through this, these darkest of days. Cling to that with all you are. I believe in you, and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

"How do you eat an elephant?" My dear friend's husband used to ask. "One bite at a time."

With Loving Thoughts, Care, and HOPE,

Ellen

Welcome to MiscarriageHelp.com. My name is Ellen DuBois, host of this site, miscarriage survivor, and author of I Never Held You: Miscarriage, Grief, Healing and Recovery. If you or someone you love has suffered a miscarriage, please know you're not alone. Connect with people who understand.

Note: Some people find it difficult to post comments here because it's not very clear how to do it. Just hit the "comment" link under any post. I'll get your comment and respond. If it's easier, please email me. [email protected]
Love & comfort to you, Ellen

The MiscarriageHelp.com Daily- paper.li- by Ellen DuBois. Updated daily with a curated selection of articles, blog posts, videos and photos. Click here. Miscarriage Support- Because Your Loss Matters.

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Miscarriage: I Felt Broken. We All Have a Story that Matters.

by Ellen DuBois on 08/20/18

When I was 23 I got married. That was a long time ago. It feels like I was living someone else's life. But, it was mine.

I was newly married and for a while all was well. We had plans and someday, a child or children would be a part of them.

At 25 I was pregnant and it was a surprise. I was filled with so many emotions and even though we didn't plan for our little bundle of joy, I was excited beyond measure and loved the little one growing inside of me.

16 weeks into my pregnancy during an ultrasound, I found out my baby had passed away. The doctor said I could wait to miscarry, but advised a D & C, saying it would be less painful.

I don't know if there was anything less painful. My baby died. No matter what, that pain trumped anything else. It was all I felt.

The years passed. My husband and I got a divorce. I was so sad...like a heap of tears and anxiety. I hated my "new normal". I was grieving the loss of our baby and the loss of a disintegrating marriage.

These events in my life pushed me hard. Shoved me, really. I had to move forward but didn't know who I was anymore. It felt like every dream, wish and plan for my life was gone in an instant. I felt pain every day and it changed me.

Just as I grieved the loss of my baby, I grieved the loss of my marriage. I had to grieve them both. I was only 27 when we split, 25 when I miscarried and 23 when I walked down the isle. A lot happened in those four years and it wasn't what I thought it would be.

I felt broken. My world changed and I didn't know how to change with it. Just getting through the day became a way of life for me. Missing my baby, coming to grips with the end of my marriage, having to move, feeling scared to live alone- all of it terrified me and sapped me of what little energy I had.

It took time but...

I came out on the other side. It didn't happen overnight and I never forgot the baby I loved so much and never got to hold. His spirit stayed with me and is still a part of me. Eleven years after I miscarried I wrote about it and a few years later wrote some more, taking my adversity and turning it into something that would hopefully help others- a book.

We all have stories and experience heartbreaking losses. We have joys, too and they balance out the scales. All of it adds to each page of our story. You may feel like you'll never find yourself again. One day you wake up and recognize yourself a little more. Little by little you begin to feel your strength return. You walked through the fire and came out one the other side. It wasn't easy, but you did it. Maybe you felt alone in your struggle. Maybe your faith was tested. Mine was. Later, I discovered how much I clung to my faith, like a life jacket. I grew stronger and so did my faith. I went from questioning God to thanking God.

My journey after miscarriage (and divorce) may be different from yours. The circumstances probably are because we all have our own, unique lives. But, we are tied by a common thread. Those of you who lost a baby to miscarriage have felt the kind of pain I've felt. You've dealt with it in your own way. You've coped in your own way. You've learned that you still wake up in the morning and find a way to get through the day. Perhaps you're discovering you're stronger than you thought. Maybe you've thought about your faith in God or maybe you've questioned it. No matter how you're writing (living) your story, you and me, and countless others, have stories, too. They all matter.

I want you to know that wherever you are in your story- you are not alone. The rocky path you find your feet upon today will eventually smooth out. If you're feeling drained, tired, sad...please remember you'll feel stronger, more able and the sadness will lessen. I still carry the love of my baby with me, but the grief and sadness is not as raw and consuming as it was years ago.

I doubt you'll never forget your baby's brief, but life changing stay with you. If you're anything like me, you'll feel your baby's spirit around you and it will fill your heart with the kind of love that never, ever dies.

God bless and comfort you,

Ellen

Welcome to MiscarriageHelp.com. My name is Ellen DuBois, host of this site, miscarriage survivor, and author of I Never Held You: Miscarriage, Grief, Healing and Recovery. If you or someone you love has suffered a miscarriage, please know you're not alone. Connect with people who understand.

Note: Some people find it difficult to post comments here because it's not very clear how to do it. Just hit the "comment" link under any post. I'll get your comment and respond. If it's easier, please email me. [email protected]
Love & comfort to you, Ellen

The MiscarriageHelp.com Daily- paper.li- by Ellen DuBois. Updated daily with a curated selection of articles, blog posts, videos and photos. Click here. Miscarriage Support- Because Your Loss Matters.

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We Are Not Alone

by Ellen DuBois on 08/17/18

"We cry our tears together. We feel the same pain. Sometimes it feels so isolating. But, we are not alone. We're here to help each other through."- Ellen DuBois

Welcome to MiscarriageHelp.com. My name is Ellen DuBois, host of this site, miscarriage survivor, and author of I Never Held You: Miscarriage, Grief, Healing and Recovery. If you or someone you love has suffered a miscarriage, please know you're not alone. Connect with people who understand.

Note: Some people find it difficult to post comments here because it's not very clear how to do it. Just hit the "comment" link under any post. I'll get your comment and respond. If it's easier, please email me. [email protected]
Love & comfort to you, Ellen

The MiscarriageHelp.com Daily- paper.li- by Ellen DuBois. Updated daily with a curated selection of articles, blog posts, videos and photos. Click here. Miscarriage Support- Because Your Loss Matters.

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Miscarriage: I'll Never Forget You (Repost) #miscarriage #miscarriagesupport

by Ellen DuBois on 08/07/18

So many years have gone by since my miscarriage. They've been years filled with the highs and lows of life. Sometimes, I've been pushed to the limit, like when my mother passed away. I got to a point where I wondered how much I could take. But, the human spirit is amazing. Faith is astounding. I know I've been carried though some of my darkest, saddest times by my faith.

There were days my faith in God, the angels, etc., was the only thing casting light upon what seemed a dark, desolate road.

I felt very alone after my miscarriage. You may, too. Over time, I grew into my "new normal", learning to adjust to a life that for some time, felt like an uncomfortable shoe.

What I can tell you is this: Life went on after my miscarriage and more recently, after the loss of my mother. While I'm still struggling with the pain of losing my mom, the pain of losing my sweet baby to miscarriage is not nearly as raw as it used to be. That's only because of time. We are all different. We grieve, heal and feel in our own ways. But, I never forgot my baby. That would be impossible. I'll always love my child. That will be forever.

If you're stuck in the depths of grieving your little one, I am so sorry for your loss. I want you to know you'll feel more like yourself one day. I can't tell you when, but it will happen. Please don't place a time frame on your grief and healing. Hang on to your faith and believe you'll feel relief one day- when it's right for you. Allow yourself to feel what you must and if anyone dismisses your loss, you don't have to listen to them. It's sad, but it happens.

You're going to be okay. You will get through this. And, like me, you'll probably always feel a very deep love for the baby you never held but always loved.

You have every right to.

Love and Light,

Ellen

Welcome to MiscarriageHelp.com. My name is Ellen DuBois, host of this site, miscarriage survivor, and author of I Never Held You: Miscarriage, Grief, Healing and Recovery. If you or someone you love has suffered a miscarriage, please know you're not alone. Connect with people who understand.

Note: Some people find it difficult to post comments here because it's not very clear how to do it. Just hit the "comment" link under any post. I'll get your comment and respond. If it's easier, please email me. [email protected]
Love & comfort to you, Ellen

The MiscarriageHelp.com Daily- paper.li- by Ellen DuBois. Updated daily with a curated selection of articles, blog posts, videos and photos. Click here. Miscarriage Support- Because Your Loss Matters.

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