MiscarriageHelp.com

The Holidays and Grief After Miscarriage (And a Book That Will Help) #repost #miscarriage

by Ellen M. DuBois on 11/30/19

Hello everyone. My name is Ellen DuBois, author of I Never Held You: Miscarriage, Grief, Healing and Recovery. I'm sharing this post about grief during the holiday season and a bit about my book in case you or someone you love is struggling with grieving after miscarriage- especially during this time of year. It's a beautiful time, but when you're grieving it can be very tough to get through. There are so many conflicting emotions and expectations.

I know it's one of the most difficult things to go through because I've lived it.

With Christmas here, many women (and their families) struggle with feelings of loss, sadness and isolation. You may be trying to get into the holiday spirit but find you're bouncing between tears, putting on your best "happy face" and trying to get things done, leaving you feeling sad and exhausted. If this sounds like you, I know what you're living and I am so sorry for your loss and what you're going through.

I'm here to tell you that although it's very hard right now, over time you will come out on the other side of this. Please don't lose hope and give yourself permission and time to grieve and heal.

During the Christmas and holiday season, it can be challenging to find the time. I'm here to suggest that giving yourself a few minutes, whenever you can, to decompress is so important. If you need to step away from gift wrapping, shopping or a gathering for a few minutes, please do. If you're at a Christmas party and feel like you might "break down", try to give yourself permission to step out for bit of air. We all need that sometimes.

You've suffered such a painful loss. You need time to heal and putting pressure on yourself to "get everything right" and "show up happy" can be way too much for you. By giving yourself permission to grieve, perhaps staying home from the party this year, (or whatever), you're taking care of yourself and allowing yourself to heal from a very real loss. If you have to be somewhere, (I know family/friend gatherings can be very important), try promising yourself that you'll give yourself some "me time" later, to rest, cry, journal, get lost in a movie under a cozy blanket...to just be.

I don't believe you'll ever forget your baby or your loss, but I do know from personal experience that you'll heal over time and begin to recognize yourself again. You'll start to feel like you again and the tears will be less frequent. It took me quite a while. Please don't lose heart.

Here is a description of my book: "I Never Held You is a supportive book about miscarriage, grief, healing and recovery. It is helpful for those who have just suffered a miscarriage, or for women who lost their babies years ago when there was little, if any, support. Join author Ellen DuBois as she shares her journey- from the initial shock of learning her baby had passed away to reaching a place of healing and accepting her new normal. She never forgot her unborn baby and he continues to touch her life in countless ways. Dr. Linda Backman contributed the foreword and several chapters as both a licensed grief counselor and a woman who survived the loss of her son Adam, born at 26 weeks who lived for about an hour. Her heartbreaking loss is what led her to become a grief counselor and more. Also included in this book are four touching stories from women who miscarried. The second half of the book focuses on things the author found helpful in healing. She says: "Take what works for you, leave what doesn't, and remember to take one day at a time. There is no time frame on grief. Your loss matters, and so do you."- Ellen M. DuBois, Author, I Never Held You: Miscarriage, Grief, Healing and Recovery

If you need to share, vent, feel heard, that's what this site is for. It's been online since 2006. Women from all over the world, of many ages and backgrounds have have posted here. Some have found comfort and felt far less alone just reading through some of the posts.

I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. If you feel my book will help you or someone you love, I pray it does. Take what feels right to you from it. We all grieve and heal differently. My hope is that you find your way to a place of healing.

Wishing you joy, peace, healing and comfort during the holiday season and all year through. - 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]

My book, I Never Held You, is mentioned in this column. More importantly, it addresses how difficult anniversary dates can be:

Ask Amy: Anniversary of #miscarriage brings on grief #miscarriageadvice #miscarriagesupport #miscarriagebook Click here to read.

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I Felt Very Alone In My Grief #repost #miscarriage #miscarriagesupport

by Ellen M. DuBois on 11/24/19

I know what it's like to feel very alone in my grief. There were so many times I felt like people didn't quite get what I was living. They felt bad and tried their best to understand, but I felt isolated, even when surrounded by people. It didn't stay that way. Over time I connected with others who had lived the same, I felt more understood and far less isolated. So did they. That's when I know how important reaching out to others was- still is. #miscarriage #reachout #miscarriagehelp #miscarriagesupport #miscarriageawareness #pregnancyloss #babyloss #isolation #connection #feelingalone #talkaboutit #missingyou #missingyouquotes #grief #griefquotes #griefsupport #ineverheldyou #miscarriagequotes I'm thinking of you all with 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]

My book, I Never Held You, is mentioned in this column. More importantly, it addresses how difficult anniversary dates can be:

Ask Amy: Anniversary of #miscarriage brings on grief #miscarriageadvice #miscarriagesupport #miscarriagebook Click here to read.

Comments (0)

You will always be the dream that stayed inside

by Ellen M. DuBois on 11/15/19

So many years, thoughts, dreams have passed since I miscarried. Life has gone on, changes, seasons, loves, career goals. I've accomplished things and there are things I wish to accomplish. I have some regrets, have made both good and bad decisions and have learned and grown.

There have been unexpected curveballs and twists in life and I've found my feet upon paths I never expected to walk. I've not traveled paths I expected to.

My faith has grown and so has the realization that life is so precious. I always thought so, but more so now. Time does that. Loss does that.

I've learned I could survive the loss of my mother. Something I never, ever wanted to think about. I still don't, but I'm here and it's been over four years.

And, to this day I remember and love the baby I lost and never got to hold. I still picture what life would be like had he survived. Somewhere in my mind there's an alternate universe where I "see" life, birthdays, Christmases, the firsts of everything with my child. I know it's not real, but it's there, tucked away in a special part of my mind and my heart.

To my sweet baby in Heaven, you will always be the dream that stayed inside.

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]

My book, I Never Held You, is mentioned in this column. More importantly, it addresses how difficult anniversary dates can be:

Ask Amy: Anniversary of #miscarriage brings on grief #miscarriageadvice #miscarriagesupport #miscarriagebook Click here to read.

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Repost: A Letter to My Baby In Heaven #miscarriage #pregnancyloss #miscarriagesupport

by Ellen M. DuBois on 11/05/19

Dear Baby of Mine,

I think about you so often. I decided to write you a letter. Something tells me you already know what I'm writing to you.

I loved you since the moment I knew you. I never felt a love so strong or so deep. It's unlike any other kind of love I experienced.

Knowing you were growing inside of me made me feel a connection to you that words can't describe. I remember patting my belly gently, talking to you and sometimes, I'd smile just knowing you were there, safe and sound.

I had so many wishes, hopes and dreams for you. I was so excited to see you for the very first time and hold you in my arms.

Well, one day, all of that went away. You had to go back to Heaven and I bet it's because you were too good for this earth. I've heard that expression before and something tells me it's true. I've also heard about soul lessons, and I think you came into my life to teach me about mine.

I'll never know what God's full plan is for me, but I know you coming into my life was part of it. I also know you leaving was another part of it...but, it hurt unlike anything I've felt or ever will.

You taught me so much, like how much stronger I was than I thought. You taught me that love transcends everything, even death. You taught me how precious life is and to treasure every moment because it can change in an instant. You taught me that even though we are not together here, we are always connected- it's REAL. You taught me that my feelings should be expressed, not held in. You taught me that tears help to heal wounds and holding them in isn't good for me. You taught me how to take my pain and turn it around to help others. You taught me that everything is not in my control and how important it is to have faith in God for support. There were times I didn't know how I'd get through the day, and faith carried me. God carried me. The angels helped me and I bet you did, too.

I pictured Jesus holding you in his arms so many times. That comforted me while my arms ached to hold you.

I know it's been a long time since I lost you, but I have never, ever stopped loving you.

You taught me that whether in Heaven or on earth, I will always be your mother.

Thank you for teaching me so many things and for every other way you touched my life and heart.

I Will Love You Forever,

Mom

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]

My book, I Never Held You, is mentioned in this column. More importantly, it addresses how difficult anniversary dates can be:

Ask Amy: Anniversary of #miscarriage brings on grief #miscarriageadvice #miscarriagesupport #miscarriagebook Click here to read.

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Miscarriage: Your Time With Me Was So Brief

by Ellen M. DuBois on 10/24/19

Your time with me was so brief. My love for you is eternal.- Ellen M. DuBois

This is how I feel about the baby I carried and lost. I miscarried at about 4 months and have never, ever stopped loving my baby.

I've found this is true for so many of us and want you to know you're not alone. No matter how far along you were. No matter how long it's been. No matter how briefly that little, beautiful life touched your own.

Love and light to 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]

My book, I Never Held You, is mentioned in this column. More importantly, it addresses how difficult anniversary dates can be:

Ask Amy: Anniversary of #miscarriage brings on grief #miscarriageadvice #miscarriagesupport #miscarriagebook Click here to read.

Comments (0)

I Never Held You: A supportive book about miscarriage

by Ellen M. DuBois on 10/20/19

I Never Held You is a supportive book about miscarriage, grief, healing and recovery. It is helpful for those who have just suffered a miscarriage, or for women who lost their babies years ago when there was little, if any, support. Join author Ellen DuBois as she shares her journey- from the initial shock of learning her baby had passed away to reaching a place of healing and accepting her new normal. She never forgot her unborn baby and he continues to touch her life in countless ways. Dr. Linda Backman contributed the foreword and several chapters as both a licensed grief counselor and a woman who survived the loss of her son Adam, born at 26 weeks who lived for about an hour. Her heartbreaking loss is what led her to become a grief counselor and more.

Also included in this book are four touching stories from women who miscarried.

The second half of the book focuses on things the author found helpful in healing. She says: "Take what works for you, leave what doesn't, and remember to take one day at a time. There is no time frame on grief. Your loss matters, and so do you."

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]

My book, I Never Held You, is mentioned in this column. More importantly, it addresses how difficult anniversary dates can be:

Ask Amy: Anniversary of #miscarriage brings on grief #miscarriageadvice #miscarriagesupport #miscarriagebook Click here to read.

Comments (0)

Years ago I lost my baby Alex to miscarriage.

by Ellen M. DuBois on 10/16/19

Years ago I lost my baby Alex to miscarriage. His loving spirit changed my life. The pain after losing him changed my perspective. My feet were on a path I didn't want or know how to walk on.

Over time I learned how little there was, (over 25 years ago), available to support women and their families. I knew that had to change and 11 years after my miscarriage, I felt Alex's spirit nudging me to do something to help increase awareness...

Even if only a little.

I wrote a book and started a website. I healed to the point where I could use my pain to try and create something to contribute to awareness.

Adversity into positive.

And now, all these years later, I see women supporting each other, men and families, too. I thank God our very real losses are recognized and validated. I am moved so deeply at this powerful wave of light in honor of our babies.

We have come a long way since the 1990's. (And before.) Each year I hold all of you in my prayers. I see awareness and support growing. We are heard. Our babies are remembered and loved beyond measure.

Love to you all and your babies. I am so sorry for your loss.

#miscarriage #miscarriageawareness #youarenotalone #loss #pregnancyandinfantloss #waveoflight #remberingourbabies #pregnancyloss #babyloss #pinkandblue #youarenotalone #ineverheldyou #grief #awareness #supporteachother

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]

My book, I Never Held You, is mentioned in this column. More importantly, it addresses how difficult anniversary dates can be:

Ask Amy: Anniversary of #miscarriage brings on grief #miscarriageadvice #miscarriagesupport #miscarriagebook Click here to read.

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Wave of Light October 2019

by Ellen M. DuBois on 10/15/19

Thinking of my sweet baby in Heaven and all of you.
#waveoflight #waveoflight2019 #miscarriage #babyloss #october #pregnancyandinfantloss #thejourney #theroad #healing #healingquotes #pailrd #rememberingourbabies #PregnancyLossandInfantLossAwareness #infantloss #pregnancyloss #creatingawareness #yourlossmatters #ineverheldyou #miscarriagesupport #babylosssupport #helpingeachother #womenhelpingwomen #pregnancy #women #grief — with Ellen DuBois in South Easton, Massachusetts.

The Flame:

We pray our babies are held,

in your loving arms.

Blanketed by love, protected from harm.

We pray for families, in oceans of tears.

Please heal our wounded hearts,

and ease all our fears.

We ask you to help us -

we've suffered a loss,

of a little one, a baby-

we carry that cross.

It's a heavy load,

it wears on the soul.

Please send your grace.

Please make us feel whole.

Help us count our blessings,

a gift without cost.

Please help us to see them,

when we feel cold and lost.

Please help us to live as you want us to live.

Despite wounded hearts, please help us to give.

A hug to a stranger, a hand just to hold,

a shoulder to lean on, some care for the soul.

As we light our candles

on this special day,

please remind us the flame,

never goes away.

Ellen M. DuBois, Miscarriagehelp.com

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]

My book, I Never Held You, is mentioned in this column. More importantly, it addresses how difficult anniversary dates can be:

Ask Amy: Anniversary of #miscarriage brings on grief #miscarriageadvice #miscarriagesupport #miscarriagebook Click here to read.

Comments (0)

The Flame: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day October 15th

by Ellen M. DuBois on 10/15/19

We pray our babies are held,

in your loving arms.

Blanketed by love, protected from harm.

We pray for families, in oceans of tears.

Please heal our wounded hearts,

and ease all our fears.

We ask you to help us -

we've suffered a loss,

of a little one, a baby-

we carry that cross.

It's a heavy load,

it wears on the soul.

Please send your grace.

Please make us feel whole.

Help us count our blessings,

a gift without cost.

Please help us to see them,

when we feel cold and lost.

Please help us to live as you want us to live.

Despite wounded hearts, please help us to give.

A hug to a stranger, a hand just to hold,

a shoulder to lean on, some care for the soul.

As we light our candles

on this special day,

please remind us the flame,

never goes away.

Ellen M. DuBois, Miscarriagehelp.com

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]

My book, I Never Held You, is mentioned in this column. More importantly, it addresses how difficult anniversary dates can be:

Ask Amy: Anniversary of #miscarriage brings on grief #miscarriageadvice #miscarriagesupport #miscarriagebook Click here to read.

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Pregnancy and Infant Loss: Raising Awareness

by Ellen M. DuBois on 10/10/19

My heart goes out to all who have lost a child. October is pregnancy and infant loss awareness month. The 15th of October is pregnancy and infant loss remembrance day. None of us want to belong to this group, yet we find our feet upon the same path. Together, we create a support group that reaches around the world because of the Internet, awareness, less isolation and places to share our feelings. Back when I lost my baby at 4 months, I searched for places to turn, books to read...anything. There wasn't much 25 plus years ago. It doesn't make the loss any easier, but the support that's available now because of raised awareness, the Internet, more books, more talking about it- well, these things make it a bit less isolating. As we honor the lives of our babies who left their footprints upon our hearts, may we also remember to reach out to others in need and ask for help if you need it. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love and Light to you, Ellen #miscarriage #babyloss #pregnancyloss #miscarriagesupport #october15 #pregnancyandinfantlossawarenessmonth #rememberingourbabies2019 #womenhelpingwomen #youarenotalone #yourlossmatters #miscarriagehelp.com #ineverheldyou

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]

My book, I Never Held You, is mentioned in this column. More importantly, it addresses how difficult anniversary dates can be:

Ask Amy: Anniversary of #miscarriage brings on grief #miscarriageadvice #miscarriagesupport #miscarriagebook Click here to read.

Comments (0)

October: Pregancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

by Ellen M. DuBois on 10/05/19

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
It's the month
we remember our babies who
crossed over to the other side.
We honor their brief stay
that foreve changedour lives

October...it's a month we support each other both in person and around the world.

Sending you all love, light and prayers,
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]

My book, I Never Held You, is mentioned in this column. More importantly, it addresses how difficult anniversary dates can be:

Ask Amy: Anniversary of #miscarriage brings on grief #miscarriageadvice #miscarriagesupport #miscarriagebook Click here to read.

Comments (0)

I'll Always Love and Miss You. #miscarriage #miscarriageawareness

by Ellen M. DuBois on 10/02/19

This is preganancy and infant loss awareness month and I know it's a difficult time for many. We remember our babies and share in that pain together. We also honor our little one's brief but life changing stay with us. We lean on each other for support. We collectively remember our babies on October 15th, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

I'm sure it's a club none of us want to belong to. Yet, we find ourselves in it. I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a baby, any kind of baby loss, is beyond painful. It really does change you. I've lived with that change for over 25 years. That's a long time, and there are still times it seems like yesterday.

I believe my baby and I are connected by love. It's so strong that time, space, even death does not separate us. The beautiful soul who left my life has stayed with me in a spiritual sense. My baby will always live in my heart and in the ethers.

I know it's not the way I wanted it to be- who does? I know the ache you feel and how it sometimes creeps up on you at the most unexpected times.

I believe we support each other as our babies support us from Heaven. We are surrounded by their love and that's what keeps us close to them.

My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you. When it feels like you are alone, please know there are many others that care about you and are familiar with the path you're walking.

I'm one of them.

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]

My book, I Never Held You, is mentioned in this column. More importantly, it addresses how difficult anniversary dates can be:

Ask Amy: Anniversary of #miscarriage brings on grief #miscarriageadvice #miscarriagesupport #miscarriagebook Click here to read.

Comments (0)

Unpredictable Grief: You're Not Alone

by Ellen M. DuBois on 09/26/19

I remember feeling so overcome with grief after my miscarriage. There were times I'd feel the sting of tears without any warning. I'd be "fine", (as fine as I could be), and wham, I'd be crying.

Grief is a journey and it's one you're not alone on. At first, I didn't find much comfort in that. I hurt too much and looking back, I had to feel it. It was a terribly lonely place to be and was often dark. I felt isolated and drained.

As time passed, I began to write about my feelings and reach out to others. Not a whole lot, but when the Internet was relatively new, chat and support groups started popping up. As I became aware of how much they helped me, I created my own site, this one, back in 2006. I realized even more how none of us are alone on our journey after miscarriage and how we draw strength from each other.

My faith also carried me through some of the darkest days of my life. I thank God for that.

I am so sorry for your loss and I hope you find some comfort in knowing there are people out there who get what you're living.

I know I do.

Love and Light to 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]

My book, I Never Held You, is mentioned in this column. More importantly, it addresses how difficult anniversary dates can be:

Ask Amy: Anniversary of #miscarriage brings on grief #miscarriageadvice #miscarriagesupport #miscarriagebook Click here to read.

Comments (0)

Finding the Strength after Miscarriage and Wow. 13 Years Online

by Ellen M. DuBois on 09/20/19

Hello Everyone,

It's hard to believe MiscarriageHelp.com has been online since 2006. Wow. Thirteen, (going on fourteen) years. I am grateful, blown away, humbled and have been touched by everyone's comments.

Those years have been filled with tears, support, empathy, growing, understanding and healing. 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 much.

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 you here and hope you find some comfort.

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]

My book, I Never Held You, is mentioned in this column. More importantly, it addresses how difficult anniversary dates can be:

Ask Amy: Anniversary of #miscarriage brings on grief #miscarriageadvice #miscarriagesupport #miscarriagebook Click here to read.

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