It seems that the two words, “infant” and “mortality,” should never go together, but every year here in Iowa families experience the loss of a child through miscarriage.
Facing the death of an unborn baby involves grieving, the same as the loss of any loved one. Grieving looks different in every person and for each loss.
After a miscarriage, a family might experience shock and denial, anger, guilt or depression and, hopefully, at some point, acceptance and healing.
It’s important to recognize that women and men grieve differently.
Helpful support and guidance for families facing loss through miscarriage is available. Both the American Pregnancy Association and the March of Dimes are accessible online. If Blue Cross/Blue Shield provides your health insurance, look into their Bloom counseling for help.
Locally, you can contact MercyOne perinatal bereavement at 515-358-3030 or Unity Point perinatal services at 515-241-8383.
New Hope Church in Adel offers a support group, called Embracing Hope, for women experiencing miscarriage and infant loss. Call Nicole Drake at 515-993-5325.
Children experience grief, too. The siblings of the baby your family lost might benefit from groups or books on grief especially for youngsters. Amanda the Panda and Hamilton’s Funeral Home, both in West Des Moines, have these resources.
If you know someone who is hurting from the loss of a pregnancy, then reach out to the person, and offer these resources. You might also contact Dallas County Health Navigation for in-person help in finding the right resources at phn@dallascountyiowa.gov or 515-993-3750.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
