Navigating Miscarriage: Emotional Support, Healing, and Moving Forward

A Difficult but Necessary Conversation

It’s been some time since I last talked about miscarriage and given the experiences of the women in our community, I feel it’s important to revisit this conversation. Miscarriage is an incredibly painful and often isolating experience. Whether expected or sudden, it can leave a woman navigating intense emotions—grief, sadness, anger, confusion, or even relief. There is no right or wrong way to feel, and every journey is unique.

Many women blame themselves, searching for answers as to why it happened. The truth is, miscarriage is more common than we often acknowledge. It is estimated that 10–20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, with the actual number likely higher due to early losses. Yet, despite its frequency, it remains an unspoken topic, leaving many women to process their loss in silence. It is important to allow yourself time to grieve and to process what has happened. Your feelings are valid, and there is no right or wrong way to experience loss.

For many women, miscarriage can be a deeply lonely experience. Even when surrounded by loved ones, it can feel like no one truly understands the weight of what has happened. Doctors will tell you to simply “wait for a heavy period,” but a miscarriage is much more than a heavy period. That’s why it’s so essential to have a support system—whether it’s family, friends, a therapist, your obstetrician/gynecologist (OBGYN) or midwife, and possibly a holistic practitioner who can provide emotional and physical healing guidance, like I have when many women come to see me in my own practice.

What to Do if You Suspect a Miscarriage

Depending on the stage of pregnancy and individual circumstances, different options are available. Many women choose to allow the miscarriage to progress naturally at home. In these cases, the body may naturally expel the pregnancy tissue over time, often accompanied by cramping and bleeding. For some women, this process can bring a sense of closure and healing, especially when it occurs early, before 10 weeks, and without complications.

However, if the miscarriage occurs later in pregnancy, the process may not complete on its own, and a medical intervention may be necessary. D&C (Dilation and Curettage) is often used to remove any remaining tissue from the uterus to prevent infection or excessive bleeding. Around 50% of women who miscarry do not undergo a D&C procedure. Women can safely miscarry on their own with few problems in pregnancies that end before 10 weeks. After 10 weeks, the miscarriage is more likely to be incomplete, requiring a D&C procedure. (Source: AmericanPregnancy.org)

In addition to a D&C, there are medications and herbs that can be used to help the body complete the miscarriage process by stimulating contractions to help the uterus expel the tissue. It’s important to follow up with your obgyn or midwife to ensure that all tissue has passed and that no complications arise.

Benefits of Natural Miscarriage

For many women, allowing the miscarriage to progress naturally can bring a sense of closure and healing, especially since it doesn’t require medical intervention. In many cases, women may even conceive in the very next cycle following a natural miscarriage, as their bodies are already prepared for pregnancy. Personally, I found this to be the case for me after my own experience. It is important to give yourself the time and space needed, both physically and emotionally, as each woman’s journey is unique.

You can read more about my own personal miscarriage story here.

Supporting the Body After a Miscarriage

The healing process after miscarriage is both physical and emotional. Giving your body the right nutrients and care can help replenish what was lost and prepare you for future health and potential pregnancies.

I often guide my clients through this process, offering holistic recommendations that provide both comfort and nourishment. After a miscarriage, your body has been through a significant event and needs replenishment. Focusing on iron-rich foods such as dark leafy greens, lentils, beets, and dates can help restore lost blood and support energy levels. Vitamin C-rich foods, including oranges, kiwis, and berries, support tissue healing and immune function, which is especially important during recovery. Hydration is equally vital, and I often recommend coconut water, herbal teas like raspberry leaf and nettle, and fresh fruit to restore balance.

Beyond nutrition, gentle movement can help encourage circulation and healing once your bleeding has stopped. Walking, stretching, and lymphatic support through dry brushing or warm baths can aid in the body’s natural cleansing process. I also encourage women to prioritize rest, allowing both their body and emotions the time they need to process the experience. Speaking with a trusted friend, therapist, or practitioner who understands holistic fertility care can also be invaluable in navigating the emotional aspects of loss.

There are also many emotional and spiritual practices that can help bring healing. Journaling about your emotions, creating a small ritual to honor your baby, or simply allowing yourself to cry and process your emotions without judgment can be incredibly cathartic. Some women find comfort in talking to others who have gone through similar experiences, while others need solitude. Do what feels right for you.

When to Seek Support

While I often highlight the positive outcomes, I believe it’s important to acknowledge the difficult realities women face. I offer support to women during these times by offering emotional support and discussing healing foods and mind/body tools to help recovery from medical interventions and trauma. Having guidance through this process can be invaluable, whether it’s for physical healing, emotional support, or both.

I have worked with many women who have come to me after miscarriage, helping them navigate the process naturally when possible, and supporting their recovery afterward. A holistic approach to fertility isn’t just about prevention—it’s also about healing, replenishing, and preparing for what’s ahead. Through herbs, homeopathy, and targeted nutrition, there are many ways to restore balance in the body after a loss. Each woman’s journey is different, and I am here to provide support in the way that best suits their needs.

Hope After Miscarriage

While loss is heartbreaking, I want to remind you that many women go on to have healthy pregnancies after miscarriage. I have witnessed countless success stories, and hearing these stories gives me hope every day.

One of my clients had tested positive for Group B strep during all three of her pregnancies. She worked with me diligently throughout her pregnancy with her fourth, and for the first time ever, she was NEGATIVE and planning her first home birth. Another client, at 46 years old, held her sweet 3-month-old baby girl after 15 years of failed IVF and emotional pain. She had nearly given up when we began working together. Through targeted nutrition, supplementation, and addressing the spiritual and emotional side of infertility, she was able to conceive and carry her daughter to term. These are just two of the many incredible journeys I have been privileged to witness.

Another client came to me after struggling with her thyroid for years. She had followed protocols blindly for over five years with no real progress. After eight months of working together, her TSH dropped from 16 to 2.5, she no longer carried a thyroid diagnosis, and—most exciting of all—she was pregnant.

These stories are a testament to the resilience of the human body and the importance of taking a comprehensive, supportive approach to fertility. Whether you are currently experiencing loss, healing from a past miscarriage, or preparing for a future pregnancy, know that there is always a path forward. You do not have to navigate this alone—I am here to support you every step of the way.

If you are focused on your dream of becoming a mother or thinking about expanding your family, I offer a 1:1 Fertility, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Support Package. These sessions receive priority booking, allowing clients to get in within 3-4 weeks. To schedule a session or learn more, you can book here or email [email protected] for more details.

Tracking Your Fertility for the Future

When you’re ready to try again or are interested in tracking your hormones and cycle more closely, devices like Mira and TempDrop can be incredibly helpful tools.

Mira is an advanced fertility tracking system that uses urine hormone testing to track key hormones like LH, E2, and P4, offering detailed insights into your ovulation and fertility windows. It helps you monitor changes in your cycle with precision, making it easier to plan your next steps, whether you’re preparing for pregnancy or healing after a loss. Use code DRSPAIR15 for 15% off.

TempDrop is a wearable basal body temperature (BBT) tracker that provides accurate temperature data throughout the night. By tracking your BBT with TempDrop, you can gain insights into your ovulation patterns, helping you determine the best time to conceive. This is a great tool to combine with other fertility practices to support your journey toward pregnancy. Use code AFRECLAIMERSOFHEALTH for 15% off.

Both of these devices offer a deeper understanding of your body’s natural rhythms, empowering you with the information needed to make informed decisions on your fertility journey.