If you wouldn't say it to a pregnant woman, don't say it to a bereaved one

 

When your loved one has a miscarriage -- knowing what to say, how to say it and when to say it can be tricky. On the one hand, you want to support her in her grief. On the other hand, you want to offer something that will comfort her.

Unfortunately, so many of the things people say are meant with the best of heart, and come out all wrong.

So I wanted to make a quick and easy rule for you.

If you wouldn't say it to a pregnant woman,

don't say it to a bereaved one.

Why?

Because the value of a live baby is just the same as the value of a dead baby.

Because the experience of a miscarriage is just as valid as the experience of a continuing pregnancy.

Because a mom's love and devotion for her kid doesn't go away when the baby dies.





So let's play my little rule out.

 

So what happens when you respond to a pregnancy announcement at 6 weeks in the same way you would to a miscarriage announcement at 6 weeks?

 

 

 

 

Not terribly supportive. Let's try this again . . .

 

 

 

 

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And my personal favorite:

 

Of course, there is always an exception to every rule.

 

 

 

 

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However we are supporting our friend, let's make sure we use words that affirm her baby and her experience.