After going through what Jerika has been through I have come up with a few helpful hints that might come in handy for others going through the same thing.
Yup mama bear just a little bit. Here you go.....
Things not to say
When someone experiences a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, it's crucial to be sensitive and empathetic. Avoid saying the following:
1. "At least you know you can get pregnant now", "At least you can try again" or "You can have another baby" – This can dismiss the grief of losing this pregnancy.
2. "Everything happens for a reason" – It can feel invalidating and minimize their loss.
3. "It wasn't meant to be" – Similar to the above, it can come across as dismissive of their pain.
4. "You're still young" or "At least you weren’t further along" – These statements minimize the emotional weight of the loss, regardless of age or how far along the pregnancy was.
5. "There must have been something wrong with the baby" – While it might be factually accurate in some cases, it's often not helpful to hear.
6. "You should be grateful for the children you have" – If they have other children, this minimizes their grief for the lost one.
7. "I know how you feel" – Even if you've had a similar experience, everyone's grief is unique.
Instead, offer your support by saying things like, "I'm so sorry for your loss," "I'm here for you," or simply, "Would you like to talk about it?". Let them lead the conversation, and respect their need for space or time to grieve.
If you have gotten this far thank you for reading. Another thing that is helpful...
Do reach out even if you have a baby or you are pregnant she wants to celebrate your happiness. She is responding slowly to messages, which she did anyway so that didn't change. She knows who has checked on her and who genuinely cares so thank you for that it matters. She didn't just lose a baby she almost lost her life too.
Be her friend and Just be gentle. 🩷💜🩷💜