Firstly, I want to explain that writing this is massively out my comfort zone, but I think it will help me and hopefully do the wider good!
A couple of weeks ago I suffered a miscarriage, at 3 months pregnant, I was unaware that I was pregnant and was not trying for another child. Due to other health issues it was missed that I was pregnant by health professionals and myself.
It all happened very fast and at this present moment I am still coming to terms with what has happened.
What I am left with is though is the distinct lack of after care that has been provided, and one I am passionate about changing.
For those that don’t know I am a counsellor as well as the founder/CEO of a charity called Motherwell Cheshire, a charity that supports the mental health and wellbeing for women.
Many years ago I suffered an Ectopic Pregnancy, which again offered the same limited after care, it was only that I had a good relationship with my GP that I felt that I could make an appointment to speak to her.
I am not blaming anyone for the lack of after care and when I was in the hospital everyone did the role that they needed to and I was dealt with professionally at all times.
However what lacked at times (by some and not all) was empathy and after care.
When I was discharged no one come to explain anything, I was not handed any information about what I needed to do once at home, what to expect physically, emotionally. No future appointment was discussed or offered.
I am not saying this is the role of the already full to capacity NHS, but it could be their role if there was an organisation that they can refer people to.
I am lucky that I have great support networks and after having an ectopic pregnancy and 3 previous children I feel that I am in a place to look after myself, being a counsellor I also know the benefits of talking it through and I am lucky enough to already have a counsellor and have the financial means to be able to go.
What this journey has shown me is the importance of quick after care and relevant, accurate information. We already work with many women who have suffered still births, birth traumas and miscarriages, but I am aware that weeks have had to go by before a referral is made to us. What I want to work on is information leaflets provided by the hospitals with all the information that they may need once leaving home. With local support they can call if and when needed.
I am a strong believer that information empowers people even in their most vulnerable times, and most importantly knowing that they have appropriate support networks to support them through the sad times.