Grieving Parents Family Ministry Office, Diocese of Hamilton Prayer © Bernadette Zambri (Morning Light Ministry) I feel unable to pray - I need Your insight in new ways to pray. I feel abandoned - I need Your warmth. I feel isolated from You - I need courage to take steps closer to You. Grief After a I feel hurt – I need Your Healing.. I feel so sad – I need Your Closeness and Humour. Miscarriage: Be I feel anger, resentment and bit- terness – I need Your Peace. Gentle with I feel afraid – I need Your Strength. Yourself I feel anxious – I need Your Patience. I feel that I can never trust You again – I need to feel Your Love. When you are grieving: About Miscarriages: Turn to your spouse for support and Many women experience at least one miscarriage during their childbearing share your feelings - you are both years; it is not always known why this grieving occurs After a Miscarriage: The first signs of a miscarriage are often Grieve as little or as much as you feel you cramping, back and/or abdominal pain, bleeding (often heavy) Recovery takes time need; grieving will help you to heal Always contact your medical practitioner and patience Speak to your pastor about having a if these or other symptoms that do not feel normal to you occur small blessing or ceremony for your It can be difficult to imagine until it happens If you are indeed having a miscarriage, baby; it can be private for just the two of medical practitioners will discuss the to you, but grief after a miscarriage is very correct course of action for you; you, or include others real and often very painful. You may remember you have the right to the final decision on how to proceed experience one or more of the following: If you are struggling, reach out for Your doctor will let you know when it is support for your grief from family and best to resume normal activities; it is Trouble eating and/or sleeping important to follow their friends, some of whom may also have recommendations Crying a lot, or not at all experienced a miscarriage, to your Deciding when to get pregnant again is an important conversation to have with Many and varied emotions is such as: doctor, or to one of the groups below. your spouse and your doctor, since sadness, anger, resentment recommendations will vary depending on your circumstance Angry at, or let down by God Most women will have a normal Confusion; difficulty concentrating and/ pregnancy and healthy baby after a or completing tasks miscarriage. Most people who experience a miscarriage also experience one or more of the above Where to Find Support: 1. Morning Light Ministry grief symptoms. Be patient with yourself. E-mail: [email protected] http://morninglightministry.org/ 2. Bereaved Families of Ontario [email protected] The Lord who wept at the death of his http://www.bereavedfamilies.net/ friend Lazarus (Jn 11:35), is the same Lord who says, “Blessed are those who mourn, 3. Office for Family Ministry, Diocese of for they shall be comforted.” Hamilton 905-528-7988 ext. 2250 [email protected] .