Perinatal Bereavement: Recognizing Pain and Seeking Support

Perinatal bereavement is the loss of a daughter or son during pregnancy or in the first few days after birth. A deep pain, often silent, that can leave those who experience it in a condition of loneliness and disorientation. Often little is said about it because society tends not to recognize what has not had time to become 'visible'. But the pain is there, and every loss has a right to exist, to be heard, to be respected. “You're young, you'll have others.” and similar phrases, even if said with good intentions, can be disabling. Giving a name to your pain is important: recognizing it is the first step. Look for a safe space to talk about it: with a professional, in a listening group, with those who have already passed by. If you know a person who is having this experience, show them your closeness, without judging.