When I was signed off after my miscarriage, what concerned me was the lack of follow-up. Unlike after you’ve given birth, no one bothers with you and I was sent home unsupported.
I already had a 14-year-old daughter from my first marriage. I fell pregnant just after my wedding to Alan last September. The next month we all went to Greece, and that’s where I lost the baby. The hospital treatment was good but it was difficult returning to the holiday when all I wanted was to go home.
Making contact with The Miscarriage Association was wonderful. I received telephone support, read the leaflets and spent a lot of time on the website. It all helped to make me realise that miscarriage was common, that millions of other couples go through it and that we were not alone.
When I found out I was pregnant again I was overjoyed but petrified. Even at 26 weeks’ pregnant you still worry. You need a huge amount of support in the next pregnancy because you can’t stop worrying until you hold your baby in your arms. The members’ forum on the website has a section called Pregnant After Loss where I gain and give support.
Alan and I recently set up a Miscarriage Association support group in Doncaster and have so far held three sessions, mostly for small numbers. But if I help only one person every now and again, that’s enough. The M.A. was there for me and I am determined to give something back.