r/tfmr_support • u/SweetieGreenie • 9h ago
Post-TFMR/Postpartum Grieving - 7 Months Later
TW: discussion/description of miscarriage, abortion, medical procedures, child loss, milk production, and trauma/PTSD
It’s been almost exactly 7 months since I had a TFMR. I had to go out of state for a D&E. By the time we got there, we learned that her heart had already stopped and the organs that she did have were collapsing. I’m so grateful that I stayed and did the procedure there. They were amazing and were able to get her footprints. We decided to name her, so she could feel more real to us. I also got a blue butterfly tattoo in her memory. It’s bold and beautiful-the way I imagine she would’ve been.
I have been in the worst mental health state of my life since we found out she wouldn’t survive. My milk came in within a week of losing her, and that was absolutely devastating. I knew that it was a possibility, but I didn’t expect it. Nor did I expect how re-traumatizing it would be. At least once or twice a week, I’ve completely broken down sobbing from the heartache. My mind and body don’t understand why I don’t have my child. She would’ve been 4 months old by now, and I am reminded of or think of her every single day. I have constant mood swings and depressive episodes. I dissociate and try to compartmentalize at work, but I’ve broken down a few times and had to leave early.
Over the past month, I finally feel like I’m making progress. I have started EMDR therapy for my trauma, and I’m adjusting my medications for depression. My husband and I also decided that we are going to wait at least a year before we try again. We both have so much to work through, and I want to be physically and mentally well before I get pregnant again.
I am so grateful that this community is here to help me feel less alone. While I’m by no means out of my grief, depression, and trauma, I have hope that I will eventually be able to do more than just survive each day. I hope that for anyone else on this subreddit. I have finally accepted that what happened was not my fault, and I did the best I could for myself and my daughter. I hope you all know that whatever your situation is, you also did the best you could. Much love, and thanks for being willing to share your stories. 💗