Support
Over the last 10 years I’ve done a lot of searching for support and what I have found, from peers, charities, and the alternative therapy world, has been transformative. This list only comprises those that I have experience of and am aware of. Choose the most appropriate support for you. Your energy, time and money are precious commodities, and you deserve to be picky about where you spend them.
See the registered bodies in each section as a starting point or to find a local branch.
I’m not a medical professional. Please always discuss changes to your diet, the addition of supplements, and referrals to specialist support, with your GP or local hospital first.
As a final thought, remember to take care of yourself. Nurture your emotional health and wellbeing, it is the foundation stone to everything. I know how overwhelming this whole journey is. If you find it’s too much, then take a step away for as long as you need. Be kind to yourself, you deserve it.
Clinical support
Tommy’s – England wide
Tommy’s is leading the way into pregnancy loss research, run clinical trials, offer information on miscarriage, pre-mature birth and stillbirth and also run recurring miscarriage clinic’s at the University Hospital Coventry, Birmingham Women’s Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital London. Tommy’s offer tests that aren’t available from your GP or local hospital and the support that you’ll receive is second to none.
To get a referral you must speak to you GP and ask them to refer you. Details of how to do this are here.
(Patients in Wales and Scotland may find it difficult to get a referral. I believe there is ongoing campaigning to make this more accessible)
Centre for Life Fertility Clinic – North East based
The Centre for Life provide a range of fertility services and IVF. Speak to your GP to arrange a referral. The people involved in the Facebook group “Newcastle Fertility Support Group” have a lot of experience working with the Centre for Life so that’s a good place to start if you have questions.
Fertilysis and Locus Medicus – Global but based in Greece
Fertilysis offers testing which isn’t well recognised outside of Greece. It’s the only facility in the world who perform these non-invasive tests, which detect micro-organisms including bacteria, viruses and fungi in self collected menstrual fluid and semen.
Before proceeding please join the “Fertilysis Ladies/Locus Ladies – HiddenC, Fertility, Immunology & Testing” Facebook group to find answers to all your questions and the process for working with Fertilysis.
Alternative Therapies
Jesmond Health & Fertility Clinic – offer a range of fertility support including acupuncture, reflexology, hypnotherapy, Chinese medicine and coaching. North East based
Naturally Heaven Therapy – Alanna Armstrong McCarroll. Reflexology and Abdominal Massage. North East based
Heaton Acupuncture Clinic – Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs – North East based
Jing Seng Acupuncture Clinic – Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs – North East based
Wendy Howdin – Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Shiatsu – North East based
Ruth Olayinka – Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist – North East based and online
Book: It Starts with the Egg by Rebecca Fett. There is also a private Facebook group “It Starts with the Egg – Reader Group with Rebecca Fett”. Explores the use of supplements, diet and your environment
Registered bodies:
The Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture UK
The Acupuncture Fertility Network
Association of Reproductive Reflexologists
Talking Therapies
CRADLE Charity - Contact CRADLE to check whether your local hospital is able to refer you on to funded counselling sessions
Lighthouses Therapy Services – specialise in pregnancy and baby loss counselling and retreats
Eagle Moon Therapy – Counsellor and Psychotherapist
Petals – The baby loss counselling charity
Mind – Offer six free counselling sessions
BACP – counselling registered body
Malin Amundsson – Psychological Coach – Although Malin doesn’t specialise in pregnancy loss she’s an excellent coach
Contact via Linkedin.
Peer Support & Support Groups
Support for Men:
Facebook Groups:
CRADLE Early Pregnancy Loss Support Group
Tommy’s Baby Loss Support Group
Tommy’s Parenting After Loss Support Group
UK Recurrent Miscarriage Support Group: Storms and Rainbows
Newcastle Fertility Support Group
Fertilysis Ladies/Locus Ladies – HiddenC, Fertility, Immunology & Testing
Twitter Groups
Willows Rainbow Box – Twitter @Willowsrainbow
Shoebox full of memories – Twitter @ShoeboxofM. The journey of loss from a partner’s perspective.
The Legacy of Leo – Twitter @TheLegacyOfLeo. Hosts weekly #BabyLossHour on Twitter
The Worst Girl Gang Ever Podcast – Bex Gunn and Laura Buckingham
Book: How to Support Someone After Miscarriage: A practical guide to supporting someone after a Miscarriage, Molar or Ectopic Pregnancy by Clare Foster. This book will be a great resource for understanding pregnancy loss and includes first-hand accounts of individuals experiences of miscarriage, ectopic or molar pregnancy. I’m proud to be included in this much needed publication. Published in October 2021.
Help for employees and employers
Employees:
Miscarriage Association - Your rights, plus advice and guidance:
CRADLE Consultancy - Support for employees
Employers:
Miscarriage Association – A range of advice, information, policies, and responsibilities which will support employers to create a safe and supportive environment for those experiencing miscarriage.
Channel 4 - A comprehensive Pregnancy Loss policy
CRADLE Consultancy - Support for employers