Taking care of yourself after a miscarriage: what follow-up?

Find the expert opinion of naturopath Stéphanie Jreijiri, founder of Equilibre au féminin.

Miscarriage is the early and spontaneous termination of a pregnancy, occurring within the first 22 weeks, more frequently before the 14th week. It is a fairly common event, as approximately 1 in 5 women will experience one during their lifetime . The causes may be a chromosomal abnormality, a uterine malformation, a hormonal imbalance, deficiencies or an unknown cause. However, this moment can be painful to experience and should not be ignored, in order to be able to grieve and prepare to become pregnant again in the best conditions.

" As women, we don't have the space to discuss the depth of this loss. I lost nine children to miscarriage. It's not nothing, physically or emotionally, but we're made to feel like it's something to go through alone and secretly, with a sense of failure. " Sharon Stone

Symptoms: How do you know if you're having a miscarriage?

In the case of a miscarriage (also called "spontaneous abortion"), there may be sensations of period pain , light brown discharge then darker , going up to red , perhaps blood clots as well as pain in the lower abdomen or even in the back.

It can also be felt more instinctively, by some women who sense that something is wrong.

In all cases and as soon as there is any doubt, you should seek medical advice from a health professional such as a gynecologist to confirm or rule out the miscarriage . If it is confirmed, this doctor will tell you what to do next, as the miscarriage can occur completely naturally or require surgery (with curettage to clean the uterus).

If you are looking for a professional specializing in women's health and caring, you can consult our directory of practitioners recommended by the Gapianne community .

What to do after a miscarriage?

It is an event that can bring physical and emotional pain, you are not alone in experiencing this . Losing a baby requires taking care of yourself in a similar way to childbirth. It is not "fake" and should rather be called "interrupted pregnancy" . Indeed, there is a similar loss of blood, sometimes a weight in the perineum, a hormonal upheaval...

Be careful of infections

After a miscarriage and for 2 weeks, you should not use a tampon or menstrual cup to avoid any risk of infection because they can irritate your already sensitive vaginal mucosa.

The safest option is to use organic cotton sanitary pads or opt for menstrual panties. You can take the time to compare different ranges of period panties if necessary to find the ones that best suit you.

We also avoid making love or taking baths as well as going to the swimming pool to reduce the risk of infections.

Herbal remedies to consume after a miscarriage

A spontaneous abortion does not require "purifying" the womb or uterus , however, as the body has been through a significant ordeal, plants can be of great help in helping it recover.

• Raspberry leaves: promotes hormonal balance, helps restore regular cycles, tones the uterus and perineum, soothes cramps thanks to its anti-spasmodic properties

• Witch hazel: helps regulate hemorrhage (if there is significant bleeding), it is also a plant with anti-inflammatory properties

• Yarrow: soothes pelvic pain and is also anti-inflammatory

• German chamomile: soothing for the nervous system

• Nettle: remineralizing (if heavy bleeding)

You can go to a herbalist's to have a herbal tea blend made, or get advice from a naturopath like Stéphanie Jreijiri who helped us write these tips.

If the bleeding is significant, a blood test will allow you to check your iron levels. Supplementation may be indicated, only if the deficiency is confirmed, because too much iron is harmful to the body .

Oils can be of great help when applied topically:

• Arnica vegetable oil , analgesic and anti-inflammatory: massage on the lower abdomen or back

• St. John's wort vegetable oil , soothing (cramps) and anti-inflammatory: massage on the lower abdomen but also on the solar plexus

You can add a drop of essential oil with the vegetable oil, such as sweet orange or lemon , which calms anxiety (massaged on the solar plexus) or neroli , which promotes inner peace and self-confidence. They can also be used in olfactory.

Taking Time to Grieve After a Miscarriage

It often happens that couples do not announce the beginning of pregnancy before the end of the 3rd month, because they fear risks such as miscarriage. If the pregnancy is not known to those close to you personally or professionally or if the medical profession trivializes the situation, it can be difficult to fully experience this ordeal. Many women and couples find themselves in this situation, know that you are not alone , discussion circles exist and experts such as psychologists and perinatal health networks can also help you through this painful time.

Although we don't talk about miscarriage much in society, taking the time to accept what has happened so that we can move on and consider conceiving again is important.

For those who have experienced it, listening to themselves and resting if they feel the need is beneficial. Taking a few days off if possible, slowing down, and taking time for themselves can help them cope with this period.

Emotionally, a feeling of guilt may be felt, which is why it is important to welcome it, take it into account and make peace with ourselves .

Different Ways to Deal with a Miscarriage

By the word that can be released

In the couple if the pregnancy is experienced together, with loved ones and/or through the support of a therapist whether you are a couple or alone.

The healing process can also involve writing .

Through gentle methods

Other alternatives that can help include body-based therapies such as massage, foot reflexology, osteopathy, and yin yoga (gentle yoga).

When it comes to food, we focus on warm, comforting dishes.

Bach flowers can also be of great help: Star of Bethlehem (flower of comfort) or Scots pine (for people who feel responsible).

The practice of rebozo care

If we feel the need, we can put in place a ritual to close the space, do some perinatal mourning work for what was experienced and turn the page.

The rebozo treatment encompasses all these techniques: it is a traditional Mexican ceremony, which can be practiced following childbirth, a miscarriage, a bereavement or a major life change… It includes a moment of verbal exchange, a massage, a hot herbal bath, a wrap and a tightening with the “rebozo”. These Mexican fabrics will be tightened around the woman’s body, particularly at the pelvis. This ritual can be performed by a doula, accompanied by the spouse or a loved one. It allows for great relaxation and promotes a return of energy.

New Pregnancy: How to Get Pregnant After a Miscarriage?

Doctors recommend waiting about a month after the miscarriage before trying to get pregnant again.

The preconception phase is often overlooked, even though it can be essential and can reduce the risk of miscarriage. Before you even realize your desire to conceive, preparing your body and mind with a specific diet can help both partners during the conception phase. This advice applies to the entire couple, not just the woman carrying the child!

Miscarriage can be an opportunity to take a few months to cleanse the body and mind and manage daily stress in order to best prepare it to welcome a new pregnancy and make space for the child on the way.

Prepare your body

And the liver in particular, thanks to a Detox cure to help your body get rid of toxins, pollutants and chemical substances, and prepare a healthy environment, more conducive to pregnancy 🌱

We recommend trying the Boome Detox treatment, which will rid your body of synthetic hormones after a long period of taking the pill and will boost reproductive functions. It's recommended to complete the treatment for three months (i.e., purchase three bottles), and take advantage of a 10% welcome discount via our newsletter to reduce the total cost.

Prepare your mind

You can choose gentle, stress-relieving solutions to help you. These include essential oils that aid relaxation. I'm a Survivor Anti-Stress Balm is a concentrate of essential oils. Apply it to the inside of your wrists, temples, and solar plexus to soothe your stress.

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Regulate your cycles

Hormonal imbalance may be one of the reasons you're having difficulty conceiving. We recommend starting a 3-month course of dietary supplements to regulate your hormonal imbalance:

• Endo Balance in case of endometriosis,
• Ovastart for PCOS
• or Feminine Balance if none of these pathologies are diagnosed

These dietary supplements promote the health of the reproductive organs and help restore regular menstrual cycles.

You can also take a course of Boome Fertility food supplements. This Baby Boost course was specifically designed to boost fertility in women planning a pregnancy. It rebalances the cycle and hormones, improving the quality of ovulation and aiding egg maturation. This course is also suitable for women with PCOS thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory formula.

👉 Discover all the natural solutions selected by Gapianne to help you with your pregnancy project.

Once you're ready, here are some tips to increase your chances of getting pregnant again.

Avoid harmful substances to preserve the fetus

It is recommended to avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs , which can affect your fertility and harm the baby's development. If you need a helping hand to help you quit smoking, try this anti-smoking treatment specifically designed to alleviate the side effects (irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, cravings, etc.) associated with quitting smoking.

Get back to a healthy diet

Regarding diet, focus on fruits and vegetables as well as good fatty acids (omega-3), and reduce tea, coffee, sodas and processed products. Also avoid foods that are too sweet and refined because in excess, they disrupt hormonal balance .

Ahealthy and balanced diet can help boost your fertility in particular :

• Omega-3 fatty acids , which reduce the risk of spontaneous abortion and promote neuronal balance for the mother and the fetus as well as sperm quality for the father: small oily fish, vegetable oils (rapeseed, camelina), nuts, hemp seeds, squash and chia, algae, Bleu Blanc Coeur label eggs...

• B9 , essential for the baby's proper development (+ supplement for women from 3 months before the desire to become pregnant): spinach, lamb's lettuce, walnuts, broccoli, brewer's yeast, etc.

• Iodine , an essential nutrient for the proper functioning of the thyroid, regulator of the body: seaweed, fish, shellfish, eggs

• Vitamin E , which limits the risk of spontaneous abortion and breast pain: wheat germ, vegetable oils (rapeseed, camelina), almonds, hazelnuts, avocado, etc.

• Zinc , essential for the immune system: wheat germ, oilseeds, legumes, seafood and shellfish, meat

• Choline , which contributes to the development of cognitive performance in the future baby and reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia: egg (especially the yolk, to be eaten runny), beetroot, spinach, quinoa

• Calcium , necessary for the formation of the fetus's skeleton and reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia: almonds, cabbage, broccoli, oily fish, seaweed (dulse and wakame), soy, white and red beans

• Magnesium , which acts on nervous and emotional balance, fundamental for conception (+ as a supplement if stress is very present): oilseeds (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts), banana, dark chocolate, whole grains, dates, green vegetables

• Vitamin D , necessary in particular for the proper assimilation of magnesium and calcium and reduces the risks of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes (+ in supplementation because difficult to meet): oily fish, sun

To avoid endocrine disruptors : we favor organic food, glass containers rather than plastic, you can also filter tap water and use organic household and cosmetic products.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress, which can also improve your fertility.

Stress plays an important role in fertility: cortisol (the stress hormone) and progesterone (which promotes implantation) are produced from the same hormone: pregnenolone. In cases of stress, the body prioritizes cortisol over progesterone, which can cause miscarriages.

Reducing stress involves: exercising regularly, spending time outdoors, getting a massage, meditating, doing breathing exercises, managing stressors in your environment, etc. Reflexology, acupuncture and osteopathy are also useful techniques for relaxing and preparing for pregnancy.

Do a detox

Finally, you can do a detox (always the Boome one) before conception as well as after a miscarriage, since the body experiences a major hormonal upheaval at these times, which makes the liver work a lot in particular. However, doing a detox requires being in good shape and it is recommended to do it rather in spring and autumn, which is why it is preferable to be accompanied by a naturopath to adapt it to your situation.

Please note that detox is not suitable if you are trying to conceive or are already pregnant!

Track your menstrual cycle

Tracking your menstrual cycle and ovulation can help you determine your most fertile days and plan sex accordingly. To do this, simply track your basal body temperature during ovulation.

We also recommend using Lady's ovulation cycle monitoring thermometer for greater convenience and less logistics. Recommended by midwives for starting symptothermal method, it will be your ally every morning:

This article was written by naturopath Stéphanie Jreijiri, founder of Equilibre au féminin . A naturopath, a graduate of the Euronature school and FENA certified, Stéphanie offers consultations in her office in Paris on Wednesdays and by video or at home in Paris and neighboring towns the rest of the week. She helps you learn about your body and how it works, to regain control over your health and lifestyle and find or improve your physical and emotional well-being. Specializing in supporting women, Stéphanie supports you in major life events (puberty, maternity, menopause, etc.), the disorders you may encounter (irregular cycles, endometriosis, PCOS, infertility in women and their partners or assisted reproduction, etc.) but also to bring you towards a healthy life balance (weight loss/gain, sugar addiction, stress, etc.). It is with kindness and attentiveness that she offers you follow-up adapted to your ailments and especially to the changes that you are ready to make, without ever forgetting to have fun!