A letter from our co-Founder, Tori...
When Alex and I first started working on Perelel in 2019, we had the idea to create a company that supports women at all stages of their motherhood journey. At that time, I was currently going through my second loss. We had lost our little flicker of a heartbeat and I was devastated. We had two beautiful children, yet I still felt a tremendous sense of loss. And because I felt a need to remain grateful, I in turn felt like I wasn't able to share or ask for support. Looking back, I now realize every form of loss deserves support. But that experience made us determined to create a brand that would support you through every stage of your journey: the ups, the downs, and the sideways. No matter what. No questions asked.
For that reason, we asked our incredible reproductive psychiatrist, Dr. Sarah Oreck, MD, MS, from our Perelel Panel to share her wisdom with us on how to care for yourself physically and emotionally when you've experienced a loss. We hope it helps nourish you on the days you need it most.
Continue reading below.
Ask for support.
While this may seem like a given, asking for support when you need it most is all too often one of the hardest things to do. “Pregnancy loss can be an incredibly isolating experience," Dr. Oreck explains. "Ask for help, you are not alone.” And support can look different for everyone. Whether it's calling up a friend, leaning on family, joining an online community, or finding an outlet with a professional therapist, lining up people who fill you up can go a long way.
Set boundaries.
This is the time to put your needs first. Even when family and friends have the best intentions, everyone experiences grief in their own way so it's important to establish your boundaries and allow yourself the space you need. Dr. Oreck explains, "if someone says something that isn’t helpful, let them know. If you’re not ready to talk about next steps, take your time.”
Be kind to yourself.
Remember: There's no right or wrong way to navigate a loss. “Grief is not linear," says Dr. Oreck. "Be patient and kind to yourself. If you’re not ready to talk about conceiving, that’s okay. If you’re ready to get pregnant again during your next cycle, that’s okay too. Everyone’s journey after loss is different and it’s important.” Treating yourself with the same love and empathy that you would give a friend goes a long way.
Nourish your body.
During stressful experiences, it's just as important to take care of your physical body as it is to take care of your mental health, too. And there is a significant body of research that proves supplementation can be helpful after a loss. Focus on nourishing yourself from within with nutrients that replenish, restore and rebalance your body for when you're feeling most depleted.
Find some extra support from other women who just get it. We created our community, Village by Perelel, to be by your side through the highs and the lows. Join for a safe space to let it out or find that extra T.L.C. on the days you need it most.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Perelel.