How to show support to someone who's lost a baby

August 16, 2019 8:16 AM

When a culture or tradition creates an unsafe environment for the people whom it should serve, then we need to revisit or discard it as required. In March 2019, Huffpost in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) reflected on what it means to lose a baby in Africa among other countries. It showed that there's a stigma against miscarriages in Nigeria.

There is a stigma surrounding miscarriages in Nigeria. This makes it hard for mums who have experienced this to receive adequate support for their trauma. there are ways we can show our support during this trying time

Lanai, one of the contributors from Nigeria, narrated a heartbreaking miscarriage. Her circumstances were made worse by the professionals who could have made it better. In her words,

“Coping with my miscarriage was traumatic. The medical staff contributed a lot to my grief, despite the fact that I am a doctor too. They put my first baby in a plastic bag and left it beside my bed – thinking it was my sanitary equipment I picked it up, only to see my baby.”

How Do People Respond To Miscarriages in Nigeria

How to show support to someone who's lost a baby Pulse Nigeria

You might assume that this is restricted to the incompetence of the medical staff. But, you would be wrong. In Nigeria, children are not just currency. They are equally a scale of measurement. You are not considered a complete woman except you are married and have children.

This culture is so pervasive in our society that when a woman loses her baby, she is blamed for it. People assume that is an act of God against you for an unknown or assumed crime. Women are often subjected to religious deliverance sessions and traditional rituals o cleanse them from the phantom causing them to miscarry.

There is also the case of doctors who do not take their patients complaints seriously. A source narrated how her sister in law's concern that she was leaking amniotic fluid was dismissed by her doctors as urine. Eventually, she had a premature baby at 27 weeks.

The cultural perception that women are to blame for their miscarriage needs to be wiped. Consequently, it affects the healthcare system. This is because its the same members of society who are players in the system.

How to change the response towards miscarriages in Nigeria?

How to show support to someone who's lost a baby Pulse Nigeria

In a study carried out in the United States, most women who suffer miscarriages feel guilty despite being a situation out of their control. What they require at this time is a load of support. However, to create a more empathetic response to them, there are practical steps that can be taken.

Sensitization of medical staff

When Lanai got better, she called the nurses and sensitised them on the psychological trauma they put her through. However, this privilege was possible because she's a doctor. Hospitals should organize seminars to sensitise staff on how to take care of women who have just suffered a miscarriage.

Take mental health Seriously

We do not take mental health seriously in Nigeria. This should change and we should acknowledge the psychological and emotional trauma these women experience.

Show support

There are ways to show support to someone who has had a miscarriage. The days after, your presence would be appreciated. They need to hear comforting words. Words that reinforce that what is happening isn't their fault.

Conclusion

The loss of a baby is not a pain that completely goes away. However, time can make it bearable. In addition, the sensitivity and support of family and healthcare providers at this time would be very vital.

This article was first published on AfricaParent.com