Finding support and community after pregnancy or infant loss in regional, rural and remote Australia
The loss of a pregnancy or infant can be an incredibly difficult and isolating experience, and those who live in regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia face additional challenges when seeking support and community during this time. Limited access to healthcare and mental health services, as well as reduced opportunities for social connection and support, can make the grieving process more difficult. However, it's important to remember that support and community are available for those who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss, even in areas where resources may be more limited. I want to explore some of the ways in which baby loss mums in regional, rural, and remote Australia can find the support and connection they need to heal after pregnancy or infant loss as well as my vision for the future of Blossums in the Bush.
The isolation experienced after baby loss is compounded for those living in regional, rural, and remote areas not only due to geographical isolation but also due to the lack of access to resources which can make the grieving process much more difficult for these mummas who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. Without access to specialised healthcare and grief and loss services, baby loss mums generally struggle to find the support and guidance they need to cope with the emotional and physical aftermath of their loss. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, helplessness, and despair, which can be compounded by the challenges of living in areas with limited opportunities for social connection and support. In addition, the lack of understanding and awareness about pregnancy and infant loss in some communities may create additional barriers to healing. These factors can make it extremely challenging for individuals to navigate the grieving process and find the support they need to heal.
Baby loss families in regional, rural, and remote areas face unique challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare and mental health services, and finding social connection and support. Due to geographical distance and smaller populations, healthcare resources are limited in most areas. There is a deafening silence when it comes to providing baby loss mums with guidance to resources and support in the bush.A silence which The Baby Loss Mentor is striving to break. This lack of direction to available services really makes it challenging for individuals to connect with others who have had similar experiences, which is a super important source of comfort and validation during the grieving process. In addition, the isolation and reduced opportunities for social connection and support that can be experienced in these areas may exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation, making it even more difficult to cope with the emotional and physical aftermath of pregnancy or infant loss. These factors combine to create a complex and challenging landscape for those who are affected by this experience.
There are several resources available for individuals who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss in regional, rural, and remote areas. One option is online support groups, however you need to be aware that it needs to be a safe and supportive space to connect with others who have had similar experiences. You can not always guarantee this with social media and it can become overwhelming. Telephone hotlines, such as those offered by Red Nose Australia and Bears of Hope, can also be a valuable resource for those who need to talk to someone immediately. NALAG (the National Association of Loss and Grief), offers grief support for any type of loss or grief, in person and telephone, a babies remembrance ceremony & garden and other resources for individuals who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss.
Whilst these have the advantage of being mostly free and convenient, run by volunteers who have been trained and often with lived experience, it's important to recognise that online and phone resources may have limitations. This includes the inability to offer in-person support, potential for misinterpretation of communication, and limited access to professional mental health support.
Ultimately, finding the right type of support depends on our individual needs and it may involve exploring a range of resources until the right fit is found. Which I did ALOT of! When I was exploring all of these options - plus more - I found professional guidance and direction towards appropriate resources, services and mentoring specific to baby loss was profoundly lacking in this space. It was, however, what I needed to start to heal and move forward. This is where the idea of The Baby Loss Mentor and Bush Blossums began to take shape as an important and integral part of the future of support for Regional, Rural and Remote women.
Building connections and finding community after pregnancy or infant loss can be a crucial part of the healing process. It can be difficult to find others who truly understand what they are going through - those who just ‘get it’. Finding (or in my case creating) a community of baby loss mums who have had similar experiences can provide a sense of validation, support, and comfort that can be difficult to find elsewhere. It can also help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, usually compounded by our geographical isolation - and create a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, emotions, and thoughts. I have found that being a part of a community gives inspiration to heal, and you can always find hope and support for your journey.
I always encourage my clients to find their people. It's important to note that not all groups or forums will be a good fit, so it may take some trial and error to find the right community. When considering joining a group or forum, individuals should be mindful of their personal boundaries and ensure that the group aligns with their needs and values.
By connecting with other mums who have experienced similar losses, you can find comfort, support, and a sense of community as you navigate the sometimes very shitty road of grief and healing. I am confident that as the Bush Blossums community and events grows it will remain a safe, accessible and most importantly specific enough for baby loss mums living in RRR communities. Our community is private, provides a safe and supportive environment for mummas to share their experiences, connect with others, and learn coping strategies. Participating in online forums or joining social media groups can give a sense of community, and I aim to increase face to face and virtual events for us to gain better connection. You can join the Blossums Community here through being a part of the newsletter first and then joining what you resonate with as spaces and events become available!
In this blog I’ve discussed the importance of finding support and community after pregnancy or infant loss, especially in regional, rural, and remote areas. My losses have highlighted more than ever the unique challenges faced by Baby Loss Mums in these areas, such as limited access to healthcare and mental health services, and reduced opportunities for social connection and support. The message is clear that support and community are being made available if you have experienced pregnancy or infant loss, even in regional, rural, and remote areas. By reaching out and finding the right type of support, Blossums can begin to heal and move forward after their loss.
I hope that you can reach out to us at The Baby Loss Mentor, connect with others who have experienced similar losses, including attending Blossums events (virtual and in person), participating in online forums, and joining social media groups. If you are ready for some more focused mentoring and guidance through life after loss I have created The Next Step Session for you and it is ready and waiting to shine a light on hope and how you can move forward.
As a Baby Loss Mentor & Blossom living in regional Australia, I get it.. It is an isolating and painful experience, but I want to offer you encouragement and hope. I can link you into the resources available to you, you are not alone in your experiences. I want every Bush Blossum to find the comfort, validation, and community they need to heal and move forward. Healing is a journey, not an easy one, but you are capable with all of the other mums behind you and being there for you. Take it one step at a time, and know that you have support and guidance available to you every step of the way.
