After miscarriage

[Rosawyn]

I had a miscarriage early Saturday morning. I was 12 wks. It was a complete miscarriage so I did not need a D&C. The bleeding was quite heavy so I was in the hospital for some hours and needed IV fluids.

I am looking for some advice on what to do now to help my body heal. MIL has been quite adamant that I need to take prenatal viatamins (I havn't asked her why she thinks I need to take them), but I cannot bring myself to look at the bottle very long let alone take them. I'm just wondering if her advice is good, I mean do I really need to take them as I am not planning on getting pregnant again for at least a few months.

Also, I have terrible headaches, sore muscles, and apparently insomnia. I have been taking Advil for the first two, but it doesn't seem to help much.

I have done lots of research on the internet, but other than vague "rest and take care of yourself" there isn't much advice I can find on how to help my body heal. I know I lost a lot of blood and I have been craving meat and fruits/veggies like crazy.

Any advice would be very appricated.

Eta: Also, my 2 year old is still nursing 2-4 times a day. What can I expect as far as milk supply right now? My supply had been going down due to the pregnancy, should it just naturally come back now?

[Jacksmommy]

I don't think you need prenatal vitamins. Vitamins are never a bad idea IMO, but I also don't think they're necessary if you get proper nutrition. Honestly all I did as far as recovering from miscarriages goes was to find something to read or sew - something I could do quietly to keep my mind busy until I felt okay again.
Massages may help the headaches and sore muscles. Is that an option for you?

[HammBugga]

I am very sorry for your loss. Honestly, if you can handle it, you should be taking the prenatal vitamins anyway since you are still nursing. Especially now that your body is healing as well. I think you should talk to your dr about the headaches and insomnia. There may be something you can take that will help.

[Camille]

I'm very sorry for your loss. :(

I would take a multivitamin with iron, as your iron may be low from that much blood loss -- having a heavy period can deplete your iron, also. Low iron can cause fatigue. You can take two flintstone chewables if you can't swallow regular vitamins (my stomach doesn't like vitamins swallowed whole!).

Is there any way you can get a temp script for ambien to help with the insomnia?

Ibuprofen is probably the best for cramps and headaches, IMO. You can take up to 800mg at a time (every 8 hours, no less!). You can also take Tylenol concurrently (often called non-aspirin pain relief if generic) because it contains acetaminophen. Or dose in between ibuprofen doses, since Tylenol can be taken more often (every 4 - 6).

[ima062002]

Sorry to hear about your loss. I hope that you have loved ones around you who can help you through this difficult time.

I would give in the cravings; that's your body talking and I think it would be a good idea to listen. Since you've lost a lot of blood, you might want to take some iron for a couple of months. You should also be able to get your supply up again; taking some Fenugreek for a while might give you an extra boost in that department; and of course your nursling.

[Crabbie]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[KatieLou]

I am so sorry darling. (((hug)))

I was still takin gmy prenates after my last m/c because we were going to start TTC ASAP anyway. I don't think they can hurt, but I don't feel they are a must either. As far as nursing went, I did not see a change in my milk supply after the m/c at all, but my supply had not dropped much at that point either. I would just try some basic supply building things such as oatmeal cookies, maybe a lactatione tea, etc.

Again, I am so sorry for your loss.

[Becca75]

I'm so sorry for your loss. My suggestion for the insomnia is melatonin. It's helped me alot since I've started taking it.

[Ilovemonkeys]

You need to rest as much as possible. It took me a month to recover from mine, but I had to have a compelte d&E and scar tissue ablation for 2 hours afterwards.

My milk got a little heavier at first, I definitely noticed it, but it wasn't a huge problem. I also had a 2 yo nursing.

ITA, w/ the PPs you do need iron. If you're craving meat go for red meat, it has the highest iron levels, and make sure to consume VitC with it to help the iron absorb.

I'm sorry for your loss, it does get better over time, but right now you need to be doing nothing but sleeping, resting and napping.

As for the pain I was prescribed meds and phenergan and I needed it.
I had that insomnia at first too, I was just too upset to sleep.

If you're not co-sleeping try a benadryl or two, it's safe to take while bf and it should help you sleep. Melatonin is good too, just make sure you're ready to sleep when you take it.

[Meredith]

I'm very sorry for your loss, Ros. :hug:

Could you possibly find a regular multivitamin to take instead of a prenatal, if it's too hard for you to look at the prenatals? I know how painful it is to see anything that reminds you of the pregnancy. It's important to have those vitamins when you're nursing, and the iron will be helpful, too, since you've lost a lot of blood recently.

I'd keep up the iron rich foods as well, and keep your diet healthy and balanced. It sounds like you're craving exactly what you need. I'd avoid caffeine, if you drink it, especially in the late afternoon/evening hours, so you can sleep better. Melatonin is also pretty good for insomnia, for a lot of people.

If Advil isn't touching the pain, I wouldn't hesitate to ask for a prescription for a stronger pain reliever. Your body has gone through a lot, and taking care of the pain is an important part of helping you get the rest you need.

After I miscarried, my milk supply never fully recovered, but I was nursing an 8 month old, not a 2 year old, and I had a bunch of nursing/supply issues with him. Hopefully, as your hormones get back to normal, your supply will recover. Just do your best to stay hydrated and get the rest you need.

[Wildflower]

I'm very sorry for your loss :(

[Maret00]

I'm very sorry. :(

Just so you know all women of child birthing age should make prenatal vitamins there everyday vitamin. But if you can't look at the bottle ask hubby to switch the bottle or for go it for a month or so. Get lots of rest have a friend come over to play card games with you or funny movies that have no point can take your mind off things.

[maksmom]

I am so sorry for your loss. I was 12 weeks when I mc, but it took me 2 weeks ending in a d&c to complete the mc, so my blood loss was slower. Listen to your body, and your heart. Eat what you feel you need to eat, get some alone time if you need it, seek out someone to talk to if you feel you need that. I have a difficult time grieving in front of others, so I really needed some time by myself to get it all out. I would take a reg multi if you feel you need it, otherwise, personally I would worry about it.

I know that this is an especially hard time, my heart goes out to you and you are in my prayer.

[trueblue]

I am sorry. I know it's tough and I'm sorry.

I can't speak to the nutrition of physical health issues...but when my last pregnancy ended in D&C, I tossed out EVERYTHING related to pregnancy. All literature, books, freeby's and the pre-natals. I just took my kids Flintstones instead.

And I did stuff that would take my mind off of it...particularly did a lot of reading (nothing elevating, just pure escapism type of reading); played computer role playing games; ran (enjoyable for me); and indulged in a pity purchase of a new sofa/ottoman for my living room.

I hope you feel better soon.

[Rosawyn]

Thank you everone for your comments and advice.

[JudyJudyJudy]

I'm so sorry for your loss. :(

Since you are planning to TTC again soon, I'd continue to take the prenatal vitamins. Also, I'd definitely give in to the cravings. The meat, fruit, and vegetables are more important than the bottled vitamins.

[Indigo]

I am so sorry, I went through the same thing about six months ago. I would take the vitamins if you intend to ttc again once you heal. There is research showing it helps to have the folate in your system for months ahead of conception. The iron can't hurt at the moment either.
Give yourself time. Enjoy some wine and things you can't do pregnant and be gentle with yourself. It will take time.

[Sassafras]

http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu141/niffynoodles/Text4.gif

[Nipple_nectar]

So sorry for your loss, I would also try and take some sort of vitamin. Just time and plenty of rest is what you need to heal, lot's of time.

[Rosawyn]

Sassafras, that picture is beautiful; thank you.

[kohlby]

I'm very sorry for your loss. I've had 5 miscarriages and was never told to take any supplements. I did continue with folic acid since I ttc ASAP each time. I never took prenatals since my body couldn't handle them - not even when pg. I was breastfeeding during three of the losses and my supply did come right back to normal. My supply drops to nothing at a mere 4-5 weeks pg due to hyperemesis - which I get even if I miscarry.

I was prescribed pain meds with several of my losses though I didn't need to take much at all - like only a couple times during a couple of my losses. (Two had d&c's, three didn't).

[PiccoloRose]

I am so sorry for your loss.