Pregnancy & Baby Loss Support
Losing a baby is an unimaginable pain that leaves a lasting impact on every aspect of life. In the midst of this reality, managing anxiety can seem like an impossible challenge. As someone who has walked this difficult path (and still is), I understand how overwhelming the waves of anxiety can feel. This week, I wanted to share some personal reflections and highlight a few helpful tips that have been a beacon of hope in my journey, featuring tools from Ellie's Gift app.
Finding Breath: Three-Minute Breathing Space
One of the most grounding practices I've discovered is the Three-Minute Breathing Space. It’s a simple yet powerful tool available on Ellie's Gift app. Whenever I feel anxiety creeping in, I take a moment to pause and breathe.
Here’s how it works:
Acknowledge: For the first minute, acknowledge your current experience. What are you feeling? What thoughts are passing through your mind?
Gather: In the second minute, gather your attention to your breath. Feel each inhale and exhale.
Expand: In the final minute, expand your awareness to your whole body, breathing into any tension or discomfort.
This practice has been a lifeline, providing a quick, accessible way to centre myself in the midst of anxiety. It’s amazing how just three minutes can create a sense of calm and clarity.
Anchoring with Lavender: The Power of Scent
Incorporating lavender into my routine has been transformative. Lavender is known for its relaxing properties, and I've found that using it as an anchor helps train my brain to associate the scent with calmness.
Here’s how you can use lavender to anchor relaxation:
Choose Your Scent: Find a lavender essential oil or spray that you love.
Create a Ritual: Use it during your relaxation routines, whether it's during a bath, before bed, or while practicing mindfulness exercises.
Reinforce the Association: Over time, your brain will start to associate the lavender scent with relaxation. Wearing this scent during stressful times can help bring a sense of calm and groundedness.
I carry a small bottle of lavender oil with me and use it whenever I feel overwhelmed. It’s incredible how this simple act can bring a moment of peace in the chaos.
Mindful Walking: Moving with Intention
Walking has always been therapeutic for me, but incorporating mindfulness into my walks has elevated this simple activity into a meditative practice. The Walking Meditation Track on Ellie's Gift app has been a wonderful guide in this journey.
Here’s how to get started:
Set an Intention: Begin your walk with an intention to be present.
Focus on Your Steps: Pay attention to each step you take. Feel the ground beneath your feet and the rhythm of your movement.
Engage Your Senses: Notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Allow yourself to be fully immersed in the experience.
Mindful walking has helped me stay grounded and connected to the present moment, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of peace. It’s a beautiful way to combine movement and mindfulness, creating a space for healing and reflection.
Navigating the journey of baby loss is incredibly difficult, and managing anxiety is just one piece of the puzzle.
There are loads more ways but I did not want to overwhelm you and so for now, have a go at these and let us know how you find them.
I hope these tips and tools from Ellie's Gift app and our grieving bereavement support for parents, can offer some comfort and support as you find your way through this challenging time.
Remember, it's okay to seek help and take small steps towards finding ease when accessing bereavement support for baby loss.
We also run our support group for baby loss which can be accessed via or community space in our Ellies Gift App.
Whether its baby loss support, miscarriage support, stillbirth support, TFMR support, we are here for you, please don’t suffer alone.