Pregnancy after loss can be an anxiety-filled journey, but it doesn’t have to be. In a recent interview, Parijat Deshpande, author of “Pregnancy Brain” and founder of RuVelle, shared valuable insights on navigating high-risk pregnancies and finding hope after loss.
Understanding Stress Physiology in Pregnancy
Parijat emphasizes the importance of understanding stress physiology in pregnancy. With over 70 years of research backing the impact of stress on pregnancy outcomes, it’s surprising how little this information is shared with expectant mothers. Parijat’s work focuses on teaching women how to “stack the deck in their favor” for healthier pregnancies after preterm birth or loss.
Depathologizing the Experience
One of the key points Parijat makes is the need to depathologize the anxiety and fear that come with pregnancy after loss. Rather than treating these feelings as abnormal, we should recognize them as natural responses to a traumatic experience. This shift in perspective can help release shame and open the door to healing.
Building Your Dream Team
Parijat stresses the importance of building a supportive medical team. This involves:
- Starting with the basics: a good PCP, OB, and potentially an MFM or reproductive endocrinologist
- Prioritizing lived experience over clinical credentials
- Ensuring you feel safe and trusted with your providers
- Remembering that you are at the center of your care team
Introducing RuVelle
RuVelle, Parijat’s virtual platform, offers a safe space for those navigating fertility challenges, high-risk pregnancies, and life after loss. It includes:
- A shop with books, journals, and courses
- A private members club with trauma-responsive health education
- Opportunities for connection with others on similar journeys
- Access to somatic healing practices
Embracing Fear in Pregnancy After Loss
Instead of trying to eliminate fear, Parijat suggests acknowledging it as a natural response to a lived experience. The goal is not to get rid of fear but to learn how to complete threat cycles in the body, supporting a healthier pregnancy.
Somatic Healing for Pregnancy
Parijat explains somatic healing as body-based work that addresses trauma through sensory and sensory-motor approaches. This gentle method helps reset the neuroendoimmune systems to support future fertility and pregnancy health.
A Message of Hope
For those who have experienced baby loss, Parijat offers a message of hope. There is a place where you belong, and there is hope for whatever you desire – whether it’s another pregnancy, a life of peace, or restoring joy.
To learn more about Parijat’s work and access resources for your pregnancy journey, visit ruvelle.com.
Remember, your fears are valid, but they don’t have to control your journey. With the right support and tools, you can navigate pregnancy after loss with more confidence and hope.
Jennifer Senn is a certified life coach who is also a bereaved mom of twin girls born at 32 weeks. She helps stillbirth moms let go of guilt, process their grief, and figure out what’s next for their future. You can learn more about her and schedule a free support session at jennifersenn.com.
