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The Reproductive Story: Dealing with Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Other Perinatal Demise

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Women's Reproductive Mental Health Across the Lifespan

Abstract

Becoming a mother is a key component of the identity of many women. When the road to motherhood is blocked—whether due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or other perinatal loss—it is a loss like no other, often suffered in silence and isolation. This chapter describes the concept of the reproductive story, how it develops from early childhood into adulthood, and explores the multiple layers of loss that occur when the story goes awry. Readers will become familiar with theoretical concepts unique to reproductive trauma and loss. They will discover the differences in the ways men and women cope and grieve and understand the necessity of utilizing rituals to help in the grief process. The psychological impact of these losses is discussed, with an emphasis on clinical techniques for helping women process these experiences.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Reproductive Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA

    Janet Jaffe Ph.D.

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  1. Janet Jaffe Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Janet Jaffe Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Center for Postpartum Health, Sherman Oaks, California, USA

    Diana Lynn Barnes

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Jaffe, J. (2014). The Reproductive Story: Dealing with Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Other Perinatal Demise. In: Barnes, D. (eds) Women's Reproductive Mental Health Across the Lifespan. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05116-1_9

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