Miscarriage affects almost 300 Australian families every day, but despite how common it is, many parents still grieve in silence.
A new national campaign led by Olympian-turned-doctor Jana Pittman is encouraging more conversations on pregnancy loss.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: New campaign breaks silence on miscarriage
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“I went through four miscarriages before my beautiful six babies were born and obviously I now work as a doctor and this space just really touches my heart and I think it’s something we really need to talk more about,” she said.
She’s not alone. One in four confirmed pregnancies end in miscarriage. About 285 happen in Australia every day before 20 weeks.
Yet many women say the hardest part isn’t just the loss – it’s the silence that follows.
“In my first miscarriage, it really affected my relationship. I’m going to be honest, we actually end up being divorced through that chapter and I think it’s because we didn’t talk about it,” Pittman said.
“Even when I did start those conversations, people didn’t know what to say back.”
Now a new campaign, Miscarriage Matters, is going nationwide and backed by doctors, encouraging more open conversations like what to say and what not to say, how to get time off work and busting common myths like lifting heavy objects or eating spicy food.
“None of these are real and makes a woman particularly feel like she’s to blame. Offering support very early, I feel will be of great benefit,” said Professor Meredith Temple-Smith, a women’s health specialist.
Miscarriage has been a taboo topic for decades. Many people don’t even share their pregnancy for fear of losing it.
This campaign hopes to change that, making it easier to access support and better advice.
“I think it’s really wonderful that we have these measures that we can turn to,” Pittman said.
