Between 2021 and 2022 I suffered two miscarriages seven months apart. They were the hardest moments that I have ever had to endure in my life. Nothing could have prepared me for the devastation and heartache that I would feel and the grief I would carry forward.
Calling the PRCA both times brought home the reality of what I was going through. Having to say those words aloud was crushing. However, both times I was met with compassion and support from my colleagues whom I chose to share my grief with.
I think it is worth noting that this compassion and support came not only from my peers in the workplace but also from senior management. My grief was felt and was important to them all and for that, I am truly grateful.
I never felt rushed to return to work or guilty for my absence. I was encouraged to take my time and to return when I felt ready. This level of support allowed me to process the trauma of what I was going through not once but twice with my partner and not have to worry about how taking time off would affect me at work.
Through various platforms, I have learned that this is not always the case with employers. The stark realisation that some employers expected individuals to return to work the next day or use their annual/sick leave was disheartening.
The Miscarriage Association has been a great tool for me to get me through these challenging times. When I saw that they are lobbying for businesses to sign the Pregnancy Loss Pledge so all individuals that suffer a loss are given the same level of support that the PRCA was kind enough to give me I didn’t hesitate to put it forward to my colleagues. The PRCA was enthusiastic in its approach to signing up and leading this conversation in the PR industry.
These aren’t conversations any of us wish to have. We don’t want to be part of the 1 in 4 statistics. But when we find ourselves here, the support from family, friends, and employers is paramount in helping us through.
Forever grateful for the support I got from my colleagues at the PRCA. They truly went above and beyond for me. And I hope we can support the PR and Communications sector in doing the same.