Experiencing a miscarriage can be an overwhelming crush of emotion. You may feel deep grief over the loss of a wanted pregnancy, you may feel angry at yourself, your body, or a higher power, and you may feel helpless or feelings of failure if you’ve experienced loss before.
Whether you’re going through a miscarriage yourself or you’re trying to support a friend or family member who has experienced one, knowing the right kind of gifts that can make a difference is critical. The reality is that there’s not much you can do to make them feel better—but you can provide comfort in the form of a few items in miscarriage recovery kit that might make the grieving process a little less painful or lonely.
Some of miscarriage recovery will likely be physical. Miscarriages can cause vaginal bleeding, cramping, lower back pain, a higher heart rate, and more, according to the Mayo Clinic. But the longer lasting effects and healing may have to do with emotional trauma. Knowing some of what can help support someone’s miscarriage recovery can help set you on the right track toward healing both physically and emotionally. That being said, if you find that you need greater support than what products can give you, speaking with your healthcare provider or reaching out to a mental health professional is a good idea. They’ll be able to help you navigate your recovery period and help you move forward in a healthier way.
What to look for in miscarriage recovery products
There are a number of things that you may find helpful when you’re looking for products to support your recovery from a miscarriage. Ultimately, being gentle with yourself is a good place to start. Look for:
- Products that will help address your bleeding and cramping
- Products that help you process your feelings and emotions
- Products that will bring you comfort
The Best Products for Miscarriage Recovery
Here are some of our go-to recommendations for miscarriage recovery kits—and what to know before you purchase them.
Traditional Medicinals Organic Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Tea is cozy and comforting, particularly when you’re unwell (whether physically or emotionally)—there’s just something about a warm beverage. After experiencing a miscarriage, opt for a red raspberry leaf variety, which some say can help alleviate painful cramping (which you may experience after a miscarriage). Risa Klein, CNM, a nurse practitioner and certified midwife, recommended drinking “several glasses of red raspberry leaf tea” during your recovery, along with plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, because it can help tone your uterus.
What we love:
- This particular tea is organic.
- It’s supposed to help alleviate cramping.
- It’s affordable and easily available.
What we would change:
- This tea can be pricey.
Quick Facts:
- USDA certified organic
- Climate Pledge friendly
Buy Now:
Amazon.com, $59.07 for a pack of 16
Bodily Care for Miscarriage Box
Whether you need to place an order for yourself or you’re looking for a thoughtful, supportive gift for a friend, Bodily’s Care for Miscarriage Box is designed to include a number of products that will address various needs that come with miscarriage. The box includes memorial bracelets, the Bodily Support Book for Pregnancy Loss, a recovery latte mix, and The Miscarriage Map by Dr. Sunita Osborn. The brand also recommends potential product add-ons that you may want to consider depending on the timing of the miscarriage (like mesh underwear and maxi pads for a first trimester loss or those add-ons plus breast pads for a second trimester loss).
What we love:
- It’s a convenient collection of products.
- It makes a great gift.
- It’s made in the U.S. with organic ingredients.
What we’d change:
- It’s a bit pricey.
Quick Facts:
- Bracelet is made by artisans in India.
- Latte mix is made with organic, vegan, non-GMO ingredients.
Buy Now:
Bodily.com, $90
Guided Grief Journal
“Journaling is a helpful activity to write out your feelings, hopes, and dreams. Writing about why you wanted to become a mother, or a mother once again, and what this pregnancy has taught you about yourself,” Klein said. “What gift of wisdom has this pregnancy given you? Create a keepsake, picture, or draw something that symbolizes your love, vulnerability, and strength gained from the pregnancy, along with your will to grieve and move forward.” This grief journal will help guide you through the process during a period in which you might find it hard to go it alone.
What we love:
- It’s a guided journal.
- Reviewers say it makes a great gift.
- It’s relatively affordable.
- It is specifically geared towards miscarriage
What we’d change:
- It’s fairly short
- There’s a religious component that not everyone may relate to
Quick Facts:
- By Nichole Thompson
- Published February 6, 2024
- 178 pages
Buy Now:
Amazon, $13.99
Lavender Microwavable Heating Pad
If you’re experiencing cramping or lower back pain, a heating pad can be a game-changer during your recovery. Klein recommends both a heating pad and lavender and other calming essential oils, so why not combine them with this lavender microwavable heating pad? These pads are flexible, allowing you to form it to your body as needed.
What we love:
- It’s cordless because it’s a microwavable pad.
- It smells like lavender to help calm you down.
- It warms quickly.
What we’d change:
- You have to get up to reheat.
Quick Facts:
- Made in the U.S.
- Reusable and easily provides aromatherapy and a bit of weight
Buy Now:
Amazon.com, $25
Owala FreeSip 24oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle
While a water bottle might not feel like something that would make much of a difference during your recovery, because you’ll want to drink lots of water, according to Klein, it can be a good investment (or gift). This bottle is stainless steel and holds 24 ounces of water, meaning you won’t have to get up as frequently to refill, but you can still make sure you’re staying plenty hydrated.
What we love:
- They’re relatively affordable
- Come in a ton of colors
- Easily available at stores near you
What we’d change:
- They’re not for use with hot liquids
Quick Facts:
- BPA-free
- Contains a straw
- Available in 13 colorways
Buy Now:
Amazon.com, $32.18
RIFLE PAPER CO. Dated Calendar
You might be wondering why someone recovering from a miscarriage would need a calendar. Because Klein recommends setting up a schedule so that you always have a support person around, a calendar can be really helpful to keep track of who will be around when. “I strongly believe it is important that you are Not Alone so that you have support and are able to receive love, care, nurturing, and good nutrition and hydration,” Klein explained. “Set up a calendar of support, so each day someone, in addition to or other than your partner, can be with you.” This one is pretty, but not too pricey, so it’s okay if you need to toss it before the year ends.
What we love:
- It’s easily accessible.
- It’s affordable.
- It’s pretty.
What we’d change:
- It’s low-tech, so others won’t be able to see the schedule.
Quick Facts:
- Easily hangs on a wall or bulletin board.
- Available on Amazon
- Reviewers say the quality is great.
Buy Now:
Amazon.com, $21.21
Perelel Recovery Support Packs
Before adding in additional supplements, make sure to speak with your healthcare provider. These recovery support packs were formulated with the help of naturopathic doctors, OB/GYNs, and other experts and are designed to help your body through the period after you experience a loss. They’re tested by a third party for safety and made in the U.S.
What we love:
- Created with experts involved
- Designed using female-specific research
- Subscription feature means you won’t have to remember to reorder
What we’d change:
- It’s not exactly clear what’s in the recovery support capsule.
Quick Facts:
- Made in the U.S.
- Clinically-backed ingredients
- Designed specifically for reproductive loss
Buy Now:
Amazon.com, $38.47
Cozy Earth Women’s Short Sleeve Pajama Set
Taking care of yourself, being gentle with yourself, and making sure you lean into things that bring you comfort can be especially important during this time period. This pair of pants from pajama favorite Cozy Earth is made for lounging and super soft. Wear these day or night and relax into the cozy, breezy fabric.
What we love:
- They’re soft, breathable, and stretchy.
- They go up to a size 3XL.
- Reviewers love them.
What we’d change:
- They’re pricey.
Quick Facts:
- Come in 4 colorways
- Machine-washable
Buy Now:
Amazon.com, $140
One Last Thing: FAQs
How long should it take to recover from a miscarriage?
Recovering from a miscarriage is a very personal journey. The time required is different for everyone. The time that it might take you to feel like you’re recovered physically can vary based on the specifics of your miscarriage, while the time it takes to recover emotionally may take much longer.
“Each person is different, and may need their own ‘time’ to heal from their loss and grief, regardless of how many weeks gestation it was that the baby was no longer compatible with life,” Klein explained. “Some women will have had a spontaneous miscarriage, and others may need medical assistance with a D&C or D&E depending on the gestation and medical circumstance of the miscarriage.”
How long after a miscarriage can you try to get pregnant again?
While this may be the last thing on your mind when you’re experiencing a miscarriage, it may be something you begin to think about once you feel like you’re starting to recover. The biggest thing to keep in mind? Don’t rush it.
“I believe waiting at least three months to ‘try again,’ will give a person enough time to process feelings,” Klein said. “She will have had three menstrual cycles to help build up the cycle of endometrium thickening and shedding.”
Where should you turn if you find that you need more help?
There’s absolutely no shame in struggling with your recovery process. If you find that you need more support and help, your healthcare provider is a great place to start. According to Klein, they’ll be able to give you a referral to seek additional care.
“If you have any thoughts of harming yourself, or others, or your other children, or have suicidal ideation, it if important to seek immediate help,” Klein stressed. “Talking with your partner, therapist, or taking yourself into an emergency room for support, are all important and proactive steps. You can research centers in your community that specialize in women’s reproductive health and wellness, if you do not already know of any.”
Additionally, if you’re bleeding heavily (more than 2 pads per hour) or feel faint or dizzy due to loss of blood, you should call your medical provider or head to the ER as a precaution.
