In a heartfelt plea for change, Georgia resident India Batson is urging medical offices to establish separate waiting areas for patients dealing with pregnancy loss. Her call to action stems from personal experience, emphasizing the need for a more empathetic approach in medical environments. Batson believes that such a change could significantly ease the emotional burden on those grieving the loss of a pregnancy.
India Batson first opened up about her experiences in a March 15 TikTok video, recording herself from her car after a doctor’s appointment. She expressed the emotional difficulty of sitting in a waiting room surrounded by pregnant women while she awaited bloodwork results. “Sitting in that waiting room next to tons of pregnant women while you wait to go back just to get bloodwork to see if your HCG [level] is back to zero sucks, like it absolutely sucks,” Batson shared in the video. Her raw honesty struck a chord with many viewers, highlighting the need for sensitive care during such a challenging time.
The Pain of Pregnancy Loss
At 29, Batson has faced multiple pregnancy losses, including a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and a miscarriage in February. Speaking to “Good Morning America,” she stressed the importance of trauma-informed care in OB-GYN offices. “Both times, I felt that there were ways that we could improve … an already horrific experience by adding trauma-informed care to these OB-GYN offices after women learn that they’ve lost their baby and are going through the grieving process and just being more compassionate and empathetic to these women,” Batson explained. Her experiences underline the urgent need for compassionate care tailored to those experiencing such profound grief.
The Prevalence of Pregnancy Loss
Pregnancy loss is a broad term encompassing various types of losses, such as miscarriage and stillbirth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in 100 pregnancies ends in a stillbirth, with around 24,000 stillborn babies each year in the U.S. Additionally, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimates that miscarriages occur in about 10 of every 100 known pregnancies. The actual rate might be higher, as some losses happen before a woman is aware of her pregnancy. These statistics highlight the significant number of women who could benefit from more sensitive healthcare environments.
Advocating for Change
Batson’s advocacy has resonated with others who have shared similar experiences. She noted that some OB-GYN offices already have separate waiting areas or staggered schedules to better accommodate different patients. Batson hopes her story will inspire more healthcare providers to adopt these practices. “I can’t speak for all women on what they would like. But it’s clear that there are ways that we can navigate this,” she told “GMA.” Her vision is for her painful experiences to lead to positive changes that will benefit other women who face similar challenges.
Creating a More Compassionate Environment
As awareness of the emotional impact of pregnancy loss grows, Batson’s call for separate waiting rooms serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy in healthcare. By implementing changes that consider the emotional well-being of patients, medical facilities can help reduce the trauma associated with pregnancy loss. Batson’s efforts highlight a critical aspect of patient care that often goes overlooked, advocating for a healthcare system that prioritizes compassion and understanding.
Seeking Support and Helplines
For those experiencing pregnancy loss, seeking support can be an essential part of healing. Various organizations provide helplines and counseling services to help individuals navigate the emotional aftermath of pregnancy loss. In the United States, the Pregnancy Loss Helpline (1-800-821-6819) offers support and information to those in need. Additionally, organizations like Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support and The Compassionate Friends provide resources and support groups for grieving parents. Reaching out to these resources can provide comfort and guidance during such a difficult time.
