Phoenix Rising
+ PREGNANCY LOSS SUPPORT AND RECOVERY +
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TERMINOLOGY
PHOENIX is the term we use to describe a type of birth journey in which Baby departs the physical realm either directly from the womb or shortly following birth. We honor our phoenix babies by trusting these soul’s decision to depart and by nourishing and supporting our client throughout the process of releasing the phoenix. Some other terms we use for phoenix births include pregnancy loss, pregnancy release, miscarriage, still birth, ectopic pregnancy, menstrual promotion or extraction, elective or emergency abortion.
PASSING THROUGH THE VEIL is the process of a baby being born into the physical realm.
THE DIMENSION OF THE ROSE is the name our ancestors use to refer to the physical realm.
PHOENIX is the term we use to describe a type of birth journey in which Baby departs the physical realm either directly from the womb or shortly following birth. We honor our phoenix babies by trusting these soul’s decision to depart and by nourishing and supporting our client throughout the process of releasing the phoenix. Some other terms we use for phoenix births include pregnancy loss, pregnancy release, miscarriage, still birth, ectopic pregnancy, menstrual promotion or extraction, elective or emergency abortion.
PASSING THROUGH THE VEIL is the process of a baby being born into the physical realm.
THE DIMENSION OF THE ROSE is the name our ancestors use to refer to the physical realm.
HOLISTIC APPROACH TO LOSS
A pregnancy loss occurs when the conditions necessary to establish conception have been met, and then relinquished. This may include any experience from a barely perceptible hormonal culmination to an established pregnancy.
Sugar Heal's approach is holistic, comprehensive and inclusive taking into account the physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, energetic and familial aspects of healing from any type of pregnancy loss.
We acknowledge that pregnancy loss can take the same toll on the physical body as any other type of pregnancy and can require an equal amount of care, time and resources. We utilize modalities such as vaginal steaming, intuitive counseling, acuvibrational sound therapy, acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, abdominal massage, movement therapy, chiropractic care, talk therapy and more in order to promote holistic recovery.
We acknowledge the need for healing and recovery from every type of pregnancy loss including:
1st Trimester Loss
2nd Trimester Loss
3rd Trimester Loss
Spontaneous Miscarriage
Missed Miscarriage
Still Birth
Chromosomal Concerns
Pre-Term Birth And Subsequent Transition
Newborn Infant Demise
Elective Or Emergency Medical Abortion
Herbal Or Other Type Of Holistic Abortion
Ectopic Pregnancy And Surgery
Implantation Failure In IVF
Repeat Miscarriage
Unresolved Feelings From Past Miscarriage, Abortion or other Types of Loss
PHOENIX WISDOM
We are honored to have learned a great deal from phoenix children, including:
In most cases, phoenix children depart as soon as they’ve completed their missions; their missions are often connected to healing imbalances in the birthing parent and/or the supporting parent, and to provide optimal conditions for their potential subsequent siblings to enter the world.
Most phoenix children are fully aware that they aren’t meant to stay in the womb for long or to pass through the veil into the physical realm.
Phoenix children remain connected to their parents and siblings after they depart and greatly benefit from these relationships.
Phoenix children take on these types of missions because they are powerful protectors; they continue to protect their parents and siblings after they depart.
Phoenix children are not punishment.
Phoenix children can, on occasion, depart accidentally or due to unforeseen circumstances.
Phoenix children are proud of the work they have done during their time in the womb and appreciate being honored/celebrated for it.
The reluctance to release phoenix children after they’ve completed their missions can manifest as imbalances in the physical, emotional, creative, energetic and/or intellectual selves.
Honoring phoenix children’s contribution and making peace with their mission can be nurtured through attending to lymphatic breast massage and the cessation and expulsion of colostrum and breast milk. In some customs this milk is used in goodbye ceremonies.
Phoenix children completing their mission may result in heightened fertility in subsequent cycles and thus prompt time-sensitive exploration of fertility stewardship.
Observing a cleansing phase before re/entering a creating phase is a necessary aspect of energetic hygiene as well as an important aspect of reproductive rejuvenation.
PHILOSOPHY
OF CARE
We believe that everyone deserves support through the experience of pregnancy loss.
We believe that everyone deserves space to process through the experience of pregnancy loss.
The period following any type of pregnancy loss is a postpartum cycle and time off from work can be just as necessary for recovery and healing as it would be for any other type of birthing experience.
Phoenix postpartum phases are as unique as the clients themselves.
All birth journeys are sacred. We honor the broad spectrum of ways that these journeys manifest.
Clients have the innate capacity to heal from all imbalances on all levels.
We trust our clients and center their knowledge of self.
We lead with love. Grieving is often necessary, but grief doesn’t heal. Joy heals. Love heals. Freedom heals. Justice heals.
Our offering is unique in that we provide up to six months of wraparound holistic postpartum services for the families of phoenix children.
Assessing trauma through the lens of 5 body health (physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, spiritual) is necessary for total healing.
Babies choose their parents for a reason. It’s important we trust our baby's path and mission.
Additional insights on:
Shame-
Cycles of shame in the context of pregnancy loss are vestiges of White Supremacist Patriarchal conditioning that we’ve mirrored and internalized. Because parturiency (pregnancy) renders fluidity from some of our most foundational constructs, we have the power to transmute and or relinquish perceptions of shame in this cycle, and this process is integral to healing the whole self and humanity. We honor Phoenix wisdom and are able to celebrate even as we support mourning.
Failure-
Failure is another incarnation of vestigial WSP, and often fed by our own ignorance of our reproductive health. We may suffer notions of failure and struggle to process our experience outside a framework of failure or success. We seek to hold safe space for exploration, while also promoting fluidity in processing to encourage our clients not to get stuck in thought patterns that don’t serve them or reflect the grace of their Phoenix.
Choice-
We honor and celebrate pregnant peoples sovereign autonomy in choosing the experiences they resonate with in this lifetime. We understand that parenting, and the nuances of timing may not feel aligned at every opportunity. We hold safe space for people who are navigating vacillation, as well as those moving in certainty, upholding personal discretion as paramount.
Grief-
We recognize that birthing families often experience the grief/growth cycles alongside parturiency, regardless of their chosen outcome. Grief is a spiritual stretching and purging mechanism, which, with adequate support, can serve to cleanse and prime us for the next phase of our personal growth. On an embodied level postpartum grief represents a moment of physiological recalibration ripe for healing past and present traumas on a deeper level than is typically accessible to us.
Privacy-
Discretion is paramount. While we don’t adhere to a sense of secrecy driven by shame, we do observe privacy reserved for ceremony and understand the nature of maintaining support and discretion simultaneously.
Acknowledgment-
Acknowledging your Phoenix experience is a significant aspect of fulfilling a healing cycle. Whether a symbolic ritual feels resonant, or simply the comfort of having witness for your experience, we honor the importance of having space to acknowledge Phoenix presence in the process of integrating the experience.
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WHAT CAUSES PREGNANCY LOSS?
Body Wisdom
There are times when due to factors that are imperceptible to us consciously, our body or our baby's body responds to our physical realities and ability to nourish from our current state or to thrive given the resources accessible to it.
Choice
A pregnant person may come to the conscious awareness that carrying a pregnancy is not currently an experience they have the capacity to support.
Exhaustion / Womb Fatigue
During pregnancy we know that a person's body defaults to nourishing and protecting the fetus. Being chronically deficient in nutrients provided by deep rest, nutrition and other factors of ideal wellness may impact a pregnancy or menstrual cycle. Womb fatigue in pregnancy may show up as implantation or break-through bleeding, pre-term cramping or contractions (sometimes described as early or excessive "Braxton Hicks"), prolonged pregnancy and/or milk production challenges postpartum. Womb fatigue in the menstrual cycle may show up as short cycles (27 days or less between menstruation), spotting (light bleeding in-between menstruation), light-colored menses, irregular cycles (missed periods due to blood deficiency) or menstrual congestion.
Pre-conception Menstrual Cycle Imbalance
A lot of people are out of touch with the natural rhythm of their menstrual cycle. Numerous symptoms that are clearly understood as imbalance in holistic medicine (such as cramps, short cycles, long or missing cycles, spotting, clots, pcos, chronic infection, womb fatigue, vomiting, etc.) are ignored, misunderstood or normalized as an inconvenience by gynecology. Also, many people's cycles are regulated longterm by birth control hormones which further disrupts natural rhythms. Holistic medicine acknowledges that a balanced cycle is a fertile cycle and optimizes opportunities for conception and healthy full term pregnancies. Chronic uterine imbalance can undermine natural conception efforts and gestation rhythms and sometimes lead to repeated miscarriage or other types of loss.
Stress / Hardship / Disharmony
Psycho-emotional factors and stress level have an undeniable impact on the body's capacity for nurturing life just as they do on general health and fertility. Adequate self-care is good for your pregnancy. A safe home environment is good for your pregnancy. Joy is good for your pregnancy. Restorative rest and a gentle pace is good for your pregnancy. Maternity and paternity leave is necessary. Protect your peace and allow yourself receive.
Health Condition / Dis-ease
A pregnant person may encounter a health circumstance (previously existing or newly developed) in which preserving their own health supersedes their strength for gestation.
Infection
Infection in the mother or fetus during pregnancy can manifest in a variety of different ways and can sometimes result in loss. Most providers carefully screen for any sign of infection during pregnancy or labor.
Accident / Injury
A pregnant person may experience an unexpected accident or injury which may jeopardize the health of the pregnancy.
Grief
Though an emotional passage, grief can manifest physically as depletion and impact the body's capacity to nurture life. (See Exhaustion / Womb Fatigue section.)
WHAT CAUSES PREGNANCY LOSS?
Body Wisdom
There are times when due to factors that are imperceptible to us consciously, our body or our baby's body responds to our physical realities and ability to nourish from our current state or to thrive given the resources accessible to it.
Choice
A pregnant person may come to the conscious awareness that carrying a pregnancy is not currently an experience they have the capacity to support.
Exhaustion / Womb Fatigue
During pregnancy we know that a person's body defaults to nourishing and protecting the fetus. Being chronically deficient in nutrients provided by deep rest, nutrition and other factors of ideal wellness may impact a pregnancy or menstrual cycle. Womb fatigue in pregnancy may show up as implantation or break-through bleeding, pre-term cramping or contractions (sometimes described as early or excessive "Braxton Hicks"), prolonged pregnancy and/or milk production challenges postpartum. Womb fatigue in the menstrual cycle may show up as short cycles (27 days or less between menstruation), spotting (light bleeding in-between menstruation), light-colored menses, irregular cycles (missed periods due to blood deficiency) or menstrual congestion.
Pre-conception Menstrual Cycle Imbalance
A lot of people are out of touch with the natural rhythm of their menstrual cycle. Numerous symptoms that are clearly understood as imbalance in holistic medicine (such as cramps, short cycles, long or missing cycles, spotting, clots, pcos, chronic infection, womb fatigue, vomiting, etc.) are ignored, misunderstood or normalized as an inconvenience by gynecology. Also, many people's cycles are regulated longterm by birth control hormones which further disrupts natural rhythms. Holistic medicine acknowledges that a balanced cycle is a fertile cycle and optimizes opportunities for conception and healthy full term pregnancies. Chronic uterine imbalance can undermine natural conception efforts and gestation rhythms and sometimes lead to repeated miscarriage or other types of loss.
Stress / Hardship / Disharmony
Psycho-emotional factors and stress level have an undeniable impact on the body's capacity for nurturing life just as they do on general health and fertility. Adequate self-care is good for your pregnancy. A safe home environment is good for your pregnancy. Joy is good for your pregnancy. Restorative rest and a gentle pace is good for your pregnancy. Maternity and paternity leave is necessary. Protect your peace and allow yourself receive.
Health Condition / Dis-ease
A pregnant person may encounter a health circumstance (previously existing or newly developed) in which preserving their own health supersedes their strength for gestation.
Infection
Infection in the mother or fetus during pregnancy can manifest in a variety of different ways and can sometimes result in loss. Most providers carefully screen for any sign of infection during pregnancy or labor.
Accident / Injury
A pregnant person may experience an unexpected accident or injury which may jeopardize the health of the pregnancy.
Grief
Though an emotional passage, grief can manifest physically as depletion and impact the body's capacity to nurture life. (See Exhaustion / Womb Fatigue section.)
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN A PHOENIX IS RISING?
Possible First Signs and Symptoms ::
Spotting that becomes bleeding
Uterine cramps/contractions
Increasing back pain
Muscle weakness
High fever
Discharge with blood clots
Severe pain in the belly or abdomen
Low fetal movement
ATTN: If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above contact your midwife or other qualified health provider immediately.
1st Trimester Losses ::
First trimester miscarriage is the most common and may look like spotting, light bleeding or heavy bleeding with the passing of clots and other matter. This is a natural process and some studies site as many as 1 in 4 pregnancies resulting in this way. Sometimes what is considered a late or irregular period is actually an undetected miscarriage.
If you experienced a miscarriage and still found yourself pregnant, it may have been a pregnancy of multiples that naturally reduced. Even though you may have miscarried a twin or triplet, you may continue to carry and deliver a healthy sibling or siblings.
A pregnancy of multiples may naturally reduce (miscarrying twin or triplet) but go on to carry and deliver healthy sibling(s).
Missed miscarriage is the loss of fetal heart beat without menstruation commencing to pass the matter. In this case menstruation can be promoted (naturally or with medication) or a medical procedure (also known as an abortion, D&C, D&E or D&X) can be performed and sometimes may require multiple procedures to complete. Simply because the procedure or menstrual promotion is elective doesn’t mean person won’t experience grief, postpartum depression, hormonal imbalance, infection or other types of postpartum adjustments. Understanding, space and care is needed regardless of the circumstances. More information on medical types of abortion here.
Bleeding in the first trimester does not always indicate loss but is always important to investigate. It’s also important to note that several holistic modalities can fortify implantation or pregnancy. At the first sign of spotting, seek assistance.
First trimester losses sometimes pass undetected. It might just seem like a heavier period or late period. Grief may have a later onset as awareness integrates and hormones regulate.
In an early loss, the formation of the fetus is not usually developed enough that a recognizable form is seen. When passing the matter, clumps and clots will come out either all at once or over the course of a few days.
Regardless of trimester, it is recommended for someone who has experienced a loss to take time off from work to recover physically, mentally and emotionally.
2nd Trimester Losses ::
Pre-term birth in which baby is not fully prepared for embodiment. The baby is not developed enough to survive.
Maternal Injury or illness resulting in or requiring treatment which leads to Phoenix birth.
Missed miscarriage (see 1st trimester for more information).
Medical intervention resulting in baby’s demise.
Chromosomal concern and choice to discontinue. With modern pre-screening technology, sometimes abnormalities are detected in fetus and abortion is recommended. The family has the right to decide what they feel is best.
*Processing Phoenix birth in the 2nd trimester is often influenced by greater external input, as many have settled in to their pregnancy experience and shared it with social and professional spheres. In addition to a physical postpartum healing process for the phoenix parent, there is often a *form to lay to rest as well. This cycle requires acute nurturing as a parent may not have ample space to process and prioritize healing. It’s also recommended for people experiencing 2nd trimester losses to take time off from work to recover physically, mentally and emotionally. Maternity leave is a necessity for all postpartum experiences. Paternity leave also might be needed.
*In 2nd trimester losses, the formation of the fetus is developed enough that funeral arrangements can be arranged. For a hospital birth, the hospital will take the baby to their morgue and use the body for their own purposes if you wish. Some of the ways these babies are memorialized are
3rd Trimester Losses ::
This stage includes all of the above in addition to:
Babies born still. Whether they pass in late gestation, or in the process of being born.
*Demise in birth process is almost always unexpected.
*This experience needs space to process gamut of grief; provider needs to be able to avoid internalizing emotional fluctuation of the phoenix family. (Supportive even amid ‘suspicion’ as parents after unexpected loss must have room to examine all possibilities)
*If the baby passes late in gestation the mother will still need to labor. This birth May begin organically, or with the assistance of natural or medical induction, or it may occur via c-section. Labor is a powerful transmutation opportunity, and mustn’t be categorically avoided in these instances, as the work of labor and birth can provide a cathartic healing context for mothers making peace with their phoenix rising.
More about loss of heart beat / drop in baby’s heart rate.
*If it’s established that a baby’s heart beat has stopped it’s not a medical emergency to get the baby out immediately. Labor can begin on its own. The family may choose how they want to proceed with the birth (home birth, hospital birth, natural induction, medical induction or surgical birth).
*In the instance loss of baby’s heart beat is detected at the hospital during labor while baby is being monitored, a c-section might be recommended by doctors in order to get to the baby as soon as possible and attempt to resuscitate.
*A more common hospital scenario, a c-section will be recommended if the baby’s heart rate drops in order to avoid the possibility of the loss of heart beat. This is actually the #1 cause of c-sections in the US. Midwives who specialize in natural birth question this practice pointing out that a baby’s heart rate naturally fluctuates during labor (especially in the 3rd phase of labor) so this practice is controversial and there are many who believe that the US c-section rate is excessive.
4th Trimester Losses (First 3 Months Postpartum) ::
Babies who pass early in their first 3 months of life are counted with Phoenix births as well.
Sometimes these babies were born in distress and have been living with support.
Sometimes Phoenix babies linger on the precipice.
In the case of babies born in duress, parents have been tasked with balancing tender parenting with their own postpartum needs and may be more deeply depleted. The weight of decision-making in this space may contribute to further fatigue.
Sometimes babies pass unexpectedly in this period due to undetected anomalies or inexplicable circumstances (SIDS). In an instance of sudden and unexpected loss, parents will require specialized postpartum attention, and skilled grief support.
General ::
Phoenix Funerals
Phoenixes born between 2nd and 4th trimester will be developed enough that funeral arrangements may need to be made upon their rising.
Breastmilk
In the 3rd and 4th trimester, the cycle of lactation is established and milk will need to be addressed postpartum.
Some mothers find healing in collecting their milk for donation, others feel better supported by lactation cessation assistance.
Some families will choose to process this experience with funeral rituals and may need assistance with this process.
Baby Supplies
Many families will have accumulated material items for their Phoenix babies, and need to repurpose them.
Relationship
Pregnancy loss can bring a couple closer together or cause stress on a relationship (or both). Therapy or counsel with someone experienced in pregnancy loss and grief within relational dynamics is recommended.
Fertility and Sex Drive
Be mindful that your sex drive or your fertility may be amplified after a loss. If you are returning to sexual activity and do not wish to conceive, be careful to use protection. If you do wish to conceive, make sure you've given your womb enough time to fully release, recalibrate and strengthen. With grieving sometimes our sex drive is reduced. Take as much time as you need before returning to sexual activity.
Time and Space
Give yourself time and space to process this experience.
PREVENTION OR PROMOTION CHECKLIST
If you are experiences signs or symptoms of pregnancy loss:
-Keep calm
-Assess your symptoms, concerns
-Inform your support person (partner, midwife, doctor, doula, care consultant)
-Get to a safe place, seek medical assistance (if needed)
-Give yourself space to process and express your feelings
-Consider how you wish to proceed (prevention or promotion)
HOLISTIC PREVENTION
(WAYS TO TRY TO EXTEND PREGNANCY)
bed rest
(for interrupting the momentum)
hydration
(drink water)
herbs and nutrition used by naturopaths for calming cramps and contractions
(magnesium, chlorophyll, cramp bark tea or tincture, false unicorn root tea or tincture, cold-pressed green juice)
sound therapy with tuning forks
(the protocol to address preterm labor or miscarriage is "bye bye braxton")
acupuncture
(specializing in feminine health if possible)
rub lavender oil on your feet especially the big toes
mild inversion if you are trained
HOLISTIC PROMOTION
(WAYS TO PROMOTE RELEASE)
vaginal steaming
(use herbs that promote menstruation and uterine contractions)
abdominal massage
herbal abortifacients
sound therapy with tuning forks
(using acupressure points that promote uterine contractions and menstruation)
FUNDING
REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE
Funding is needed in order to develop a new standard of care for pregnancy loss, abortion and postpartum recovery. It is most common for people in need of support to suffer in silence, neglect, grief and/or shame without receiving the physical care needed in order to recuperate. Holistic medicine has vast solutions for treatment but a significant investment of time, energy, funding and resources are needed in order to make these solutions available to the people who need them most. Sugar Heal's next steps are the establishment of a healing center where birth workers can go for trainings, community can gather for fellowship and birthing people can receive treatment. If you are able please DONATE to help to make this dream a reality.
REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE
Funding is needed in order to develop a new standard of care for pregnancy loss, abortion and postpartum recovery. It is most common for people in need of support to suffer in silence, neglect, grief and/or shame without receiving the physical care needed in order to recuperate. Holistic medicine has vast solutions for treatment but a significant investment of time, energy, funding and resources are needed in order to make these solutions available to the people who need them most. Sugar Heal's next steps are the establishment of a healing center where birth workers can go for trainings, community can gather for fellowship and birthing people can receive treatment. If you are able please DONATE to help to make this dream a reality.
PHOENIX CARE PLANS
Los Angeles, CA
Supporting every type of pregnancy loss.
Pregnancy loss can be traumatic, empowering, or both. Regardless of how it feels, pregnancy loss involves an enormous transition. Pregnancy loss can also carry with it a wide range of health concerns that require immediate and sustained attention. Because our society has historically treated pregnancy loss as shameful, those experiencing it often believe they must handle it alone, quickly, and in secret. Our protocols ensure that you are supported, protected, and empowered while you process the experience. We provide holistic services for clients navigating any type of pregnancy loss (spontaneous miscarriage, missed miscarriage, still birth, elective or emergency abortion, holistic abortion, ectopic pregnancy or other). We begin by reassessing needs and resources and designing a new care plan and then surround the family with multi-pronged care to ensure the client's total well-being. For clients navigating any type of pregnancy loss (spontaneous miscarriage, missed miscarriage, still birth, elective or emergency abortion, holistic abortion, ectopic pregnancy or other) use the button below to schedule a Support Consultation.
Los Angeles, CA
Supporting every type of pregnancy loss.
Pregnancy loss can be traumatic, empowering, or both. Regardless of how it feels, pregnancy loss involves an enormous transition. Pregnancy loss can also carry with it a wide range of health concerns that require immediate and sustained attention. Because our society has historically treated pregnancy loss as shameful, those experiencing it often believe they must handle it alone, quickly, and in secret. Our protocols ensure that you are supported, protected, and empowered while you process the experience. We provide holistic services for clients navigating any type of pregnancy loss (spontaneous miscarriage, missed miscarriage, still birth, elective or emergency abortion, holistic abortion, ectopic pregnancy or other). We begin by reassessing needs and resources and designing a new care plan and then surround the family with multi-pronged care to ensure the client's total well-being. For clients navigating any type of pregnancy loss (spontaneous miscarriage, missed miscarriage, still birth, elective or emergency abortion, holistic abortion, ectopic pregnancy or other) use the button below to schedule a Support Consultation.
"I’m doing so well progressing through this journey or discovery of self healing. I’m in awe still at how amazing you all are as a collaborative source of wellness! I have never experienced love so deep from source. To have you all hold me up right when I felt like my world was crashing is truly an unexplainable feeling. At times I get overwhelmed with doubts, worries and overthinking in general. Around my 5th day steaming I was already feeling rejuvenated and in power of my body again. I innerstand the fact we all have that power to heal sooner or later or even as long as a lifetime. Time did not exist for me when it came to healing my mind, body and spirit, but I can say, reflecting today has been a big WOW moment as I cry tears of joy, relief and acceptance. I’m here today better than yesterday and better than ever before. Thank you Sugar Heal Gang for the attention to detail and sensitivity for me and my husband. Guiders, Teachers, Care Providers, Spiritual Super Heroes, Story Tellers, Poets, Lovers of Earths People, Healers and beyond, if there is anything I can do, give, or say I’m always here to provide."
-Sugar Heal Client, Phoenix Care Plan
-Sugar Heal Client, Phoenix Care Plan
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This site exists to posit a standard of attention. The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or miscarriage, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a midwife. Always seek the advice of your midwife or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition.