Writing about pregnancy loss

A James Cook University researcher is offering writing workshops to parents who have suffered pregnancy loss – whether through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death.

Sandra Bulger is conducting the workshops as part of her PhD research, exploring the therapeutic and healing potential of writing.

“The purpose of the workshops is to investigate whether writing creatively about your own pregnancy loss can foster healing. I also hope the research will broaden our current understanding of pregnancy loss,” she said.

The workshops will run during May, June and July, and it is envisaged they will be held in centres including Cairns, Mareeba, Innisfail, Tully and Townsville.

Ms Bulger holds a Master of Arts in writing and understands this sensitive topic due to her own experience of stillbirth and miscarriage.

“When I faced the heartbreak of my own baby’s stillbirth, writing provided me with a safe haven where I could get in touch with my thoughts and feelings. It was through the gentle nurturing of this creative work that I began to heal,” she said.

Participants will be required to attend two Saturday morning workshops and take part in a confidential interview about their experiences of pregnancy loss and the writing workshops.

Women and men who have experienced pregnancy loss are invited to take part in the project.

Health professionals such as doctors, nurses, midwives and social workers are also welcome to take part and write about their experiences of supporting parents.

Ms Bulger has previously run workshops in Cairns and Townsville with a focus on stillbirth, and is organising these further classes in response to interest from parents in regional centres, and those who have experienced other forms of pregnancy loss.

For more information, or to register for the writing workshops, please contact Sandra Bulger email sandra.bulger@my.jcu.edu.au or call 0447 031 090.

Issued: May 5, 2015

Media enquiries: Linden Woodward, 07 4232 1007, linden.woodward@jcu.edu.au