Organization Highlight: Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research

By: Emily Carrington EPLA Founder and President

Yesterday Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research (Tommy’s) published the findings from the “largest ever study into the psychological impact of early-stage pregnancy loss.” Notably, this study found that “women experience high levels of post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression after early pregnancy loss. Distress declines over time but remains at clinically important levels at nine months.” These findings from this important study helps us to start understanding the emotional and psychological effects of miscarriage.

To learn more about PTSD and other psychological effects following pregnancy loss visit their blog. Today we highlight Tommy’s on our blog because their work is vital to the overall work of the pregnancy loss community.

What are they about?
Tommy’s “fund[s] research into miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth, and provide[s] pregnancy health information to parents. [They] believe it is unacceptable that one in four women lose a baby during pregnancy or birth. [They] want every parent to have the best possible pregnancy outcomes and take home happy, healthy babies.”

In addition to leading the way in miscarriage research, they provide resources to and support to families experiencing early pregnancy loss. Their services include:

• Clinics
• Research Centers
• Support Phone Line
• Pregnancy Information and the Tommy’s Pregnancy Hub
• Awareness

How Tommy’s Work Supports the Work of EPLA
Over the last few weeks we have been sharing EPLA’s core values. Research organizations like Tommy’s allow us to better fulfill our mission and act according to our core values. As we learn more about the needs of women and families following loss, we will be better able to affirm life, bear burdens, love people, encourage community, and grieve together.  

Even though Tommy’s is located in the UK, research gives us the tools to work within our own community. EPLA works closely with medical professionals, counselors, and social workers. We also work to serve parents by distributing important information and resources following early loss. This research informs our own work as we work to serve you.

If you are not familiar with Tommy’s, we encourage you to visit their website and follow them on Facebook. The more we all know about early pregnancy loss, the more we are able to serve and love each other through the grief. 

Research organizations like Tommy’s allow us to better fulfill our mission and act according to our core values.

Emily Carrington is a freelance writer, wife, mother, and founder of the EPLA.