How long did you take off work after MC ?

[FreckledMouse]

(Me again)
I had a MC 11 days ago (am still having a small amount of bleeding)
And I've not returned to work yet.
I also had an ectopic last July (no living children)
I work in Childrens Services in quite a demanding role and my GP has signed me off for another 2 weeks but I'm feeling guilty not returning.
Just looking for some reassurance really.
How long did you take off ?

I am so sorry for your loss. I was off for just under 2 weeks. I thought returning to work sooner would help me move on as I have quite a hectic job, but had a wobble on my first attempt after one week. My work place were brilliant. Sending love ❤

I miscarried at work and cracked on. Bloody stupid on reflection. I had horrendous workplace anxiety so was scared to take any time off. I made up for it by going off on mat leave at 26 weeks and never going back.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

MC 1 at 6 weeks, passed naturally - I technically took 1 day off, but MC started after work one day, took the next day off and I work PT so it was 5 days from start of MC when I went back. Work offered me more but I felt what was best for me was to keep busy.

MC 2, unplanned pregnancy and didn't realise I was pregnant until the day before I started to MC. Took 1 day fully off and then went onto non-clinical work from home for the rest of the week.

I was off while spotting and waiting to miscarry (baby measuring two weeks behind when my dates were right) then the day I miscarried. Spotting at work Sunday, scan Monday, off Tuesday, miscarried on the Wednesday. I was back at work Thursday, physical job. I needed the money and the distraction.

2 weeks initially. Extended by an extra week. I don’t think I’ve made the right decision at all. I’m struggling and want to be signed off again. But I feel guilty.

No. 1 - early loss at 6w, took one day which in hindsight was nuts but I wasn't in any pain so felt I should crack on.
No.2 - missed miscarriage at 11weeks, completely unprepared for the pain. I took a week off. With this one I was on the phone with HR basically begging them to tell me how long was "ok" to take off as I didn't want to look like I was taking the piss- of course they couldn't tell me!
No.3 - chemical, no time off.
No.4 - ectopic with emergency surgery, lost my tube, took three weeks.

I like my job well enough and it took my mind off things. Getting back to "normal" helped me, but that's not the case for everyone. WFH due to covid (no's 2-4) also meant I didn't have to face people which made it easier. I think if I was in an office or public facing I couldn't have returned anywhere near as quickly.

I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's shit isn't it? But don't rush back under any circumstances- you must allow yourself time to recover, mentally as well as physically.

Pamela I 100% understand the feeling of guilt, but you need time to emotionally and physically recover. It's easier said than done but you should take time to heal. Take as long as you need, you're the most important thing at the minute. I hope your workplace are supporting you 🤗

Oh I'm so sorry to read this @FreckledMouse - I remember you getting your BFP I think. Your handle sticks in my brain. Take your time and look after yourself. Don't feel guilt. Prioritise you. The world will keep moving in the meantime. Xxx

Thank you @FlyOnTheWall89 ♥️♥️

Thankfully my work are being supportive, I'm hoping to start a phased return on Monday

Thank you everyone so much for all your advice and stories ♥️