Advice for Fathers?
My beloved wife and and I had to TFMR at 23 weeks and 2 days. Our daughter had severe brain abnormalities (ACC, interhemispheric cyst, etc.) and the chance of a difficult life were very high. This was the most painful experience of my life, and I had a very close older relative succumb to Stage IV cancer when I was a teenager.
I’m reaching out for advice as to how process this loss as a husband/man. Most of my family/friends know that we lost our baby but only a handful know it was TFMR. My wife’s family and friends have been largely supportive of her and have provided what she needs (I.e, talking, flowers, food, etc). However, as a man, I feel like the support system is unequal from my side. The trauma of a TFMR (the anatomy scan to actual termination) is crippling.
I’ve naturally understand why most people tend to prioritize the mother. I just never imagined the pain as a father would be this isolating.