TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains information, discussions and video surrounding miscarriage and pregnancy loss.
The only way to begin to understand miscarriage is to hear it through the women who have experienced first hand.
In the feature documentary, Misunderstandings of Miscarriage (Mum), we follow Australian actress and filmmaker Tahyna MacManus on her four-year experience of pregnancy and miscarriage.
In line with Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, McManus and her husband, Dancing With the Stars judge, Tristan, embark on an intimate journey to understand the physical, emotional and psychological impacts of miscarriage – an experience which sadly occurs with one in four pregnancies.
“After experiencing my second miscarriage I was devastated, lost, and angry. Despite having an incredibly supportive network of family and friends around me, I felt terribly alone. By sharing what I once considered to be my greatest shame, I discovered a way to heal and honour my loss. I also realised I wasn’t alone. There are so many resilient, courageous women going through the same thing, and I am privileged to be able to share their stories too, in the hope that women no longer feel the need to walk this path alone,” MacManus said in a statement.
Along her journey, the 34-year-old mother-of-two connects with women across the country including Australian actors Claire Holt, Teresa Palmer and Deborra-Lee Furness and also some other everyday Australians who have gone through the “emotional rollercoaster” that is a loss during pregnancy.
MacManus also speaks to medical professionals including Dr Manny Mangat of IVF Australia.
“Miscarriage is an emotional rollercoaster, and even though to the clinician it may be perceived as a group of cells or an 8-week foetus, to that family it is their baby they’ve lost, and we must always remember that,” she said.
Producer Kelly Tomasich says the film uncovers “an inspiring patchwork of real stories from real women.”
“While there is no one size fits all approach to coping through loss, we hope that MuM will be available to anyone who has suffered a miscarriage or is looking to provide support. By providing access to a community of women from all walks of life, who are willing to share their own unique stories, we hope MuM will give a sense of normalcy, understanding, and acceptance to a subject that has been stigmatised for far too long.”
The documentary will also highlight the importance of support agencies including The Pink Elephants Support Network and emphasises the role of professionals in helping families to remove the guilt and shame often felt by women following a miscarriage.
Misunderstandings of Miscarriage premieres Thursday 1 October, only on Stan.
Learn more about pregnancy loss at the The Pink Elephants Support Network and Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
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