*Trigger Warning: This article mentions baby loss and miscarriage*
The O.C. star, Rachel Bilson, has opened up for the first time about her past miscarriages.
The 42-year-old, dedicated an episode in her podcast, Broad Ideas, to Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and during it she shared her own experience with pregnancy loss.
Bilson revealed to her co-host Olivia Allen that she has suffered ‘multiple miscarriages’ and detailed the feeling of having no control when pregnant.
“It’s one of the biggest things I talk about with pregnancy and having babies,” Bilson said. “I’ve had miscarriages so I’ve had losses. Never carried. They were early on,” she candidly shared.
These experiences, the actress admits, taught her to adjust to setbacks and learn to go with the flow.
“With birth, I even remember going into it saying, ‘I’m open to whatever. What plans can you make when it’s really not up to you?”
To this, her co-host shared the same sentiment, adding that ‘there’s nothing more out of control than having a child inside of you. There’s so much going on that is out of your control.’
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The American Heist actress’ omission in the past about her experiences prompted many users to share theirs in the comment section beneath the promotional post for the podcast.
“This is so important. Thank you for talking about pregnancy and infant loss,” oner user wrote.
Another user highlighted the silence and stigma that surrounds miscarriage: “Heartbreaking. to learn you suffered multiple miscarriages. It’s a silent suffering. When a woman learns she is pregnant — she’s elated but if she were to lose the baby she has no one to share that pain with since she likely had not told anyone that she was pregnant.”
Her co-host, Olivia, shared a sweet message of thanks for the actress: “Thank you for honoring what this month is about and giving a voice to this very important subject. Sending you all my love and gratitude for opening the door for this healing to be shared.”
In 2014, Bilson welcomed her daughter, Briar Rose, with her ex-fiancé, Hayden Christensen.
Resources in Ireland for Women Who Have Experienced Miscarraige
The Miscarriage Association of Ireland holds in-person support meetings, once a month in Dublin and the Mid-West (Limerick/Clare), every two months in Cork and regularly in Louth, where people can meet in a supportive environment and, if they chose to, they can share their experiences with others who have had similar experiences.
Zoom meetings can be facilitated for those who cannot attend in person. They also have a Helpline for those in need of support, understanding and a listening ear.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Ireland offers a directory of support services and knowledge for both bereaved parents and healthcare professionals on their website.
A Little Lifetime Foundation can be contacted at 01 8829030 or by email on info@alittlelifetime.ie
Anam Cara supports parents through bereavement and can be contacted info@anamcara.ie
Phone: +353 (0)1 4045378 Mobile: +353 (0)85 2888 888
