Abortion Aftercare Tips
Taking care of yourself after your abortion is so important. Finding the time to rest and nourish your body can be hard for some, but it is possible. We’re Heather and Sarah, two abortion doulas and the creators of The Abortion Project (T.A.P.) and we’re here to share our go to tips for caring for yourself after your abortion.
*Please note that this blog is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; T.A.P., in collaboration with BADT, is sharing general information about abortion after care. As always, please consult with your medical provider with any questions you may have regarding this information and/or your reproductive health.*
Physical Aftercare
Physically, there can be a lot going on for some people after an abortion. Bleeding, cramping, bloating, etc. We always suggest that our clients wear loose, comfy clothes. You’ll maybe be using a large absorbent pad of some kind (disposable or reusable) or free bleeding. Sometimes it’s easier to gauge the amount of blood you’re releasing when you use a pad, but you know your body and its needs so do what feels right to you. Your provider should let you know how much is too much blood to be releasing on average; if not, this is a good question to ask!
Heat is another great tool for this time. Using a warm shower or bath or a heating pad to ease the cramping is really beneficial. You can fill a sock with some rice, tie it off, and throw it in the microwave to create your own heat pack in a few minutes.
Supplements, teas, and food can be important tools for healing after an abortion. Floradix, for example, contains iron and helps with fatigue. When we make care packages for our clients we always include a box of nourishing tea (like a raspberry leaf tea). When it comes to food, think comfort food! Have as much on hand as you can. Choose foods that feel nourishing and comforting to you. You may experience nausea after your abortion, so we often recommend sucking on sour candies, drinking ginger ale or tea, or diffusing some peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball.
Emotional Aftercare
Emotionally, you might be feeling emotions anywhere from relief to grief-- one at a time, all the time, at the same time, or never. It’s so unique to each person and each experience. But there will be emotions, big or small! Do your best to be compassionate with yourself through all the emotions, while also offering yourself comfort and support. We love lavender essential oil as a mood stabilizer and relaxer.
Some people find that journaling is helpful in the hours, days, months after their abortion experience. There are talk lines available for people who have had abortions to call in or text through. Having a close friend, family member, or doula to share your story with may also be helpful and empowering. And, if you don’t have anyone like that in your life at the moment, there is a wonderful Facebook group called Abortion Support Group for Heart Healing. For some, therapy might be a resource There’s no shame in reaching out to share your story with others in order to process the way you’re feeling about it (negatively or positively or a mixture of both).
We want everyone who wants one to have access to a trusted doula who can support them through and after their abortions. If you’re interested in this level of support, google “abortion doula” + your area and see who pops up or explore the BADT directory!
If you can, please do take time off of work and other obligations to prioritize rest and recovery. While you’re lounging on your couch or in bed with that homemade rice heat pack, indulge in watching the most comforting thing you can find! That guilty pleasure tv show to binge or that same movie you go back and watch time and time again. We hope it’s something that brings a smile to your face and helps you feel less alone during this time.
Creating Abortion Intentions
The Abortion Project has an Abortion Intentions Care Plan that you can find HERE. This plan is mainly for people that are planning to have medical abortions but can be adapted for surgical abortions as needed. We walk you through preparing for your abortion and planning aftercare. There are hefty resource pages included in the guide as well!
You’re not alone in this experience. There are ways of taking care of yourself or having someone care for you, and here are people and places to share your story with and in. No shame! We are here with you!
The Abortion Project was born of two full spectrum doulas who recognized there was a lack of transparency surrounding medical abortions in the United States. After a number of conversations, Heather and Sarah decided to embark on a photography project in August 2019, their desire being to demystify and destigmatize the subject. By documenting people as they have their abortions and showing what the process can actually look like, they know that others will become more familiar and less fearful or ashamed of their own experiences.
T.A.P. has been collecting a variety of experiences from a variety of locations, and has started a series of zines to depict the stories of their participants. These zines help to dispel the deep misconceptions Americans have about abortion that were created through pop culture, antiquated ideas of “back alley” care, and frightening graphics used by anti-abortion groups in communities across the country. Follow them on Instagram @theabortionproject