Trigger warning: This article discusses pregnancy loss.
Matthew Johnson and Laura Byrne are proud parents to two children, two-year-old Marlie-Mae and 11-month-old Lola. Though, their road to parenting wasn’t easy.
WATCH: Laura Byrne speaks about miscarriage on her podcast
The Bachelor Australia couple have been open with their fans about suffering two miscarriages, with Laura speaking out about her experience on her Life Uncut podcast.
Now, Matty J has candidly opened up on suffering miscarriage as a father in a new podcast episode with 9Honey Parenting.
“I don’t think there’s any beating around the bush that it’s really bloody awful,” he says.
“It’s really hard because on the one hand, you’re so excited. You’re over the moon and in your head you start imagining what life is going to be like. Whilst you know that you’re not in the clear, you can’t help it but let your imagination run wild and really enjoy the prospect of having new life in the world.”
“You’re ecstatic that you’ve got this little gift,” Matty says of the early days of pregnancy. “It’s hard not to get excited. All of a sudden the rug is pulled from under you. It’s just… it’s gone. It’s taken away. And it’s really hard to come to terms with.”
Of ways to deal with loss, Matty J says open conversations were key.
“On the one hand you don’t want to burden people with your problems, but it’s really important to know it’s not an isolated case,” he says on the podcast.
“So many other people go through it. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with you, I think that was the big thing for Laura. I think she felt like she had done something wrong, like her body rejected the pregnancy and it’s important to know there’s nothing you could have done differently.
“More than anything I think talking about it really openly is helpful,” he explained. “So many people go through it.. it helps knowing you’re not alone.”
He also spoke about the reality of trying for another child when you have a history of pregnancy loss.
“We are planning on trying for a third at some point,” he said. “So know we may experience it again. Whilst it sucks, it’s just a natural part of life.”
Laura previously spoke about their experiences on her podcast, telling her co-host Brittany Hockley she “never thought” she would suffer a miscarriage.
“I found out I was pregnant. We had gotten really excited about it and we’d had our scans and everything,” she said. “A week later, I felt different and I knew something was wrong and I knew it was happening again.
“I guess I never thought I would be someone who would have one miscarriage, let alone someone who would have two miscarriages.”
“It is painful and it is lonely, but it doesn’t need to be quite so lonely, and the more that we talk about it, and the more the we de-stigmatise it, then I feel other women who are going through the same thing may feel more supported,” Laura said.
If you or someone you know is affected by the topics in this article, you can call the SANDS 24/7 bereavement support line on 1300 308 307 or visit the website.
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