Topics 
 
This art print is a part of the ‘Topics’ collection. These prints exude the history, storytelling and art of adornment from the South Asian culture. Through the rich colours and jewels, these prints add a statement to every room. Pair with a plain frame and accompanying candles or pampas grass to elevate the print. 
 
Print finish 
All art prints are printed on high quality ‘smooth cotton high white paper’ which leaves a smooth and texture-free matte finish. The high white shade assures saturated colours lift when printed. 
 
Want to know a little more about the paper quality? 
Weight: 315gsm
Material: 100% Cotton
Coating: MatteSurface 
Texture: Smooth
Available in A4 and A3
 
To read more about what inspired this collection or this particular illustration, visit @gaby.gohlar on Instagram. 
 
Miscarriage
 
About 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. However, this could be higher as miscarriages can occur early on before pregnancy is known. (mayoclinic
Impacts of a miscarriage. 
 
Coping with a miscarriage can be incredibly painful as it impacts a woman’s mental and physical health. Research, support and resources have found that miscarriages can lead to low self-esteem, depression and grief. These are typically triggered by intrusive thoughts such as adopting a ‘blame mentality,’ worrying about future pregnancies and feeling isolated. (miscarriageassociation)
 
Social Pariah
Whilst there are countless resources and support for women who have experienced a miscarriage, research regarding miscarriages in the South Asian community is still fairly new. Therefore, South Asian women may feel like they’re not completely understood because their counsellor or doctor is unaware of the impact that the South Asian community holds. 
 
Dr Rima Lamba believes that our community “fulfils part of our attachment needs” therefore how a woman is perceived in her community can either build or injure her social identity, self-image and self-concept. This is because “as humans … we see ourselves through the eyes of the community.” 
 
“Am I fucking social leper!??” 
In the South Asian culture, women who experience reproductive difficulties are “often prohibited from engaging in rituals or activities associated with any auspicious occasion, such as a wedding or baby shower.” This is because they are considered a ‘bad omen.’ 
 
“I still recall a time when I was younger, attending an extended family member’s wedding and hearing some whispers among the women: “No! Not her,” “we can’t ask her!” “she’s not allowed to be involved in these things.” (Dr Rima Lamba, 2020)
 
Loss of identity as a mother 
In the same way that an individual’s self-identity can be impacted by their community, a woman can begin to develop her identity by envisaging her role as a mother. Therefore, a loss of this ‘motherhood’ identity can disrupt a woman’s self-concept. (Dr Rima Lamba, 2020) 
 
Blame Mentality 
A blame mentality is where women who miscarried and/or others highlight activities or behaviours which could’ve caused the miscarriage. 
 
“When I struggled to have a baby, I began to feel worthless, almost like I wasn’t fulfilling my duty in giving our families a child.” (tommys, 2021) 
 
Reactions towards miscarriage 
Historically women have experienced a gender bias whilst accessing health care (dw) which has meant that miscarriages aren’t discussed or understood. Therefore, miscarriages were associated with old wives tales, suggesting that consuming certain foods or activities would ensure a healthy baby. As a result, if a miscarriage occurred, the ‘blame’ would be pinned onto the woman, causing her to feel ‘shame’ and ‘guilt.’ 
 
“My mother-in-law cried and told me it was my fault. She said I had made her lose her first grandchild.” (Arifah Khan, 2020)
 
Women hear statements such as “what’s wrong with you? How could this happen? Nothing like that ever happened to me” which makes it difficult for them to talk or work through their pain. (Annie Kuo, 2018)
 
What should we do?
Acknowledge their loss 
Ask them how they are doing 
Choose your words carefully
Send flowers or a gift 
 
Wishes towards to South Asian community
It’s incredible how so many South Asian women have shared their experiences and created safe places for other women who have miscarried. It's this strength and support which is the catalyst for conversations around taboo topics. Let's keep this momentum going to help women feel safe, loved and accepted in our community.