Viral Video Advocates for Separate Waiting Rooms at Ob-Gyn Offices

There are so many little things that can unexpectedly hit hard after a pregnancy loss. From casual questions to seeing nursery items while out shopping or ads online, these little things can often add up to an exhausting experience during a tough time. But one mom is suggesting a small change that could make a big difference in the lives of those who have suffered loss.

India Batson, known as @india_batson on TikTok, gained widespread attention for her viral suggestion that ob-gyn offices should consider implementing separate waiting areas for patients who have experienced loss and those who are currently pregnant.

“If you’re there for a loss, I’d like for there to be a separate waiting room from the regular waiting room. Because sitting in that waiting room next to tons of pregnant women while you wait to go back just to get blood work to see if your hCG is back to zero sucks, like it absolutely sucks,” Batson said before vulnerably recounting her own experience.

“I didn’t expect it to make me so emotional to be back in the place to get my blood work where I found out that there was no longer a heartbeat,” she recounted through tears. “I wasn’t expecting to have … this rush of emotions come back in the room. Like, ‘Oh, this is where I found out there’s no longer a heartbeat. Like, I don’t know how to explain it. It just kind of like brought all the emotions back … Pregnancy loss is hard.”

Social media users across TikTok and Instagram quickly chimed in with messages of support for Batson and acknowledgment of just how hard pregnancy loss is. “Sitting there when a couple walks out smiling with ultrasound pictures was like a punch in the gut,” wrote one commenter. “I agree. I totally agree. I also feel like we need a huge change in our system and how they care for PPD. I could also rant about this for days,” added another.

Other users shared their stories of how their doctors were sensitive to their loss, whether that was with quick walk-ins or separate entrances. “My OBGYN has a “no wait” policy for patients who are there for loss. If they don’t get you in a room, then they’ll put you in a nurse vitals station,” added one woman. “My OB let me sit in my car, texted me when she was ready for me and let me in the back door. She had a special room without birth announcements and stuff too. That should be the norm. I’m so sorry,” added another.

While separate waiting rooms or accommodations like those described above might not always be possible, it’s important that parents continue to share their stories so change might be on the way. “I work in Healthcare design and will always keep this in mind now,” added one user.

If you are struggling with pregnancy loss, you can find support and community through our miscarriage and pregnancy loss community forum.