Parenting

“I was supposed to be giving birth this time next week”: Em Rusciano reflects on her miscarriage

The comedian and radio host opened up on The Project.
Em Rusciano

Em Rusciano was scheduled to give birth this time next week, but instead she’s opening up about her heartbreaking miscarriage.

Speaking on Thursday’s edition of The Project, the 38-year-old media personality revealed how her upcoming stand-up comedy show ‘Evil Queen’ was inspired by the devastating experience.

“I think one catastrophic event can turn a woman evil. I had that happen. I lost a baby this year and I can understand how something really dark can force you into that space,” she said.

“I am going to do stand-up comedy about my miscarriage which sounds strange.”

She added: “But if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry and cry and cry. So I hope it makes those who’ve lost babies feel lighter.”

The mum-of-two went on to explain that this month had been particularly tough as she is approaching the date her son — who she and her partner Scotty named Ray — would have been born.

“I was supposed to be giving birth this time next week. So I’m feeling shithouse,” she said.

“I am putting one foot in front of the other.”

In May, the 2Day FM breakfast presenter took to Facebook to announce the news that she had suffered a miscarriage at 13 weeks.

“About 10 weeks ago I got the most wondrous surprise. I found out I was pregnant,” the post began.

“I was going to announce it this Monday as we’d hit 13 weeks, but instead I will be at home in the most exquisite pain I can possibly fathom. Yesterday I found out that my little boy, was lost to me.”

She then went on to say: “I’m not sure I’m built to withstand this kind of heartbreak, I’m not sure any Mother is.”

Em said while she understands miscarriage is common and many women continue on with obligations, she was unable to even leave her bedroom.

“What’s happened with Ray feels big and raw and something I need to honour and be in the middle of,” she writes.

“I’m not going to avoid it or lock it away and power on as if nothing has happened, which I’m prone to doing. I have to get this right so that I can somehow feel whole again, or a version of that. I know that this will forever change me in small and big ways.”

She concluded the post by directly addressing the child she so tragically lost.

“To our little Ray, you were already so loved by your Mum and Dad and your big sisters. Such an unexpected and welcome surprise for us, I wish we had more time with you, I truly do.”

If you or someone you know has experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth or newborn death and would like to talk to someone about it, contact Sands Australia on (03) 9895 8700 or visit their website: sands.org.au.

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