Experiencing a miscarriage is one of the most emotionally challenging moments a woman and her partner can face.
On top of the physical pain and heartache, you now have to figure out how to let your boss know you need time off to heal and cope with this devastating loss.
What should you say?
How much should you share?
To help guide you during this difficult time, we’ve put together 20 sample emails you can use as a starting point when writing to your boss about your miscarriage.
Feel free to personalize and adapt them to your specific situation.
Remember, there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to share this news.
The most important thing is communicating what you need, whether that’s time off, a lighter workload, or emotional support from your colleagues.
Sample Emails to Boss about Miscarriage
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Subject: Unexpected personal news
Dear [Boss’ Name],
I’m writing to let you know that I experienced a miscarriage over the weekend at [X] weeks pregnant. My doctor has advised me to take at least a week off to rest and recover physically and emotionally from this loss.
I plan to take [X] days of sick leave starting today, [Date], and return to the office on [Date]. I will do my best to complete any urgent tasks before taking leave, and I’m happy to discuss redistributing my workload or putting projects on hold until I return.
Thank you in advance for your understanding and support during this difficult time. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
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Subject: Needing time off for medical reasons
Hi [Boss’ Name],
I hate to send an email with bad news, but I wanted to let you know that I suffered a miscarriage yesterday. I’m still processing this heartbreaking loss and will need to take some time off to grieve and heal.
My doctor recommended taking at least [X] days to recover. I would like to use my sick days/personal days from [start date] to [end date]. I understand this is short notice, but I hope you can understand and accommodate this request for time off.
I’m happy to discuss any ongoing projects or work responsibilities, and I’ll do my best to tie up loose ends before I sign off. Thank you for your support and compassion as I navigate this challenging time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Subject: Request for bereavement leave
Dear [Boss’ Name],
I regret to inform you that I lost my pregnancy over the weekend. My partner and I are devastated by this miscarriage, and I need to take time off to grieve this loss and be with my family.
I would like to request [X] days of bereavement leave, starting [Date]. I expect to return to the office on [Date]. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me or if there are any important matters I should hand off before taking leave.
I appreciate your understanding and patience during this difficult time. I’m grateful to work for a company that values family and offers bereavement leave for pregnancy loss.
Regards,
[Your Name]
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Subject: Family emergency
Hi [Boss’ Name],
I’m so sorry for the short notice, but I will need to take a few days off this week due to a family emergency. My partner and I recently found out that our pregnancy has ended in a miscarriage.
I’m still in shock and working with my doctor to navigate the physical aspects of miscarriage. We are also struggling to cope with the emotional impact of this loss and need some time to begin the healing process together.
I expect to take [X] days off, from [Date] to [Date]. I will make sure my team has what they need before I go, and I’ll be available if any urgent matters come up. Thank you for your compassion and flexibility as I deal with this unexpected crisis.
Best,
[Your Name]
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Subject: Update on my health situation
Good morning [Boss’ Name],
As you know, I’ve been going through some health challenges recently related to my pregnancy. Unfortunately, at my appointment yesterday, we discovered that I’ve had a miscarriage. I’m still processing this devastating news.
Per my doctor’s advice, I will need at least [X] weeks off to recover physically and begin healing from this loss. I plan to take [short-term disability/FMLA leave/sick leave], beginning [Date] until [Date]. I apologize for the disruption to our team, and I’m happy to discuss how to manage my workload in my absence.
Thank you for your ongoing support as I navigate this difficult time. It means so much to me to work with such a caring and understanding group of people.
Regards,
[Your Name]
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Subject: Following up on my appointment
Dear [Boss’ Name],
I just wanted to update you after my doctor’s appointment yesterday. Unfortunately, we discovered that I’ve miscarried at [X] weeks. My partner and I are heartbroken over this loss and will need some time to grieve.
I plan to take bereavement leave for [X] days, returning to work on [Date]. I know this leave is unexpected, but I would greatly appreciate your understanding during this difficult time. I’m hopeful that after a few days of rest and healing, I will be able to return to work with renewed focus.
Please let me know how you would like me to prepare for this time off in terms of handing off projects or delegating tasks. I want to make sure I’ve tied up any loose ends before I sign off.
Thank you again for your support,
[Your Name]
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Subject: Checking in
Hi [Boss’ Name],
I apologize if I seemed distracted at work recently. I just found out that I’ve had a miscarriage, and I’m still reeling from the news. My partner and I are devastated, and I’m struggling to cope with this loss while also managing the physical symptoms.
I’d like to request [X] days off to rest and begin the healing process, starting [Date] and returning [Date]. I know my absence will impact our team, and I will do my best to ensure my work is covered before taking leave.
Thank you for your patience and compassion as I navigate this challenging time. I’m committed to my work but need to prioritize my health and family right now. I’m so grateful for your understanding.
Best,
[Your Name]
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Subject: Tough family news
Dear [Boss’ Name],
I hate to bring personal matters into work, but I recently received some heartbreaking news that I need to share. Over the weekend, I suffered a miscarriage. My partner and I are struggling to come to terms with this unexpected loss.
I know this is very short notice, but I need to take [X] days off to physically recover and process my grief. My leave will run from [Date] to [Date]. I’m so sorry for the inconvenience and disruption to our team. Please let me know how I can help prepare for this time off.
I’m incredibly appreciative of your support and understanding. Knowing I can take the time I need to heal without stressing about work means the world to me.
Many thanks,
[Your Name]
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Subject: Some sad news
Good morning [Boss’ Name],
I’m reaching out to share some personal news that I just received. After weeks of excitement about my pregnancy, I was devastated to find out at my last appointment that I’ve miscarried.
My doctor has recommended that I take [X] weeks off to recover from the physical toll of miscarriage and begin processing this loss. I’m planning to take [sick leave/FMLA/short-term disability] starting [Date].
I apologize for the short notice and any challenges my absence may cause for our team. I’m happy to discuss how to hand off my projects and minimize the disruption before I sign off.
Thank you in advance for your compassion during this difficult time. I’m so grateful to work with such supportive colleagues.
Best,
[Your Name]
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Subject: Sharing some tough personal news
Dear [Boss’ Name],
I’m writing to let you know that I received some heartbreaking news recently. I found out that I’ve had a miscarriage at [X] weeks of pregnancy. My partner and I are overwhelmed with grief and struggling to process this loss.
I would like to request [X] days of bereavement leave to physically recover and begin healing emotionally. I expect to be out from [Date] to [Date]. I know this is sudden, and I appreciate your understanding.
Please let me know what I can do to prepare for taking this time off. I want to ensure my work is in good hands before I leave. Thank you for your support and compassion during this painful time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Subject: Some sad news to share
Hi [Boss’ Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m reaching out to share some personal news that I recently received. After a challenging first trimester, I was devastated to find out that my pregnancy had ended in a miscarriage.
As I navigate this heartbreaking loss, I need to take some time off to recover physically and emotionally. I’m planning to take [X] days of leave, starting [Date] and returning to the office on [Date]. I apologize for the short notice and any inconvenience this may cause.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about my workload while I’m out. I’m happy to discuss how to best manage my responsibilities during my absence.
Many thanks for your support and understanding,
[Your Name]
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Subject: Difficult personal update
Dear [Boss’ Name],
I’m so sorry to send this email, but I need to let you know about a heartbreaking personal matter. I recently found out that I’ve miscarried at [X] weeks of pregnancy. My partner and I are reeling from this devastating loss.
As I cope with the physical and emotional challenges of miscarriage, I would like to request [X] days of bereavement leave. I plan to be out of the office from [Date] to [Date]. I know this may cause some disruption to our team, and I apologize for the short notice.
Please let me know how I can help prepare for this absence. I want to make sure my work is in good hands before I sign off. Thank you for your compassion and understanding during this painful time.
Regards,
[Your Name]
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Subject: Coping with some tough news
Hi [Boss’ Name],
I’m writing to share some personal news that I’m still processing. After a challenging first trimester, I was devastated to find out at my last appointment that I’ve miscarried. My partner and I are heartbroken and struggling to come to terms with this sudden loss.
As I navigate the physical and emotional impact of miscarriage, I need to take some time away from work to heal. I would like to request [X] days of leave, starting [Date]. I expect to return to the office on [Date].
I apologize for the inconvenience and short notice. Please let me know what I can do to prepare for this absence and ensure my work is covered.
Thank you for your patience and support,
[Your Name]
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Subject: Requesting time off for a personal matter
Good morning [Boss’ Name],
I’m reaching out to request some time off to deal with a difficult personal situation. I recently found out that I’ve had a miscarriage, and my partner and I are devastated by this loss.
As I cope with the physical and emotional impact of miscarriage, I need to take a short leave from work. I’m planning to take [X] days off, from [Date] to [Date]. I know this is sudden, and I apologize for any disruption it may cause.
Please let me know how I can help prepare for this time away. I want to make sure my projects and responsibilities are in good hands before I sign off.
I’m so grateful for your understanding and compassion during this painful time.
Many thanks,
[Your Name]
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Subject: Sharing some personal news
Dear [Boss’ Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to share some deeply personal news that I recently received. After a challenging early pregnancy, I found out that I’ve miscarried. My partner and I are heartbroken and overwhelmed by this sudden loss.
As I take time to grieve and recover physically, I need to request a short leave from work. I’m planning to take [X] days off, starting [Date]. I expect to return to the office on [Date]. I apologize for the short notice and any inconvenience this may cause.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about how to manage my workload during my absence. I’m committed to ensuring a smooth transition before I sign off.
Thank you for your support and understanding during this difficult time.
Regards,
[Your Name]
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Subject: Family health emergency
Hi [Boss’ Name],
I’m so sorry for the last-minute notice, but I have a family health emergency to attend to this week. My partner and I just found out that we’ve lost our pregnancy. We’re devastated and struggling to process this heartbreaking news.
I need to take [X] days off to recover and grieve with my family. I plan to be out of the office from [Date] to [Date]. I apologize for the short notice and any challenges this may create for our team.
Please let me know what I can do to prepare for this unexpected leave. I want to ensure my responsibilities are covered before I sign off.
Many thanks for your patience and compassion as I navigate this difficult time,
[Your Name]
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Subject: A miscarriage update
Good morning [Boss’ Name],
I need to take some time off work to manage a difficult personal situation. After some complications with my pregnancy, I received the devastating news that I’ve miscarried. My partner and I are reeling from this loss and trying to support each other through the grieving process.
I would like to request [X] days of bereavement leave, starting today, [Date]. I expect to return to the office on [Date]. I’m sorry for the last-minute notice and disruption this may cause.
Please let me know how I can help prepare for this absence to minimize the impact on our team. I’m happy to discuss delegating my ongoing projects or pressing matters before I go.
Thank you in advance for your support and understanding,
[Your Name]
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Subject: Some sad personal news
Dear [Boss’ Name],
I’m writing to share some heartbreaking news I recently received about my pregnancy. After some worrying signs and a follow-up appointment, I found out that I’ve miscarried. My partner and I are devastated and struggling to come to terms with this unexpected loss.
As I take time to grieve and recover physically, I need to request a short leave from work. I would like to take [X] days of bereavement leave, starting [Date]. I plan to return to the office on [Date]. I know this is very sudden, and I apologize for any inconvenience.
Please let me know what I can do to ensure my work is covered during my absence. I want to tie up any loose ends before I sign off.
I’m so grateful to work with such a compassionate and supportive team. Thank you for your understanding during this painful time.
Many thanks,
[Your Name]
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Subject: Reaching out for support
Hi [Boss’ Name],
I’m reaching out to share some deeply personal news and ask for your support. I recently found out that I’ve miscarried after a challenging first trimester. My partner and I are heartbroken and overwhelmed by this sudden loss.
As I take time to grieve and heal physically, I need to request a short leave from work. I’m hoping to take [X] days off, starting [Date]. I expect to return to the office on [Date]. I apologize for the last-minute notice and any disruption this may cause our team.
Please let me know how I can help prepare for this time away. I want to ensure my responsibilities are covered and my team has what they need before I sign off.
I’m incredibly grateful for your compassion and understanding as I navigate this painful chapter.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
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Subject: Taking time to heal
Dear [Boss’ Name],
I’m writing to let you know that I recently suffered a miscarriage. My partner and I are devastated by this loss and struggling to process our grief. As I cope with the physical and emotional challenges of miscarriage, I need to take some time away from work to heal.
I would like to request [X] days of bereavement leave, starting [Date]. I plan to return to the office on [Date]. I understand this is short notice, and I apologize for any inconvenience it may cause.
Please let me know what I can do to ensure a smooth transition before taking this leave. I’m happy to discuss delegating my projects or tying up any loose ends.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support during this difficult time. It means so much to me to work with such a compassionate team.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Wrap-up: Emailing your boss about a miscarriage
Losing a pregnancy is an incredibly painful experience that no one should have to endure alone.
Remember, you have every right to take the time and space you need to grieve, heal, and care for yourself physically and emotionally.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your boss, HR, or a trusted colleague for support during this challenging time.
While it can feel uncomfortable or even scary to share such personal news with your workplace, know that you’re not alone in this journey.
Sadly, miscarriage is more common than many people realize, and most employers will respond to this news with empathy and understanding.
The most important things to communicate in your email are:
- The news of your miscarriage and how you’re doing
- How much time off you need and your expected return date
- Your willingness to discuss workload, projects, or responsibilities
- Your appreciation for their support and understanding
There’s no need to share more details than you’re comfortable with, and it’s okay if you don’t have all the answers right away.
The key is to start the conversation, so your boss is aware of your situation and you can take the time off you need without worrying about work.
Amid this heartbreak, don’t forget to lean on your personal support system, too.
Surround yourself with loved ones who can offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or practical help as you navigate this loss.
And if you find yourself struggling to cope, don’t hesitate to reach out to a grief counselor or mental health professional for extra support.
Remember, there is no “right” way to grieve, and healing is not a linear process.
Be patient and gentle with yourself as you face the physical and emotional challenges of miscarriage.
Take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone, and brighter days lie ahead.