Bereavement groups can be a good source of support for those who have experienced loss. Surrounded by others with whom they share the same source of sorrow, people can share stories, grief, pain, and ways of coping. Having one’s feelings validated and shared as well as feeling less isolated and alone can go a long way towards healing.
Pregnancy Loss Support Program offers two support groups:
Monthly First Trimester Miscarriage Peer Support Group
PLSP’s Miscarriage Group meets the first Thursday of each month for about an hour and a half and includes those who have lost their pregnancies in the first trimester (the first 12 weeks.) This is a drop-in group, and anyone can join as many times as they want. Participants get comfort from each other in these facilitated group sessions. There is no cost to join these group sessions which meet in person or via Zoom. Pre-registration and an intake interview are required.
Three-Week Support Group for First Trimester Losses
We offer a three-week support group via Zoom open to individuals and/or couples who have experienced a first-trimester pregnancy loss and/or recurrent losses. Meetings are quarterly and run for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
These groups provide a safe space to connect with other parents who have experienced a loss and identify coping strategies and tools to support you through your loss. Grieving a loss is devastating, and doing it alone is overwhelming. These groups build a community of support to help you navigate your journey.
Six-Week Support Group Series for Later Losses
Our “closed” Support Group concentrates on losses that occur later in pregnancy, during or immediately after birth. This six-session group meets on consecutive weeks, includes a female and a male facilitator, and explores the feelings and experiences of those who have lost late pregnancies or newborns.
At this Support Group, a brief presentation is followed by an open discussion guided by the facilitators. Topics include: coping with grief, responses of family, friends, and others to the loss, the impact of loss on the couple’s relationship, individual responses to loss, the difficulty of facing another pregnancy, and sharing mementos. A reunion meeting is held several weeks after the last of the six sessions.
The group requires a commitment to attend all six sessions, preferably with one’s partner. A $75 donation per person is suggested but is waived if the fee is onerous. Our goal is to create an inclusive and equitable space for bereaved parents to build community among those with a shared experience of loss. An intake interview and pre-registration is required.