Support Groups
Grief is a complicated emotion and a complex process. Especially when it comes to the loss of a child. It is very common to feel isolated and alone in your journey. Oftentimes mothers, fathers, and families do not know where to turn or how to express their loss.
Feeling seen and heard by others who have similar shared experiences can help with your process. Below are resources for finding support groups:
Share - Share is a pregnancy and infant loss support network. They have resources for parents, siblings, and grandparents. The website features an extensive list of local support groups for each state. They also offer online support via chat rooms.
Postpartum Support International - Postpartum Support International offers online support groups available 5 days a week, grief and loss resources, and a PSI HelpLine.
Return to Zero: H.O.P.E. - RTZ includes a listing of local support groups and organizations across the country.
International Stillbirth Alliance - This UK based organization provides bereavement support for parents, families, and groups specific to fathers.
Miscarriage Association - Another UK based organization, offering grief support forums, live chat, email, Facebook groups, and e-newsletters. They also offer Zoom support groups and you do not need to live locally to participate.
SANDS - Sands provides perinatal loss support across the globe. They offer grief chat, bereavement support app, online support groups, and links to other resources.
The Compassionate Friend - The Compassionate Friend offers online support through live chat. They have over 19 groups occurring seven days a week spanning across different topics including support for grandparents and siblings.
HAND – Helping After Neonatal Death offers local resources and telephonic help for the San Francisco area.
Star Legacy Foundation - This foundation offers support groups on a variety of topics including parenting after loss, coping with SIDS, and pregnancy after loss.
Having the opportunity to share your story is a natural part of the healing process. Hearing another families’ story can provide a bond of understanding and assimilation. Feeling seen and heard by those who truly understand can be an incredibly cathartic experience that eases the grieving process for many.