Losing a child is not something that you could ever be prepared for. When these things happen, it is really difficult to know where to turn or what to do. It is hard enough forcing yourself out of bed in the morning. I wanted to put together a list of resources that I have vetted for you and make them available from the comfort of your covers.
You've been through something traumatic. The most important thing that you can do right now is work hard on healing together. Doing the work now will allow you to move forward with that child in your heart. We can't stop tomorrow from coming, the sun will inevitably rise and fall to bring a new day, and you need to live it. This doesn't mean you are moving on and leaving your child behind. You are living in their honour and you are surviving because you are strong. They will always be your baby and you will always be their parents, no matter how long you held them.
GROUPS
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network (PAIL Network) is dedicated to improving bereavement care and providing support to families who have suffered the loss of a pregnancy or the death of their baby/babies. We are a provincial program that operates as a part of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre‘s DAN Women and Babies program.
Support group for women who are struggling with pregnancy after loss.
They offer support services for women facing a difficult pregnancy and also offer grief support in the wake of loss.
There are a lot of really great resources here. Take some time and run through their site. There you can find groups, resources, programs and other helpful information.
Year-round perinatal loss support group. They also offer an online Facebook group. They meet every second Thursday of the month.
French support group.
Group every third Friday of the month.
Offering a variety services and groups to assist bereaved families.
ACTIVITIES
Yoga studio that offers fertility yoga.
The Butterfly Run Ottawa aims to raise awareness and support around pregnancy loss, infant loss, pregnancy after loss, and infertility in Ottawa and surrounding areas. In addition, all proceeds from the run are donated to Roger Neilson House (RNH), a paediatric palliative care hospice.
COACHING & COUNSELLING
Coaching and decision aid.
Doulas trained specifically in supporting couples trough loss.
Psychology and counselling.
Counselling specializing in pregnancy and child loss.
VIDEOS
This scene from Empire. After Andre loses his son, his brother play him a song to help get him out of the dark.
Transforming the pain of child loss into something meaningful.
Couple speaks of their story of loss
Breaking down the affects of grief on your brain and what to do about it.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Baby’s Breath is Canada’s only national foundation focused on SIDS, and more recently also dedicated to reducing all sudden and unexpected infant deaths including stillbirths.
Tips for how to survive child loss.
Helping your child with grief.
Provide grief support in a safe place where children, teens, young adults, and their families can share their experiences before and after a death. They offer support and training locally, nationally, and internationally to individuals and organizations seeking to assist children who are grieving.
OTHER SUPPORT RESOURCES
Support Box for grieving parents.
Religious christian-based support box.
Founded in 2012, Still Standing Magazine has been the world’s leading online voice in breaking the silence on child loss – from conception to adulthood, and infertility. We share stories from around the world of writers surviving the aftermath of loss and grief – and include information on how others can help.
Information on pregnancy loss, stories and shared experiences.
Post Partum Care Kits
SERVICES
Remembrance Photography.
Tiny Hearts Angel Gowns takes donated wedding gowns and turn them into Angel Gowns and Wraps specifically designed for tiny fragile babies who are gone too soon. These gowns are presented to grieving families as an act of kindness in a time of great tragedy.
Support services, blog content surrounding child loss.
Card company that also makes cards for families suffering miscarriage and infant loss.
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