A peer support group is a safe and supportive environment to discuss your feelings and experiences with other loss parents. Support groups can help members feel less alone and more prepared to navigate daily life after baby loss. Our peer groups are led by trained facilitators who have also experienced a pregnancy or infant loss and can provide an additional perspective. Please note that peer support groups are not a substitute for medical care or professional therapy.
It takes a lot of courage to attend a group for the first time, and we are honored to have you join us. Keep in mind that everyone you meet once had a first session and wants to help you feel comfortable. Other members will introduce themselves and share a little about their stories and you will be invited to introduce yourself as well. We encourage you to take things at your own pace and feel free to participate or just listen until you feel ready to join the conversation.
Group discussions are 90 minutes and generally include time for checking in as well as a conversation about a topical issue or common feelings such as sadness, anger, and guilt. Strategies to navigate interactions with friends and relatives, questions about family size and structure, getting through holidays and first year milestones, and return to work issues are also addressed.
Grief is a personal journey and there is no one right way to do it. The best time to join a group is when you feel like you would like to talk to other families who have had loss experiences. Some people want to feel this sense of connection and community right away; others want to take some time to heal on their own or talk individually with a mentor before being in a group setting.
If you just experienced a loss, our hearts go out to you. Honor how you feel and take things at your own pace. We encourage you to sign up to receive a Care Kit that includes helpful books and materials about baby loss and grief. Exploring our resources for loss parents can give you some ideas and activities that have helped other families get through this painful and emotional time. Connecting with a peer mentor is another great way to get individual support from someone who has already navigated the early days and weeks and can offer their perspective.
A Care Kit is a personalized package of peer-selected books and materials about baby loss that is available to families who have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss by the Griffin Cares Foundation. To receive a Care Kit, simply choose that option on your support registration form. Please be sure to include the complete mailing address where you would like your package delivered. Care Kits are donor-funded and are available at no charge, one per loss family.
Once you complete your support registration form, our peer mentor team will work to match you with a mentor who has had a similar experience. Our goal is to connect you with someone who will be able to help you as quickly as possible. Please be sure to include your preferred method of communication so we can make sure you can easily connect with your mentor. After you have been matched, your mentor will reach out to set up your first meeting. If you have any additional questions, please email our peer mentor team at info@griffincaresfoundation.org.
There is no fee for loss moms and dads to participate in a support group or be paired with a peer mentor. The Griffin Cares Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. All of our programs, services, and resources are completely funded through the generosity of our donors and are available free of charge to families who have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss.
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