Information for Loss Parents

For Loss Parents

We are so deeply sorry for your loss

Everyone grieves differently and there is no one right way to do it. Here are a few suggestions to help you support yourself during this difficult time.

If You Are Newly Bereaved

Or new to Griffin Cares

Griffin Cares is here to help you through the raw early days of grief by providing comfort and guidance from other loss parents who truly understand what it feels like to be in such a dark place. Our mission is to share information and inspiration that has helped others get through their tough times to help you deal with yours.

When you are grieving, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by too much information. We invite you to explore the ideas and resources provided below at a pace that feels right to you. Our site and our programs are here for you whenever you are ready.

Caring for Yourself

Helping your body heal after baby loss

Baby loss does not diminish or erase the changes your body went through during pregnancy and delivery. Experiencing physical postpartum symptoms can be a reminder of your loss and add to your grief. It is important to remember that your body needs time and care to heal just as it would following any pregnancy and birth.

Be sure to reach out to your OBGYN or primary care physician with any concerns regarding your physical recovery. Grief can be physically demanding so taking good care of your body and addressing your physical health is an important first step in the process.

Grief and Mental Health

Getting the support you need to heal

Grief is the natural emotion we feel when we lose someone we love; grieving the loss of your very loved child is especially painful and brings up feelings of injustice. It makes perfect sense to feel devastated, sad, overwhelmed, confused, and angry following your loss.

However, if you are finding that your grief feels like too much to bear, or if you would like a safe space to be able to process your feelings, you may benefit from support from a mental health professional. While therapy and/or medication will not take away your grief, they can equip you with tools to help you through this incredibly difficult time.

If You are Having Thoughts about Self-Harm or Suicide

Sometimes, in the midst of intense grief, it can be hard to see through the darkness of this time, but please know you are not alone. Round-the-clock live support is available to help you through the following services:

  • National Suicide Hotline: Call 9-8-8
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Maternal Mental Health Hotline:
    1-833-943-5746 (1-833-9-HELP4MOMS)

If you believe that you or someone you love is in imminent danger, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Building a Self-Care Tool Kit

Finding what works for you

Baby loss is often unexpected, and most parents are not prepared for the grief that follows. Birthing parents and partners who experience multiple losses may face new issues and feelings that compound their grief. When you are grieving, it can be hard to know how to deal with your emotions. A self-care “tool kit” is simply a collection of things you can do to support yourself after your loss.

Attending a peer support group, taking with a mentor, reading books about grief, following baby loss groups on social media, spending time with a pet, or just sitting on the couch and giving yourself some space to heal are all ways people gain strength after a pregnancy or infant loss. Discovering what strategies are most helpful to you and assembling your own “tool kit” is part of your personal grief journey.

Protecting Yourself from Unwanted Triggers

A few helpful things to do to take control

During your pregnancy, you likely started receiving mail, email, and ads from baby-related companies. Unfortunately, these communications will continue after your baby has died.

Unexpected reminders of your loss can be triggering so it may be helpful to take steps to reduce these intrusions. Dealing with unwanted emails and ads can be upsetting or frustrating so consider asking a friend or family member for help with this task.

Click on an option below to access step-by-step instructions.

Unwanted emails generally must be unsubscribed from individually. You can usually find a link to unsubscribe by scrolling to the bottom of the email.

Go to My Ad Center and select Customize Ads, then click on Sensitive to turn off the Pregnancy and parenting toggle.

In your profile menu, go to Settings and Privacy and select Settings, then Ad Preferences (on web, select Ads first). Under Ad Topics, use the search bar to enter topics you don’t want to see such as Pregnancy & Childbirth, Children & Parenting, and assorted categories under the keyword Baby. Select topics one at a time and choose Show less ads about this topic.

On your profile page, use the Three Horizontal Lines icon on the top right to go to Settings, then Ads, then Ad Topics. Use the search bar to enter topics you don’t want to see such as Pregnancy & Childbirth and Children & Parenting and select Show less ads about this topic.

Recommend A Resource

Help others heal by sharing what has worked for you

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Join our Peer Mentor Team

Support a peer who is new to grief

The Griffin Cares Peer Mentor Program is open to bereaved parents who have lived with loss for at least one year and feel that they are in a place in their grief journey where they can support someone else. Birthing parents and non-birthing partners are welcome to participate. All mentors must complete a training program and meet with our Peer Mentor Team prior to taking on a mentee. Ongoing support for mentors is provided.
Preferred Contact Method
Preferred Term

The following information will be used to match you with your mentee:
Your Loss Experience
Your Baby
Baby’s Birthday:
Loss Date:

Other Children (if applicable)

How did you hear about Griffin Cares?

Griffin Cares Support Registration

Our caring community is here for you

We are so sorry for the loss that has led you here. Our mission is to connect you with free peer support and resources to help you cope and heal after losing your precious baby. This one-time registration signs you up to receive ongoing information and meeting links for all Griffin Cares programs by email. Please fill out the form as completely as you are able. After you register, a member of our Peer Support Team will reach out to personally welcome you and answer any questions you may have.

How can we help?
I/we would like to attend a Support Group
I/we would like to be matched with a Peer Mentor
Contact Information (Birthing Parent)
Preferred Contact Method
Preferred Term
Contact Information (Partner)
Preferred Contact Method
Preferred Term
The following information will help us provide you with the best support. If you prefer not to answer, please let us know:
Your Loss Experience
Your Baby
Baby’s Birthday:
Loss Date:
Other Children (if applicable)
How did you hear about Griffin Cares?

If you have completed this form on behalf of a loved one or patient, please include your contact information in case we have any questions:

Griffin Cares offers a safe space for baby loss families to share peer to peer support in an inclusive, respectful environment. Our programs are not a substitute for professional therapy or medical care. Submitting this form provides your consent to treat all community members with kindness and respect and to honor the privacy and confidentiality of group and individual discussions.

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