Calgary Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support

Calgary Centre Provides Vital Support for Pregnancy And Infant Loss

calgary, Alberta – The Pregnancy And Infant Loss Support Centre (PILSC) is offering a lifeline to parents navigating the devastating experience of losing a baby. founded to address the unique grief associated with pregnancy loss and infant death, the centre provides a range of services tailored to support bereaved individuals and couples.

A Mother’s Story: Finding Solace After Loss

Nieva Burns, who experienced the heartbreak of losing her daughter Esther just 22 days after birth, shares her journey of grief and healing. Esther, despite being born prematurely, was “beautiful and tough.” The loss left Burns and her husband, Paul Rodgers, struggling to cope.

Their path to healing led them to the Pregnancy And Infant Loss Support Centre,where they found understanding and support that helped them navigate their grief.

The Genesis Of PILSC: A Personal Mission

Aditi Loveridge, a former social worker, established PILSC. her personal experiences with multiple miscarriages before the birth of her son fueled her dedication to supporting others facing similar losses.

“Losing a baby is a unique type of loss, and the nuances of grief are difficult for others to understand,” Loveridge explains. “its not only the loss of a baby or a pregnancy but a loss of trust in your body, and a loss of hopes and dreams.”

Navigating Well-Intentioned But Hurtful Comments

Burns recalls the sting of well-meaning but insensitive comments following Esther’s death. Remarks such as “At least you know you can get pregnant,” highlight a societal discomfort with openly discussing infant loss and pregnancy loss.

Loveridge emphasizes the societal challenge of discussing death,notably the death of a baby,which frequently enough leads to attempts to rush the grieving process.

The Power Of Connection And Art Therapy

For Burns, connecting with other parents who had experienced similar losses through PILSC proved invaluable. She found art therapy particularly helpful,describing it as a “gentle way” to process emotions when she wasn’t ready to confront them directly.

Practical Support: What To Say (And What To Do)

Loveridge offers practical advice for friends and family unsure of what to say to bereaved parents: skip the platitudes and offer practical support.

Burns echoes this sentiment, suggesting a simple act of kindness: “Just go straight to ‘I made you a casserole.’ That’s a good place to start.”

The Microdose Method: A Unique Approach to Grief

The Pregnancy And Infant Loss Support Centre utilizes what Loveridge terms the “microdose method.” This approach empowers bereaved parents to confront their grief in manageable increments and at their own pace. PILSC also provides peer support groups and crafting workshops to foster connection among loss-parents.

Did You Know? Approximately 10-15% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, according to recent studies.

Resources And Support Available

The Pregnancy And Infant Loss Support Centre offers various resources, including individual counselling, group therapy, and online support. These services are designed to provide a safe and understanding surroundings for those grieving the loss of a child.

The Public Health Agency of Canada offers additional facts on pregnancy and infant loss.

Understanding Pregnancy and Infant loss: Key Facts

Aspect	Details
Support Centre focus	pregnancy Loss, Infant Death, Infertility Grief counselling
PILSC’s Unique Method	Microdose Method: Processing grief in small, manageable steps.
Additional Services	Peer support groups, crafting/workshop events for connection.

Evergreen Insights On Coping With Loss

While grief is a deeply personal experience, experts emphasize the importance of self-care, seeking professional help when needed, and allowing oneself to feel the full range of emotions. Support networks, whether formal or informal, play a crucial role in the healing process.

Pro Tip: Creating a memory box or journal can be a therapeutic way to honor the baby and process your grief.

Remember that healing is not linear, and it’s okay to have good days and bad days. Patience and self-compassion are vital during this difficult time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support

• Question: What is the Pregnancy And Infant Loss support Centre?
  Answer: The Pregnancy And Infant Loss Support Centre (PILSC) provides support and resources to individuals and couples who have experienced pregnancy loss,infant death,or infertility.
• Question: How does the Pregnancy And infant Loss Support Centre help?
  Answer: PILSC offers counselling, peer support groups, and workshops to help bereaved parents navigate their grief and find community.
• Question: What is the “microdose method” used by the Pregnancy And Infant Loss Support Centre?
  Answer: The “microdose method” encourages individuals to approach their grief in small, manageable doses, allowing them to process their emotions at their own pace.
• Question: Where is the Pregnancy And Infant Loss Support Centre located?
  Answer: The Pregnancy And Infant Loss Support Centre is located in Calgary, Alberta, and serves the surrounding community.
• Question: Are there online resources available from the Pregnancy And Infant Loss Support Centre?
  Answer: Yes, PILSC offers online resources and support groups for those unable to attend in-person sessions.

Have you or someone you know been affected by pregnancy or infant loss? What resources have you found most helpful? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

What are the specific support groups offered by alberta Health Services (AHS) for pregnancy and infant loss, and how can I find out more information about them?

Calgary Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support: A Guide to Healing and Resources

Experiencing the loss of a pregnancy or an infant is a profoundly painful experience. If you are searching for Calgary Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support, you’re not alone. This article provides extensive information about the resources available in Calgary to help you navigate grief, find support, and begin the healing process. We’ll cover everything from counseling and support groups to specific organizations and services designed to help parents cope with miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death.

Understanding Pregnancy & Infant Loss

Before diving into available resources, it’s essential to understand the different types of loss and the emotional impact they can have. pregnancy loss encompasses a range of experiences, including:

• Miscarriage: Loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation.
• Stillbirth: The death of a baby after 20 weeks of gestation.
• Neonatal Death: The death of a newborn infant within the first 28 days of life.
• Termination for Medical reasons (TFMR): Pregnancy termination due to severe fetal abnormalities or maternal health concerns.

Grief is a complex emotion, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. Common reactions to pregnancy and infant loss include sadness,anger,guilt,anxiety,and physical symptoms. Seeking professional help and support is vital during this challenging time.

Calgary Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Services

Calgary offers a variety of services designed to support families through their grief. These resources provide a safe and understanding environment to process emotions and find comfort:

Counselling & therapy

Individual and couples counselling provides a space for families to discuss their experiences and develop coping strategies.Therapists specializing in grief and loss can offer guidance and support tailored to your specific needs.

Alberta Health Services (AHS), as indicated in [1], offers counselling and grief support as part of their Pregnancy and Infant Loss Program. They offer individual or couples counselings as a form of support.

Support Groups

Joining a grief support group allows you to connect with others who have experienced similar losses. Sharing your story and hearing from others can provide validation,reduce feelings of isolation,and foster a sense of community. Support groups can offer a sense of comfort and belonging.

AHS offers grief support groups as part of their Pregnancy and Infant Loss Program.

Organizations and Programs

Several organizations in Calgary are dedicated to providing specialized support and resources to families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. These organizations frequently enough provide a range of services including resources information, memorial services and events, and peer support.

Finding the Right Support: Practical Tips

• Do Your Research: Explore the different services available (counselling, support groups, etc.) in Calgary and how they could help.
• contact services: Don’t hesitate to contact the organizations or counsellors, ask questions and find out more about their services.
• Be Patient: Grief takes time. allow yourself time to heal and find what methods work best for you.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Practice activities that help you cope, such as exercise, meditation, or creative expression.
• Build Your support System: Lean on friends, family, and your support network. Be open about your needs.

Essential Resources

Here are key resources to get you started:

Resource	Description	Contact Information (Example)
Alberta Health Services (AHS) – Pregnancy & Infant Loss Program	offers grief support, include individual/couples counselling and support groups.	https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/programs/ps-preg-infant-loss-pamphlet.pdf

Note: Contact information is example data and may vary. Always verify information before use.

The Path to Healing

Navigating pregnancy and infant loss is an incredibly arduous journey. Remember that support is available, and healing is possible. By utilizing the resources and services available in Calgary, you can find the help you need to cope with grief and begin to heal.