Losing a child is one of the most devastating experiences a parent can face. During this deeply painful time, finding support after infant loss can help you begin the journey toward healing. Whether it’s through shared stories, group therapy, or digital tools, the power of community is often the bridge between despair and hope.
Grief Support Groups for Parents: When Grief Divides Us
After my infant son passed away and we moved through the stages of grief, we found that being on the roller coaster of grief together created feelings of anger and bitterness between us.
There were days when my husband was feeling a little stronger. He would come home from work with an upbeat attitude and share his day with a positive outlook. On the other hand, I would have experienced a sad day and felt envious of his improved mood. I felt anger that he did not hurt the way I did. I felt like he did not care as much as I did. My husband did not confirm any of these thoughts. It was grief.
Emotional Support After Losing a Baby: Understanding Grief in Marriage
On these days, which were more frequent than ever, we were not able to support each other. We were both on the roller coaster ride together, and one partner did not have the strength to pull the other off. Arguing and hurting one another with our cruel words was putting our marriage in jeopardy. Yet, we could not seem to stop.
Shared Grief Experiences: How Community Transforms Pain
I decided I would try to seek some support. At the time when our infant son died, there was not a lot of support available. It was just pure luck that I found an informal group that gathered once a week. A social worker oversaw the group, but it was story-sharing and finding comfort in the similarities of our experiences.
The first experience in the group changed everything for us. During the sharing, we quickly realized that we were not alone. We thought that things were crazy, but we discovered others were experiencing the same crazy. It was so comforting, and we even had some opportunities to laugh with each other.
Healing After Child Loss: A Turning Point in Our Journey
In hindsight, this was a turning point in our marriage. We found love, forgiveness and patience for each other. We understood that each of us was experiencing profound grief. Our loss was the same. We had both lost our son. No one was doing better than the other, and we were grieving differently.
Finding a group or grief support group for parents where you can share your story and find strength in shared grief experiences is a gift of healing and hope.
Community Healing After Miscarriage: The Need for Real Human Connection
When we experienced our loss, technology was not available. That was good; we had to see people in person to get support.
At the same time, it was well into the grief, and we had allowed our situation to get rough before we felt we could even go out of our home and talk about our loss.
Sometimes, our deepest pain is in the early days. I had a phrase to describe how I felt. “My skin felt like it was peeling off of my bones.” The discomfort was so intense. It was often in the middle of the night when the demons would take over, and I could find no comfort. I needed community, support, and coping strategies, and light at the end of a long tunnel right then and there.
Technology and Grief Support: Modern Tools for Emotional Healing
As I reflect on my own experience and what would have been so helpful, I think of the women and families of today. Technology and grief support now go hand-in-hand, offering access to healing tools around the clock.
As I walked in the forest with my dog, I listened to the wind in the trees and felt the peace of nature. I asked, “What could I do to support women of today?” Waking up in the morning and searching the internet for a course or a support group that only has an offering next week did not resonate with me.
I walked further and allowed myself to be open to what might work for women in deep pain.
It is a fantastic thing. If you open yourself to the answers you are looking for and are not attached to any particular answer, they will come.
Digital Community Support After Infant Loss: A Vision for 24/7 Healing
I have found a passion beyond sharing my story in my book. The answer resonated with me, and after sharing the idea with others, I found it resonated with them, too.
Currently, I am creating an app that provides 24/7 support after infant loss, customized for every parent’s unique experience. The support will accommodate all different stages of grief and all different ways of finding comfort. We are all unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all.
It is available 24/7. You should never feel alone. It will help you face your fears when you feel afraid. It will allow you to chat with others who can share their stories and give you strength. It will provide education that supports understanding and offers answers to your questions. Sequences are those you build yourself to get you started and help you throughout the day. You can even earn points and rewards for completing your sequence each day. You can add on and customize each stage in this journey.
It is a beautiful win-win. You receive the support you need, and you help others as they work through their grief stories.
Would You Like to Help Shape a Safe Space for Healing?
As I am in the process of developing an app aimed at supporting women and families navigating the grief journey after pregnancy loss and infant death.
Your perspective is critical to me, and I would love to hear your thoughts on what features or resources you find most helpful in such an app. Your input would be invaluable in creating something meaningful, whether it’s a specific type of support, educational content, or community features.
Please share your thoughts together, we can create something that truly uplifts and heals.
Warm regards,
Lori
