The Perinatal Loss Project – Centre for Reproductive Loss

Perinatal Loss Project

Perinatal loss is a devastating experience that can feel isolating and lonely, despite the fact that many families and individuals go through it. It is an experience that merits support and attention; spaces for healing and open dialogue about its many complexities. This project has been a long time in the making and is the result of numerous conversations among birth professionals, community workers, and especially those with lived experience. We come together with great anticipation, along with many partners and supportive community members, to address a gap that has been identified by so many for so long. If perinatal loss has touched you personally, please consider donating via the link below. For more information about the project, connect with us on social media for updates. Perinatal loss affects a significant number of families. In Quebec, an estimated 23,000 families are affected by the death of a baby each year, with the numbers nearly quadrupling for Canada. The impact is immense and warrants support and community attention.

Perinatal loss includes infertility during the preconception period, fetal death during pregnancy (leading to miscarriage, induced abortion, and/or stillbirth), fetal death during the process of birth, and infant death in the first year of life. Suffering the loss of a baby affects not only the birthing parents but also their extended family and friends, necessitating support to address the physical, emotional, and mental effects of this loss.

Grief is expressed differently by everyone, and a suitable space is needed to hold all the manifestations and iterations of perinatal loss grief. As community and healthcare workers, our role is crucial in supporting families experiencing loss at any point during the perinatal care journey.

Millie

As the Executive Director of The Family Care Collective and a long-time community advocate, I am a passionate supporter of community and deeply believe in its ability to impact our physical, emotional, and mental health. On a personal note regarding perinatal loss, my mother suffered three losses: a baby who passed away in utero and two who lived for several days before dying in hospital. My mother has also passed away since then, but I know she carried these losses all her life. My name, Milagros, means "miracle" in Spanish, reflecting a rainbow baby. Professionally, as a doula, I have supported many families through perinatal losses, and each experience remains in my heart, honored yearly, and I continue to stay in touch with these dear families. I am aware of the insufficient resources available, the grief that needs to be held and acknowledged, and I feel the frustration of a community worker who sees the need but cannot find adequate support for this grieving community. Last year, I aimed to initiate something but had other priorities. This year, as we approach October 2024, I am excited to offer something special: a space to grieve, be uplifted, be seen, learn together, and find community.

Laura

Reproductive loss support is a cause that is profoundly close to my heart. With 20 years of experience in education, including master’s degrees in Neuropsychology and Psycho-pedagogical Intervention in Educational Contexts, I am certified in reproductive loss grief care, trauma care, birth and reproductive trauma, and perinatal mental health. My personal journey of loss—having lost three babies—opened my eyes to the harsh reality faced by thousands of individuals who experience reproductive loss every day. Many of these individuals have no support or resources available to them during their time of grief. This has driven me to dedicate my career to building a culture where grief due to reproductive loss is no longer neglected, avoided, or misunderstood. I am committed to providing the support and resources that bereaved parents need, helping them navigate their grief, and advocating for a society that acknowledges and understands the profound impact of reproductive loss.

All the information published on this website, or in any article herein is true and accurate to the best of the authors' knowledge.
Information on this site is a resource only and should not be a substitute for medical advice. No liability is assumed by the Centre for Reproductive Loss, employees, and volunteers,
for losses suffered by any person or organization relying directly or indirectly on information published on this site. Views expressed in any article are the views of the authors.

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Welcome to the Perinatal Loss Project.

Urban Retreat

Group Session

Millie

Laura