For the Parents Navigating Life After Loss: Reflections and Resources for Bereaved Families

July marks Bereaved Parents Awareness Month, a time dedicated to honoring and supporting families who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of a child, whether during pregnancy, infancy, or beyond. As a birth and postpartum doula, my work often centers on holding space for families in joyful moments—but it’s just as important to acknowledge the families whose journey has taken a different, unimaginable path.

Loss in any form—miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal loss, or infant death—brings a grief that’s often invisible to the outside world. For many bereaved parents, the world keeps moving while their own feels frozen. This month, I want to take a pause with you… to reflect, honor, and offer resources that may help, even in the smallest way.

There’s No Right Way to Grieve

Grief is not linear. It doesn’t follow a timeline, and there is no “normal” when it comes to how you process the loss of your baby. Some parents feel numb. Others feel angry, broken, or full of questions. Some may want to talk about their baby often, while others may not have the words yet—or may never feel ready.

If you’re reading this as a parent who has experienced loss:

Your grief is valid. Your baby matters. Your story deserves space.

And if you’re someone supporting a grieving parent: The best gift you can give is to listen, offer your presence, and avoid trying to “fix” the grief.

Life After Loss: Ways to Honor Your Baby’s Memory

For some families, finding ways to honor and remember their baby can bring small moments of comfort. Life after loss might look different for everyone, but here are some meaningful ways to honor your baby:

• Creating a memory box with ultrasound photos, hospital bracelets, or small mementos.

• Planting a tree or flowers in their honor.

• Writing letters to your baby.

• Participating in remembrance events like walks, candlelight vigils, or pregnancy and infant loss awareness days.

• Wearing remembrance jewelry or carrying small tokens with you.

  
  

These acts don’t erase the grief—but they can help keep your baby’s memory alive in ways that feel personal and healing.

Finding Support: You Don’t Have to Walk This Alone

One of the hardest parts of pregnancy and infant loss is the isolation. Many parents feel like their grief is something they must carry in silence. But you deserve support, and there are communities and professionals who can walk beside you.

Here are a few resources that may help:

• Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support (national)

• The TEARS Foundation

• Return to Zero: HOPE (offers retreats and online support groups)

• Local loss support groups and community gardens including the Angel of Hope Memorial Garden in South Bend.

If you’re in the Michiana area, I’m always happy to help connect you to local grief counselors, support groups, or perinatal loss doulas who specialize in this kind of care.

Holding Space for You—This Month and Always

To every parent who carries the weight of loss: I see you. I honor your baby’s memory with you. Whether your loss was recent or many years ago, your experience matters.

If you ever want to share your story, ask questions about resources, or simply have someone listen without judgment—I’m here.

You are not alone.

If you’d like to explore more resources or connect with others in the community, please don’t hesitate to reach out.