Losing a pregnancy or baby through miscarriage, termination, still birth, or neo-natal death can leave a woman in emotional pain and grief for years. There is no time limit for this grief; women can also experience the after effects of trauma from the physical symptoms, treatment, or procedures related to the condition.
To acknowledge and support women through this loss, Chloe Dierkes brought the peer led support group, In Our hearts, to Bowen Island last year. Now Ella Solin and Mary Coleman have come together to continue this safe space of connection, belonging, and understanding with other women. “We both have experienced pregnancy loss and know first hand how important the need is for understanding and support. “Both women know how a person can feel isolated and confused when a loss like this can seem invisible to others.
Michelle Tyliakes, one of the founders of In Our Hearts support groups in the lower mainland, says she started the program because, “We want women to know that their babies do matter, their feelings matter”, and perhaps their sharing will help us all to feel a little lighter by attending the group.
The support group is open to absolutely anyone who has lost a child through termination, miscarriage, still birth and neonatal death at any point in their lives. Groups will be held monthly at the Caring Circle Health Resource Center. The next scheduled groups will be Thursday’s, 6:30-8:00pm, October 26, November 23, and January 25.
Registration is required (contact Mary or Ella at [email protected]). Voluntary donations will be put towards operating costs and the generous donation of the pace by the Caring Circle.
This group is LGBTQ inclusive.
