6 Resources To Support Those Suffering Pregnancy And Infant Loss

My son is a rainbow baby. I was a rainbow baby.

A rainbow baby is a healthy child born to a family that has previously experienced a pregnancy or infant loss, such as a miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, or neonatal death.

While the birth of a rainbow baby is beautiful and welcoming, what precedes this time is typically dark and full of grief and trauma. Yet many women suffer a miscarriage and are forced to immediately return to work. And if the mother to be was not yet showing, too many people feel it wasn’t really a loss and thus doesn’t require healing.

When a stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, or neonatal death occurs, the invisible pain is also beyond words and incredibly isolating. And yet, unlike mourning the loss of an older family member or loved one, there is little collective comforting and support for the person who was carrying the baby (babies).

We already know how marginalized and disempowered Black women are; particularly as it relates to all things maternal health. In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month which is observed every October, here are 6 trusted resources to help sisters navigate an unfortunate, and too often underacknowledged, time.

Pregnancy Loss Support Program (National Council of Jewish Women New York): Offers free telephone peer counseling, support groups, and resources for miscarriage, stillbirth, newborn death, or termination for fetal anomalies, as well as pregnancy after loss.

Chasing the Rainbows: Runs scheduled virtual weekly support groups via Zoom covering infant and pregnancy loss, pregnancy after loss, NICU loss, and grandparents’ support.

Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support: Features a national network of local chapters, face-to-face and online support groups, and private online communities.

Rachel’s Gift: Hosts free virtual Zoom support groups led by qualified counselors, including dedicated sessions for pregnancy/infant loss, men-only groups, and couples support.

Postpartum Support International (PSI): Provides specialized online loss and grief discussion groups for parents coping after perinatal or infant loss.

M.E.N.D. (Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death): Faith-based (Christian) non-profit organization offering local chapters, support groups, and newsletters for families enduring miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant loss.