Updated infant loss support group

Tigger & pooh

has anyone been to one?nbsp; I am looking into one at a hospital near by and wonder what they are like?nbsp; Is there usually a topic?nbsp;Speaker?nbsp; Anyone and everyone talks about whatever they like?nbsp; I had to leave a message so hopefully someone from the hospital will call me back.nbsp;

So I went and it was very small. One other mom and one other couple. It was ok. It felt strange talking about it out loud. I found myself saying I was crazy a lot. I will go again next month though.

jess123456

That's great that you are considering attending one. I have been to two different groups and they operated differently. The first one we basically went around and shared our experiences which can be extremely painful to do the first time (I cried the entire time). The second group had a speaker and we then shared our feedback after that. I am sure the person at the hospital will explain the format so you can get a better idea of what to expect.

The first time I went I was VERY overwhelmed but left feeling as though I was glad I went. It is a lot to take in but the support in real life can be really amazing.

If the first group doesn't seem like the best fit for you I do encourage you to try out another. Let us know how it goes. 

jebretz

I have been to one (two times) and am attending a second one for the first time tonight.  I agree with PP, they are all different.  The one I have been to had just sharing one month, a speaker the next, but time for sharing after.  I found it extremely helpful.  It is nice to be able to talk to people without being afraid of them saying something stupid or feeling uncomfortable. 

Heatherhah

I go to two different support groups and I truly love my loss ladies with out them I would have been nuts those first few months. They kept me going.  I go monthly to a local group of loss moms it is just a small group we meet at a church and talk about our month. The other one runs though my grief counselor it is every other month. These ladies really do help and it helps to know that I was not crazy the few weeks and months after we lost Sydney. The one I go to every other month is a scrapbook event we sit around and make scrapbooks of our angels usually or ornaments or just talk they are wonderful ladies. Some are pregnant with their rainbows so be prepared for that. It can be hard seeing others pregnant . I had a hard time at first but then I became one of those pregnant ones. So i have been on all sides of the group if that makes sense.

Typically at both you tend to tell your story and listen to others and then chat about issues you may be having or feelings you are having.

Good luck- Heather 

 

 

jess123456

Heatherhah:

Some are pregnant with their rainbows so be prepared for that. It can be hard seeing others pregnant .

Yes I forgot to mention this. I guess I wasn't expecting this but there were quite a few ladies pregnant with their rainbows at my groups too. 

The other thing I realized from the groups is that like on this board, while all of our experiences are a bit different we all understand what it's like to have experienced the loss of a child. I don't know anyone in person other than the ladies in my groups who can sadly relate to this so it has been comforting to know that I am not alone and that others have similar feelings.

HullGut

You guys are so lucky to have such great support groups.  I went to one and everyone had been going together for a long time. I felt like an outsider. It was also hard because I was so new. I cried through the whole thing. The group leader just let the group flow. It just wasn't my thing. I wish there was a support group I could join and heal with. I have a therapist and she is helpful. 

Bayberry12

HullGut:

You guys are so lucky to have such great support groups.  I went to one and everyone had been going together for a long time. I felt like an outsider. It was also hard because I was so new. I cried through the whole thing. The group leader just let the group flow. It just wasn't my thing. I wish there was a support group I could join and heal with. I have a therapist and she is helpful. 

I'm so sorry you felt uncomfortable at the group.  The first time I went to my group it was mixed with early and late losses (I didn't like that) but when one of the women was talking about her miscarriage, I was the one crying the whole time!  Now, the group is much smaller, (the people who had early losses have moved on) and I still cry most of the time I am there!  I feel like it's a place for me to let things out.  I'm glad your therapist is helpful! 

HullGut

Thank you so much. Maybe I will try to go back someday. I would love to find a good group.