Perinatal & Infant Loss Support
Compassionate resources for individuals and families experiencing pregnancy loss, stillbirth, newborn death, infant loss, or the ending of a wanted pregnancy.
You Don’t Have to Grieve Alone
Pregnancy and infant loss can bring profound grief, whether the loss happened early in pregnancy, later in pregnancy, at birth, or after birth. Feelings can include sadness, shock, anger, numbness, love, guilt, or uncertainty—sometimes all at once.
Loss Can Take Many Forms
Pregnancy Loss
Loss at any stage of pregnancy can carry real grief and deserves care and acknowledgement.
Stillbirth
Families may need emotional support, remembrance options, practical information, and specialized peer connection.
Newborn or Infant Loss
The death of a newborn or infant can affect parents, siblings, extended family, and close supports.
Ending a Wanted Pregnancy
Families ending a wanted pregnancy for medical or personal reasons may experience complex and often disenfranchised grief.
A Gentle Reminder
Your grief is real, and your baby matters. No matter when or how a loss happened, your love, hopes, and connection deserve care and acknowledgement.
Ways to Care for Yourself
- Let trusted people know what kind of support feels helpful.
- Take things one day—or one hour—at a time.
- Rest, eat, and hydrate as you are able.
- Create remembrance through photographs, letters, names, rituals, or keepsakes.
- Connect with a counsellor, peer-support group, or trusted support person.
- Plan ahead for difficult dates, appointments, holidays, and milestones.
Partners, Siblings & Family
Pregnancy and infant loss affects whole families. Parents may grieve differently and need different forms of support. Siblings may have questions or show grief through play, behaviour, or changes in routine. Honest, age-appropriate conversations and grief-informed support can help.
Pregnancy & Infant Loss Network
PAIL Network is a provincial program of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. It provides no-cost support to Ontario families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss.
Ryan’s Crossing provides non-medical guidance and general educational information. This page is not a substitute for medical, mental-health, legal, or emergency advice. Contact an appropriately qualified professional for advice about your circumstances.