Honoring Grief and Love on Bereaved Mother’s Day

Honoring Grief and Love on Bereaved Mother’s Day

Bereaved Mother’s Day is dedicated to acknowledging and supporting mothers who have endured the heartbreaking loss of a child at any stage. While this day honors all forms of maternal grief, at RPC we specifically focus on perinatal loss, and that will be the focus of this blog. We aim to provide support and resources for those navigating the particularly profound pain of losing a child during pregnancy or shortly after birth. Here are some thoughts and resources to help support those experiencing this type of loss.

Understanding Your Grief

Grief from perinatal loss is uniquely profound. It mingles the deep sorrow of what could have been with the physical and emotional aftermath of pregnancy. It is okay to feel a range of emotions—sadness, anger, confusion, and sometimes, relief. These feelings are normal and valid. Give yourself permission to feel them fully, without judgment.

Connecting with Your Child

1. Create a Memory Box: Collect items that remind you of your baby—ultrasound prints, a blanket, hospital bracelets, or letters you’ve written to them. This can be a healing way to honor your child’s memory.
2. Plant Something: Whether it’s a tree or a small indoor plant, planting something can be a powerful act of remembrance. As it grows, it serves as a living tribute to your child.
3. Light a Candle: This simple act can be a profound way to remember your baby. Light a candle at a special time of day and spend a few moments in reflection or meditation.

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Finding Support

1. Reach Out to Support Groups: Connecting with others who have experienced similar losses can be incredibly comforting. We offer a Complex Reproductive Journey support group at RPC that’s open and  you can join at any time.  Other organizations that support those going through perinatal loss include:  Postpartum Support International, The Christi Center (local), The Hope Group (local), Pregnancy After Loss (PALS), and Resolve.
2. Professional Help: Sometimes, the intensity of grief might feel too overwhelming to handle alone. Therapists specializing in grief or perinatal loss can provide valuable support through this difficult time.  Every clinician at RPC is trained in supporting people who have experienced any type of perinatal loss.

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Supporting Each Other

If you know someone who is grieving this Bereaved Mother’s Day, reaching out can mean a lot. Here are a few ways to offer your support:

1. Acknowledge Their Loss: Simply acknowledging the loss can mean so much. Use their child’s name and encourage them to share their feelings and memories if they feel comfortable.
2. Offer Practical Help: Sometimes, everyday tasks can seem monumental to someone in grief. Offering to help with chores, cooking, or even a task as simple as picking up groceries can be a big relief.
3. Just Be There: Often, the most powerful support you can offer is your presence. Listen to them, sit in silence if needed, and offer a shoulder to lean on.

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Finding Ways to Move Forward

Moving forward from grief doesn’t mean forgetting your child; it means finding a way to live with your loss, integrating it into your life, and allowing it to shape who you become. It’s about finding a balance between honoring your grief and embracing hope for the future.

Bereaved Mother’s Day is a day to remember, reflect, and heal. Whether you are a grieving mother or someone looking to support a bereaved mother, remember that this journey, though immensely challenging, is also one of deep love and connection. Your love for your child, like your journey through grief, is a testament to your strength and your capacity for love.

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