Peer Support Programs

Experiencing the loss of a pregnancy or the death of a baby is devastating. But you aren’t alone. Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) Network is here to help, with peer-led group and individual support services offered at no cost to families across Ontario who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss.  Our support services are available to residents of Ontario.

Our support programs are led by trained volunteers who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss first-hand. We are a barrier-free, inclusive organization. We can provide interpreters in several languages, at a family’s request.

We know that there is no time limit on grief. For this reason, families can access our services at any time for as long as they need.

For more information about the measures that PAIL Network takes to ensure a comfortable and welcoming group environment for families, please click PAIL Network Group Support Experience: Information for Participants.

To access support from PAIL Network, please fill out our Request for Support Form.

Mixed Loss Support Groups

We recognize how important it is for families to feel a connection to others who have experienced a similar loss, and to talk about their loss in a safe space.

These groups are facilitated by a PAIL Network group facilitator who has a lived experience of loss and has successfully completed the training required to host a support group. Information about the date, time and login details of each group is provided to families after they have completed their PAIL Network request for support form. Families can attend a support group for as long as they would like. These groups are typically attended by bereaved parents, and are open to any other adult family members who have been impacted by the loss.

Starting on March 24th 2022, our mixed loss support group will only meet as a drop in group on the 4th Thursday of each month from 8pm-9pm. 

One-to-one Peer Phone Support

Many families, particularly during the days and weeks immediately following their loss, will choose to begin receiving support with a one-to-one phone support session. This individual support connects families with a volunteer who is as closely matched to the family’s circumstances as possible, and often can be someone who lives in the same community.

Phone support volunteers have a lived experience of loss, and have completed the training required to meet the unique needs of families who are grieving the loss of their pregnancy or of their baby.

Families typically complete four, 45-minute phone sessions with a phone support volunteer. Following these four sessions, families can contact PAIL Network if they wish to continue receiving support.

Pregnancy After Loss Support

We welcome all families in Ontario who are currently pregnant after a loss to join our after loss support group.  We understand this can be a difficult and stressful time for families, and invite you to share with others.  This online scheduled group is hosted the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, and a link will be provided after registration.  Please complete a Request for Support Form for specific details.

Loss Specific Online Support

PAIL Network offers peer-led online support to all families across Ontario who have experienced a pregnancy loss or an infant death.  Our team of trained volunteers are now providing support during scheduled online meetings that you can access from the comfort of home. These online groups connect families who share a similar experience of loss, and these discussions are moderated by a peer support volunteer who also shares that experience. Please complete a Request for Support Form for group dates and specific details.

• 1st Trimester Loss Specific Online Group – every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 8:00pm – 9:00pm EST.
• 2nd Trimester Loss Specific Online Group – every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 8:00pm – 9:00pm EST.
• 3rd Trimester Loss Specific Online Group – every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 8:00pm – 9:00pm EST.
• Infant/Neonatal Loss Specific Online Group – every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 8:00pm – 9:00pm EST.
• SUID/SIDS Loss Specific Online Group – every 2nd Thursday of the month at 9:00pm – 10:00pm EST.
• Termination of Pregnancy Online Group – every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 8:00pm – 9:00pm EST.
• Pregnancy After Loss Online Group – every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 8:00pm – 9:00pm EST.
• Partners in Grief Online Support – every 4th Wednesday of the month at 8:00pm – 9:00pm EST.
• Grief After Abortion Online Support Group –  every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 8:00pm – 9:00 EST.
• Parenting Through Grief Online Support Group –  every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 8:00pm – 9:00 EST.

Grief After Abortion Online Support

We are always listening and learning from families about the potential gaps in pregnancy and infant loss support. We have learned that there is an unmet need for families who have experienced an elective abortion, and in response to this need, PAIL Network is providing Grief After Abortion support through online peer support groups.

Starting Wednesday April 13, 2022 from 8-9pm we are offering online peer support groups for elective abortion. This open support group will be facilitated by two peer support volunteers with a lived experience of an elective abortion and will be held on every 2nd Wednesday of the month. We know that there isn’t a timeline or structure to when individuals are ready to reach out for support, so these groups are always available for drop in once individuals are given the access link. To access our support services, individuals must complete our Request for Support form. If a professional is referring an individual, we ask that they complete our Professionals Referral Form.

Parenting Through Grief

Grieving a pregnancy and infant loss while parenting living children can be very challenging. While the weight of grief is inevitable, talking with others about navigating your own grief while parenting and supporting children can be very helpful. Join others in this monthly online support group to share in your grief and parenting experience.

Starting Wednesday May 11, 2022 from 8-9pm we are offering online peer support groups for parenting through grief. This open support group will be facilitated by two peer support volunteers with a lived experience of navigating grief while parenting. This group will be held on every 2nd Wednesday of the month, 8-9pm. We know that there isn’t a timeline or structure to when individuals are ready to reach out for support, so these groups are always available for drop in once individuals are given the access link. To access our support services, individuals must complete our Request for Support form. If a professional is referring an individual, we ask that they complete our Professionals Referral Form.

To access support from PAIL Network, please fill out our Request for Support Form.