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LEARN · LOSS AND GRIEF

Pregnancy and infant loss

Losing a pregnancy or a baby is one of the most painful experiences a person can go through, and it's more common than many people realize. Your grief is valid, whenever and however the loss happened.

Losses and experiences I help with

  • Miscarriage

  • Ectopic pregnancy

  • Chemical pregnancy or failed transfer

  • Stillbirth

  • Termination for medical reasons

  • Mixed feelings after an abortion

  • Neonatal and infant death

  • Loss of a twin or multiple

01 — GRIEF AFTER LOSS

There's no right way to grieve

Grief after pregnancy or infant loss can be intense and unpredictable, and the world doesn't always recognize it. You may be grieving not just a pregnancy but a future you had already started to picture.

  • Deep sadness, numbness or shock

  • Guilt or wondering what you could have done differently

  • Anger, including at people who mean well

  • Pain around other people's pregnancies and babies

  • Physical reminders, like a changing body or milk coming in

  • Hard days around due dates and anniversaries

02 — WHEN GRIEF GETS STUCK

Loss can lead to depression, anxiety or trauma

Loss is a known risk factor for depression, anxiety and trauma during and after pregnancy. If grief stays overwhelming for months, or you're having panic, flashbacks or thoughts of not wanting to be here, it's time for extra support.

Learn about pregnancy and postpartum mental health →

03 — PREGNANCY AFTER LOSS

Hope and fear at the same time

A new pregnancy can bring hope alongside fear, hypervigilance and difficulty bonding. Many women hold back excitement, bracing for bad news. That's a normal response to loss, and support can help.

04 — PARTNERS GRIEVE TOO

Grieving differently, together

Partners often grieve in different ways and on different timelines, which can create distance just when you need each other most. Therapy can help you understand each other's grief.

Your loss matters

No matter how early it happened or how others reacted, you deserve space to grieve and support while you do.

HOW THERAPY HELPS

A place to hold your grief

Honor the loss

Space to talk about your baby and what this loss means to you.

Ease guilt and trauma

Work through self-blame, painful memories and the medical experience.

Look ahead, gently

Support for decisions about trying again and for pregnancy after loss.

RESOURCES

Loss support from Postpartum Support International

PSI offers free online support groups led by trained facilitators.

Loss and grief resources

PSI's hub for pregnancy and postpartum loss.

Pregnancy and infant loss group for moms

Weekly online support with others who understand.

Loss group for all parents

Support open to partners and parents of any gender.

Termination for medical reasons

A group specifically for TFMR.

Pregnancy after loss

Support while pregnant again after a loss.

Parenting after loss

For parents raising children after a loss.

Black Moms in Loss

A support group for Black mothers after loss.

PSI HelpLine

Call 1-800-944-4773 for support and resources.

This page is for general education and isn't a substitute for professional care. If you're worried about your safety, call or text 988, or call 911.

I'm here when you're ready

A free 15-minute consult, at your pace.

Let's talk