Loss & Grief Archives

“Many mothers struggle because they feel guilty grieving while also feeling grateful their baby is receiving life-saving care. But two things can be true: gratitude and grief can exist at the same time. You can be incredibly thankful for the NICU staff while also mourning the experience you hoped to have.” When Birth Doesn't Go as Planned: The Emotional Impacts of a NICU Stay on Mothers By Kailynn Klepfer, LCSW-S, PMH-C

Loss & Grief, Perinatal Anxiety, Perinatal PTSD, PSI Blog

When Birth Doesn’t Go as Planned: The Emotional Impacts of a NICU Stay on Mothers

If you have experienced a NICU stay, know that your emotions are valid. Discover insights on healing and coping in this challenging time.

Blog español, Loss & Grief, Perinatal

Visibilizar lo invisible: el poder social del cuidado

El cuidado de un RN arcoíris en UCIN requiere mucho más que atención clínica. Enfermería acompaña a las familias desde la empatía, comunicación y respeto, creando un entorno donde la ciencia y la humanidad se encuentran.

“Weaning can bring real emotional shifts because of hormonal changes in the body, not just thoughts or circumstances. A therapist, peer support group, or healthcare provider trained in perinatal mental health can help you process both the grief and the biology behind what you’re feeling. Mood changes, anxiety, or sadness during weaning are common and treatable — you do not have to carry them alone.” The quiet grief of not feeding the way you planned By Iza Thiago-Munoz, MA, IBCLC

Loss & Grief, Perinatal, PSI Blog

The Quiet Grief of Not Feeding the Way You Planned

Discover the complex feelings surrounding when breastfeeding ends. It is normal to feel sadness and confusion during this transition.

“Support for dads is not about pulling them away from their partner’s grief. It is about recognizing that both parents are grieving. When a dad is supported well, he is often better able to support his partner, care for his family, and stay connected to himself. He does not have to choose.” Building Connection and Support: Black Dads in Loss A Conversation with Kelly Jean-Philippe, MDiv, Dad Coach

BIPOC Families, Dads & Partners, Loss & Grief, PSI Feature

Building Connection and Support: Black Dads in Loss

Discover the importance of community for bereaved dads through PSI's Black Dads in Loss Support Group, founded by Kelly Jean-Philippe.

Blog español, Loss & Grief, Perinatal

El anhelo que nadie ve: infertilidad, pérdida y salud mental en la mujer latina

Este blog explora el impacto emocional de la infertilidad y la pérdida gestacional en la mujer latina, abordando el duelo invisible, la presión cultural y la importancia de la salud mental perinatal.

“In clinical work with birth parents over the years, I’ve found that there is no singular way to feel, respond, or honor this season. For some birth parents, Birth Mother’s Day feels like a meaningful opportunity to be seen. For others, it may bring up grief, loss, or a sense of being set apart…This is the nature of grief and identity in adoption: it is not either/or. It is both/and. And within that duality, birth parents deserve to be witnessed fully in their motherhood.” Birth Mother's Day Honoring Birth Mothers: Holding Space for Both Mother’s Day and Birth Mother’s Day By Emily Morehead, PhD candidate, LPC-S, PMH-C

Loss & Grief, Perinatal, PSI Blog

Birth Mother’s Day

Celebrate Birth Mother's Day and recognize the unique experiences of birth mothers who have placed children for adoption.

“As an adult child, there is something uniquely painful in facing motherhood without a connection to your own mother. Regardless of the reason, motherless mothering is lonely, isolating, and often suffered in silence.” Mother's Day Without a Mother | Estrangement and Grief By Emily Morehead, PhD candidate, LPC-S, PMH-C

Families & Support People, Loss & Grief, PSI Blog

Mother’s Day Without a Mother | Estrangement and Grief

Explore the concept of being a motherless mother and the complexities of estrangement while parenting in your own family.

“At every stage of your baby’s life, it can be grounding to remember the strength it took to bring them into the world, and to trust that same resilience within you as you continue to care for and respond to their needs. You can’t erase the infertility journey after giving birth and parenting.” National Infertility Awareness Month & Motherhood After Infertility By Emily Morehead, PhD candidate, LPC-S, PMH-C

Loss & Grief, Perinatal, PSI Blog

National Infertility Awareness Month & Motherhood After Infertility

Infertility affects many but is often misunderstood. Learn why awareness matters, as many face family planning challenges.

“Whether your challenges have involved loss, infertility, or both, there comes a time where you'll need to find a peace that is your own. Just as each person may have a different vision of what their life would have been like, we can each have a different journey in healing.” Parenthood After Loss and Infertility By Vasthie Arteaga, M.D., PMH-C

Loss & Grief, PSI Blog

Parenthood After Loss and Infertility

Delve into the poignant realities of parenthood after loss, where memories of the past coexist with the joys of the present.

“Postpartum healing is not just physical. It’s emotional. It’s mental. And it deserves care, compassion, and community.” By Rachell M. Dumas, MSN, RN, DNP(c)

BIPOC Families, Loss & Grief, Survivor Stories of Hope

From Loss to Light: My Journey Through Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Healing Forward

Uncover a poignant postpartum story of heartbreak and triumph. Experience a journey from nine losses to joyful motherhood.

Blog español, Loss & Grief

La importancia de tener un lugar privado en el ámbito hospitalario para las mujeres que pierden un bebé

La pérdida gestacional o perinatal es un dolor profundo que requiere respeto y privacidad. Un espacio privado en el hospital permite vivir el duelo con dignidad. Estos espacios favorecen la recuperación emocional y un duelo sin estigma.

Blog español, Loss & Grief

El hijo no nacido: un duelo desautorizado

Perder un hijo antes de conocerlo deja una huella invisible y profunda. Este blog busca dar voz al duelo perinatal y recordar que incluso las despedidas tempranas merecen ser honradas y acompañadas con amor y empatía.

Survivor Stories "My journey gives me a different perspective and level of empathy for those walking a similar path.” —Corey

Loss & Grief, Perinatal Anxiety, Perinatal PTSD, Survivor Stories of Hope

Corey’s Story: Working Through Grief and Loss in Pregnancy and Postpartum

Explore the complexities of pregnancy loss and gain insights on coping with grief and moving forward through the personal story of a mental health therapist.