Loss

A comprehensive guide to grants, paid leave, and emotional support for families navigating pregnancy or infant loss in Canada. You deserve care and community.

Miscarriage and pregnancy loss are incredibly painful, no matter when they happen. But the way one experiences a first pregnancy loss compared to a loss as a parent can vary significantly. The intricacies surrounding these two types of losses are many, and understanding these differences can offer valuable insight into the healing process. We’ve outlined a few key aspects below, though this is by no means an exhaustive list, and your experience may not resonate with all of these points. However you process your loss is valid—it does not make you any more or less of a parent, nor does it diminish the significance of your grief.

Pregnancy loss and miscarriage can shake even the strongest of relationships. As much as you and your partner(s) are in this together, you’re also each having your own individual experiences. This often leads to deep feelings of loneliness, frustration, or even a sense of disconnect that can be difficult to navigate. You may find yourselves out of touch or feeling like you can’t fully relate to one another, even though you’re both grieving the same loss.

I’m no stranger to pregnancy loss, and neither are many women in my family. This lived experience gives me a deep empathy for friends who go through miscarriages or early pregnancy loss. But even with this personal history, I’ve found that showing up for someone who’s grieving can still feel daunting. For many of us, navigating any type of loss is challenging, and knowing how to be there for someone can feel overwhelming. Despite the fact that 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, it’s still a topic shrouded in shame and stigma, which makes it even harder to offer support or to ask for help.