Finding Community: Support Groups and Online Spaces for Healing

Your healing journey after a miscarriage is a unique experience. Not everyone’s healing path looks the same and not every tip will help every person heal. However, finding someone to confide in when you are feeling those tough emotions, is a great place to start your healing journey. Many women are able to confide in their partner, as they have suffered a loss too. It can also be therapeutic to talk to someone who has gone through a similar experience.

There are many support groups online and in person. In this post, I’ve created a list of the top support groups and articulated why they may be helpful to you. You can also inquire about in person support groups with your physician. Some may be offered at your local health care facility. If there isn’t an in person support group in your area, and you are up to the task, consider creating your own. Start by gauging interest on Facebook to better reach the community.

Online Support Groups

There are so many online support groups covering this topic. The key is to find the one that resonates with you. Find the people whom you can relate to and don’t be afraid to leave, unfollow, or block unsupportive groups and people from your life.

Chasing Rainbows offers many different virtual support groups you can sign up for on their website. They also offer a mentor program and information about how to choose which group is best for you. Visit their website for more intonation and resources. All of their groups are offered online for free.

Empty Arms Bereavement Support also offers many different support groups via Zoom. Their groups are categorized by type of loss, support groups by identity, and other. Their other category offers groups pertaining to trying again after loss and new baby after loss support groups. I love that these last two groups are offered because commonly it is believed that you are “healed” after having another baby, but that is usually not the case.

The Miscarriage Association offers a live chat on their website where you can speak to an expert in real time. Per their website, the chat is available only on certain days and times. However, it can be a helpful resource when you are seeking an individual that is unbiased and educated on the subject of miscarriage. They also offer many resources for learning as well as groups for support.

Not sure which resource is right for you? Don’t get caught up in all the details. The most important part is to start. Simply pick one and join a group. If the group isn’t right for you, try a different group. You may never find the exactly perfect group, however, if you find one that is helpful in your healing process, that is a great find.

Finding a Social Media Support Group

Social media can be extremely toxic, or it can be a source of support. When tailoring your social media accounts to yourself, be mindful of who you follow and support. There are many supportive socials out there, you just have to find them. One account I love is The Worst Girl Gang Ever. They have a website, Instagram, and a podcast that helps to curate a supportive community in the taboo subject of pregnancy loss.

Search for support groups on Facebook but be mindful that you should never seek medical advice from anyone who isn’t a medical professional. If you have questions about aftercare, contact your provider. These groups are to help with the emotional side of pregnancy loss. Try search terms such as “pregnancy loss support group,” “miscarriage support,” or insert your situation “support groups.” If there is not a group that meets your needs, consider starting one of your own.

Instagram can also be another resounding resource. Although, Instagram is less about the actual group, and more about delving into a learning and inspirational journey individually. Be mindful of who you follow and how they make you feel. Don’t be afraid to unfollow, you can always follow them again in the future if you decide to. Check out the Tired Mama Confessions Instagram for support and more insight.

Although it would be my first stop, Pinterest also can be a source of healing information. Again, less about groups on Pinterest and more about your individual healing journey. You can pin blogs and articles for later review and can even keep a secret board if you are more private.

In Person Support Groups

A great source for finding support groups in your community is to speak to your healthcare team. Perhaps you don’t want to schedule a consult with your doctor, just call the practice you were seen and ask to speak to a nurse instead. Nurses hold a plethora of information including ways to support your unique journey. They can likely point you in the direction of finding a support group or point you directly to one.

In my case, I was given information about support groups post D&C. It was a pamphlet from my local hospital detailing when the support groups occurred and what was discussed in them. If you’re nervous about talking to the nurse on the phone, write down what you want to say first. If you are able, you can also send them a message via your healthcare portal.

Another source to check for locating in person support groups in your area is Facebook. Simply use the search function and keywords such as “Miscarriage Support Group Near Me.” The same phrase can also be Googled.

Creating Your Own Support Group

If none of the above groups resonate with you, consider creating your own group or resources. Personally, that is exactly what I did. I don’t yet offer a collaborative group for healing, but I do offer information and support to individuals.

The first step is to define what topic or topics you want to steer your group towards. Then, establish the goals and rules of your group. For example, a rule may be there is no talk of trying to conceive in your group because it is solely for mothers grieving loss. Decide what platform to offer your group on. It is fairly straightforward to set up a Facebook group, but hosting your own website may be more complex.

Decide how much time to dedicate to the group and make sure you have a clear definition of your purpose prior to jumping in. Also, consider if you will share the group on your personal page or remain more anonymous. Consider time restraints and if you’d like to enlist others help to moderate your group.

Final Thoughts

Whether you decide to attend an in person group, attend a virtual group/discussion, or create your own – the important part is to start. Don’t get too mixed up in the little details. If you join a group and it doesn’t resonate with you, feel free to leave and find one that does. If you need assistance finding a group, try teaching out to your healthcare team. If you’d like even more online resources, check out the miscarriage section of this site or my contact page to reach me personally.

Have you found a group that has aided significantly in your healing journey? Please share it below and share what you love about it. Is it free to join and can you share a direct link for others?