Grief Tending

flock of birds flying above the mountain during sunset

Grief Tending in Community for anyone affected by baby loss

Where there is sorrow, there is holy ground.

Oscar Wilde

It is hard to put words to the extent that the loss of a child, a pregnancy or hope of conception can reach. Sometimes it can feel like the world we thought we knew is unravelling after a loose thread has been  pulled and snagged the whole cloth. Grief can be unreasonable, savage and wild. This page is about our approach to grief and the community events we offer.

We know that no two families experience grief the same way, every situation is different. However a common feeling can be one of loneliness and isolation, especially if support from family, friends and healthcare professionals fades over time. Grief can have a lifelong impact, with feelings resurfacing months, or years after an event, sometimes triggered by subsequent pregnancies or milestones. The Nest offers a friendly space to connect with others who have also been affected by loss.

Grief relating to fertility can come from many different experiences, for example through:

Infertility

Miscarriage

Stillbirth

Neonatal loss

Termination of pregnancy, for any reason

Fertility treatment loss

Perimenopause 

Menopause

Pregnancy after loss

Or any other grief related to the wide field of fertility

photo of flock of birds in the sky
Photo by Fahad AlAni on Pexels.com
white plumeria flower on water

The Nest Baby Loss Café

Welcome to The Nest Baby Loss Café – a friendly safe space for chat over tea and cake.

This is a place for all people whose lives have been affected by the loss of a baby, whether that be during pregnancy, at birth or in infancy. For those who have lost recently, decades ago and those expecting a rainbow baby. We also welcome those grieving never having children.

This is not a therapeutic space but a friendly group to connect with others who have also been affected by baby loss. You are welcome to come as you are, drink tea, eat cake, and talk about your experiences, if you want.

The Nest essential ground rules:
*Non-judgemental – people might have different views to you and that’s ok.
*Respect – ourselves, each other and the space.
*Open hearted – trust that everyone is doing the best they can.
*You don’t have to share personal stories but you might need to be prepared to listen.
*Confidential – what’s shared in the space stays in the space

We are LGBTQ+ friendly and welcome all ethnicities.

The Nest Team are here to hold a safe space for baby loss conversations. We meet every 8 weeks at The MS Centre, EX2 7EY. 7.30 – 9pm. Book below to let us know you’re coming or get in touch HERE.

To access our resources section for grief related national groups and helplines for baby loss, infertility, abortion, pregnancy after loss, LGBTQIA+ and women of colour / from diverse cultural backgrounds please visit our webpage on grief HERE

Published by Hazel Acland

Director of The Nest SW social enterprise Women's circle facilitator Doula Writer Mum

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