Grieving parents to look for support from Women's Health Clinic

Families who are experiencing the "overwhelming sadness" of the loss of a baby will soon be able to seek support in their own communities.

A new two-year program for parents who have lost their child during pregnancy or infancy will be giving them counselling and support. The aim is to help at least 200 Manitobans a year as their grieve. 

“Sadly many parents will experience some sort of mental health issue related to pregnancy and infant loss, which increases the risk of worsening underlying mental health issues,” Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery Minister Audrey Gordon says in a statement."

Women's Health Clinic (WHC) says one in four pregnancies ends in a loss.

"The social stigma that surrounds this deeply personal event leaves many pregnant and parenting people feeling isolated and alone in their vulnerability and grief. This is especially so for Manitobans living in smaller communities or in rural and remote areas," WHC writes in a Facebook post.

In a 2017-2018 report from the province, they found an average of 82 infants dies each year or five out of every 1,000 live births. Northern Manitoba saw almost double the provincial average. Statistically, male babies have higher chances of infant deaths than their female counterparts, including in 2016/2017 where male babies died at a rate of 2.1 per cent higher.

"Outreach and early intervention is key to ensuring better mental health and well-being for individuals and families affected by this type of loss, and this program will support women and families across the province,” Gordon says.

A $200,000 fund is being given to WHC to help parents and families coping after the loss.

“Having this program available to those in need will help to address the overwhelming sadness and feelings of emptiness and isolation that are hallmarks of the grieving process, providing a pathway into adjustment to the loss," Dr. Carrie Lionberg, a clinical psychologist at HSC Women’s Hospital says.

The WHC will create a province-wide network of volunteers, and manual and resources for service providers for people in their own communities. They say those living in smaller communities or in rural and remote areas feel the most isolated in their grief. The program will give reassurance that they are not alone. The health centre says they have a long history of helping those grieving the loss of a child, including supporting the Winnipeg Pregnancy and Infant Loss self-help group.