Support Services
The Hygeia Foundation offers a variety of free support services to those who have lost a pregnancy or infant:
Peer-led Bereavement Support Groups
We hold six free support group meetings in Connecticut each month. All of our groups are led by trained volunteer facilitators who have themselves experienced the loss of a pregnancy or infant. To join a group, simply come to a meeting. Please find the current schedule here.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Groups
Our Loss groups are open to anyone who has lost a pregnancy or infant, no matter when your loss occurred. You may attend as many meetings each month as you like.
Second Wednesday of the month and
Fourth Monday of the month
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Hygeia Foundation
Woodbridge Professional Center
264 Amity Road, Suite 211
Woodbridge, CT 06525
Third Thursday of the month
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Hygeia Foundation at the
Women and Family Life Center
96 Fair Street
Guilford, CT 06437
Subsequent Pregnancy Groups
If you are thinking about trying to conceive, trying to conceive, or pregnant again following a loss, these groups are especially for you.
First Monday of the month
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Hygeia Foundation
Woodbridge Professional Center
264 Amity Road, Suite 211
Woodbridge, CT 06525
Fourth Monday of the month
7:30 – 9:00 pm
Hygeia Foundation at
TBD
Westport, CT
**If you will attend the Westport meeting, please RSVP to 203-389-7700 by 12pm on the day of the meeting.
Parenting after a Loss Group
This group addresses the concerns of those who have lost a pregnancy or infant and who have living children. Babies and children are welcome at the meetings.
Second Sunday of the month
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Hygeia Foundation
Woodbridge Professional Center
264 Amity Road, Suite 211
Woodbridge, CT 06525
**If you will attend the Parenting meeting, please RSVP to 203-389-7700 by 12pm on the day prior to the meeting.
Dates and times for all meetings are subject to change, especially if a regular meeting date falls on a holiday. Please visit our website prior to each meeting to confirm the date and time; last-minute schedule changes are posted on the home page.
One-on-One Bereavement Support
If you can’t make it to one of our support groups, or if you feel you need support between meetings, we can connect you with a support provider who can speak to you via phone or e-mail. Please contact us if you are interested in one-on-one support.
Online Support and Resources
In addition to our website, you can find us on Facebook and on Twitter. You may also wish to visit the websites listed on our Resources page.
Bereavement Resource Lending Library
Our lending library contains books, articles, poetry, and other bereavement support materials. Not only do we have materials written specifically for parents grieving the loss of a pregnancy or infant, but we also have materials for children who have lost a sibling and for grandparents who have lost a grandchild. You are welcome to borrow as many of these materials as you like for as long as you may need them. Please visit our Resources pages for a sample of the books we have available and contact us if you would like to borrow some materials.
Newsletter
Our newsletter is published four times each year. Each edition contains essays, poetry, information about upcoming events, and more. You may read our current newsletter and prior editions here. You may also sign up to have our newsletter delivered to your inbox. Please contact us if you are interested in submitting an item for publication in our newsletter.
Burial Assistance
The Hygeia Foundation Bereavement Fund assists low-income parents in Connecticut who cannot afford a cremation or burial following the loss of a pregnancy or infant. Referrals must come to us through a social worker at a local hospital. Please contact us for details.