This six week closed virtual support group is for birthing parents who have experienced loss through infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, terminations for medical reasons, or infant death, whether more recently or in the past.
The group will meet on Wednesdays at 3:30 pm-5:00 pm PST/6:30 pm-8:00 pm EST from September 18 - October 30, 2024 (no group on Oct 23rd).
Facilitator: Betsy Winter
What can I expect during a virtual support group?
Virtual support groups are 90-minutes in length, with the exception of the session, Share Your Story, where we ask 2 hours be set aside.
Our groups are topic focused and structured in a way that builds on content from the previous week.
Every session has a similar flow. Each group starts with a guided meditation or body-centered mindfulness practice.
The topic of the week is introduced, which includes some education.
Then there will be group sharing in response to a topic-related question and facilitated discussion.
Groups end with a period of reflective sharing. Where relevant, the group may be led in writing, creative expression, or embodiment exercises to support resource building and integration.
How will this support group help me?
These types of losses are very isolating—you will learn that you are not alone.
Our hope is that you will find community with others who have similar loss experiences.
By sharing your story, your loss experience is witnessed by others in a supportive and non-judgmental setting.
You never imagined you’d be in this situation. You will receive guidance and resources for your grieving journey.
Cost: $150
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You don’t need to suffer in silent isolation—you deserve the wrap-around love and support of a community who cares and understands. No matter the gestational age or type of loss, our virtual support groups provide an inclusive and accessible space for bereaved parents to process their grief and build community through the shared experience of loss. We also have unique opportunities to support providers who are doing the work to support the bereaving.
By registering for a closed four (4) week or six (6) week support group, you are signing up for a holistic package.
You are joining a community where there is hope, healing, and transformation that is generated through our weekly sessions.
RTZ groups require a commitment to yourself and others to show up each week authentically and be fully present.
Each group is facilitated by a trained peer with lived experience who is highly capable of holding space for vulnerability and trust.
RTZ groups are for you, regardless of race or ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, religion, or loss type.
There is a base fee for a closed 6-week group is $150 ($25/session) for individuals and $250 ($40/session) for couples. -
Equitable Access Codes are intended to make RTZ groups more equitable and accessible. These codes are for BIPOC, queer/trans individuals, people living with disabilities, and other marginalized populations who have experienced limited access to support resources due to systemic racism and historical disinvestment. For equitable access use the code EQUITYCODE to receive a 50% discount at registration for any program currently listed on our website.
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“The RTZ HOPE support group was the love, support, and belonging that I never knew how badly I needed. To be surrounded by a group of parents who feel pain, anxiety, and have so much understanding for these unimaginable experiences is unparalleled. I’ve found support and resources through our group that weren’t even mentioned by my doctors or therapist. From guided meditation to having a safe space just to be myself with no judgement, it has all helped me start this lifelong journey to processing my grief and finding ways to honor my baby.”
— MONA
“I joined RTZ HOPE’s support group exactly a month after I lost my first child, who was stillborn at 32 weeks. I wanted to isolate myself, because I felt that there was no one out there who could possibly comprehend what I’m feeling. Then I found this group of parents who experienced what I experienced and felt what I felt. Complete strangers that I had this intense connection with, who did not need an explanation from me, because they just got me. Kiley and Betsy have taught me that I need to be able to feel the grief and express it productively. Honestly, I do not know how I’d be today if I didn’t find RTZ.”
— HAMDI
“The RTZ HOPE support group offers a place of comfort and zero judgement for Angel Moms. Being amongst others who have felt the tremendous loss of a child, at any stage, provides much comfort. While the work is difficult, I look forward to the weekly outlet, the camaraderie, and being one step further on my healing journey.”
— CHRISSY
“The RTZ HOPE support group has been an actual lifeline for me while I continue to grieve the loss of my stillborn son. It’s a safe and loving space that has not only given me the strategies and support I need, but it’s connected me to a community of parents that speak the same baby loss language. This group and these women have become such an important part of my life.”
— MEREDITH