Upcoming Support Groups and Events
We offer ongoing support groups for a variety of loss circumstances, all of which meet monthly. Currently all of our support groups meet virtually using the Zoom platform. Click through the calendar to see upcoming meetings and events for our community.
We know support groups are not for everyone. Visit our Individual Support page to learn about other ways we may be able to support you.
Not local to Massachusetts? Our TFMR Support groups, our LGBTQ+ Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Groups and our BIPOC Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Groups are the only support groups that include nation-wide participants. Our focus is on building actual, lived community in Western Mass, so we try to keep our groups Massachusetts-populated. We encourage you to visit the National Share Organization to look for your own local community-based support, or find an organization that is intended to be for a national audience.
Trying for Another Baby Support Group
When you are thinking about having another baby, the emotions can be complicated and may change from day to day. This support group offers a safe space to explore the idea of next steps. It is intended for people who are thinking about becoming pregnant or who are considering a surrogacy or adoption process. This group is open to residents of Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont.
This group meets on the third Monday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
BIPOC Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group
Our BIPOC group is open to non-white families nationwide who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. The express intent of this group is to provide a safe and affirming space for people of color to share their unique loss experiences.
This group meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Support Group for Dads
This is a space for male-identifying, non-gestational parents who have lost babies to explore their experience of grief in this culture.
This group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Termination for Medical Reasons Support Group (Wednesday)
Our TFMR groups are open to all who have experienced the agonizing decision to end a pregnancy because of a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis, regardless of gestation. If you’re reading this, you know that this type of loss is particularly complicated. In addition to grief for the baby, many people struggle with additional guilt, fear of judgment, and trauma. Our facilitators create a space that is ultra safe, ultra accepting, and ultra compassionate. You and your story and your baby belong here.
This group meets the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
We offer 3 drop-in groups per month for you to choose from, the others occurring on the second Thursday of each month from 7-9 PM EST (June’s meeting is cancelled) and the last Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST.
Expecting your Next Baby Support Group
This group addresses the ways in which grief affects a family’s journey towards another baby. This group is open to people who are currently pregnant, people who are currently pregnant through surrogacy, or in an active adoption process.
*This group is intended for those who have participated in or are currently attending at least one of our support groups to process their loss. As this group focuses on next steps, there is less space to process loss in this group.
This group meets on the third Thursday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Parenting After Loss Support Group; for those with a new baby born after loss
In this group we discuss the full gambit of raising children while also grieving the baby we cannot hold in our arms.
This group meets on the fourth Monday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Termination for Medical Reasons Support Group (Tuesday)
Our TFMR groups are open to all who have experienced the agonizing decision to end a pregnancy because of a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis, regardless of gestation. If you’re reading this, you know that this type of loss is particularly complicated. In addition to grief for the baby, many people struggle with additional guilt, fear of judgment, and trauma. Our facilitators create a space that is ultra safe, ultra accepting, and ultra compassionate. You and your story and your baby belong here.
This group meets the last Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
We offer 3 drop-in groups per month for you to choose from, the others occurring on the second Thursday of each month from 7-9 PM EST (June’s meeting is cancelled) and on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST.
Stillbirth and Infant Loss Support Group
This group is open to people who have experienced later pregnancy loss after 20 weeks gestation through early infancy.
This group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Yoga on the Beach with EABS Eastern Hub
RSVP via this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhBJpCHKABcEGl4MPtZ9N4U9ocS_g0SGVffd458WWT3ZVjWQ/viewform
Yoga will be from 10:15am - 11am, absolutely NO experience required!
This is a FREE event. Light refreshments will be provided for after class as we hope you’ll stay and enjoy chatting with other community members on the scenic semi-private beach.
Bring a yoga mat, beverage, flip flops, towel and bathing suit (if you want a cold plunge!) Open to Empty Arms community members, partners, friends, and family (16+)
Weather permitting (email confirmation with parking and event details will be sent the day before). Limit 30 people. Registration form will close when we reach capacity.
Point of contact: Sharon G. (781) - 264 - 5353
Bereavement Bag Creating with EABS Central Hub
RSVP via this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgy1itxA2Slvz7EXR6fFcqJkPjveigHWp0kdhzSQozMATg2g/viewform
We will be assembling bereavement bags with EABS information, aromatherapy, and other items for bereaved families. The bags will be delivered specifically to the four hospitals in Central MA on a later date (and with their prior permission).
This is a FREE event. All supplies will be provided as well as light refreshments.
This event is rain or shine.
Open to Empty Arms community members, partners, friends, and family (16+).
Limit 30 people. Registration form will close once we reach capacity.
Point of contact: Jen R. (774) - 230 - 2423
LGBTQ+ Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group
This group is for people who identify under the umbrella as queer (LGBTQ+) and have also experienced pregnancy and/or infant loss.
This group usually meets on the second Friday of each month from 12:00-1:30 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Miscarriage & Early Pregnancy Loss Support Group
This group is open to anyone who has experienced early pregnancy loss including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or termination for medical reasons early in pregnancy.
This group meets on the second Thursday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Parenting After Loss Support Group; for those with a new baby born after loss
This group is for navigating the complexities of welcoming a new baby while grieving the child who is no longer here.
This group meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Infertility & Loss Support Group
This group is for people who have struggled with the double challenge of infertility and loss. If you have suffered any kind of pregnancy or infant loss following an infertility journey, this group is designed with you in mind.
This group meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Twin Loss; Parenting a Surviving Twin Support Group
This group is open to anyone who has experienced a loss with multiples while parenting their survivor(s). This group addresses the unique experience of holding ecstatic joy and crushing grief simultaneously.
This group meets bimonthly on the second Monday of the month from 7:30-9 PM EST. In 2025, this group will meet in February, April, June, August, October, and December. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
“Before a Breath” Film Screening in Boston
REGISTER FOR THE FILM SCREENING HERE
ABOUT THE FILM: Before a Breath is an intimate, infuriating, and ultimately hopeful film that interweaves the unique experiences of three women—Debbie Haine Vijayvergiya, Kanika Harris, and Stephanie Lee—who, after losing their children to stillbirth, became advocates for change. Inspired by ProPublica’s groundbreaking reporting on the stillbirth crisis, which was a finalist for a 2023 Pulitzer Prize, the film is a powerful story of grief, healing, and three mothers demanding that the U.S. do better by expecting parents.
ADMISSION: Free and open to the public; healthcare providers and bereaved families are especially encouraged to attend. Registration is required.
PARKING/DIRECTIONS:
Please reference the MGH Campus map above. We encourage attendees to utilize public transportation whenever possible. If driving, set your navigation to 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA and you will arrive at the gold star on the map. The Fruit St garage is where we recommend parking at an hourly rate.
Use main entrance to the MGH, following signs for the Blake/Ellison corridor on the first floor to locate the O'Keeffe Auditorium. If needed, there is an information desk at the main entrance of the hospital. We recommend allocating 15 minutes for parking and locating the auditorium.
We are honored to invite you to attend a special screening of Before a Breath, a compelling documentary that illuminates America's stillbirth crisis. The screening will take place at the O’Keeffe Auditorium of Massachusetts General Hospital in connection with the two-day symposium Pathology: Delivering Answers and Healing in Perinatal Loss.
Infant and Toddler Loss Support Group
This group caters to people who had extended time with their babies before death. Whether your baby had medical complexities, or died unexpectedly at an older age, you are welcome in this group to process the pain of loss along with the social challenges that accompany the loss. This group is open to residents of Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont.
This group meets on the first Monday of each month from 7-8:30 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Stillbirth and Infant Loss Support Group
This group is open to people who have experienced later pregnancy loss after 20 weeks gestation through early infancy.
This group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Termination for Medical Reasons Support Group (Tuesday)
Our TFMR groups are open to all who have experienced the agonizing decision to end a pregnancy because of a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis, regardless of gestation. If you’re reading this, you know that this type of loss is particularly complicated. In addition to grief for the baby, many people struggle with additional guilt, fear of judgment, and trauma. Our facilitators create a space that is ultra safe, ultra accepting, and ultra compassionate. You and your story and your baby belong here.
This group meets the last Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
We offer 3 drop-in groups per month for you to choose from, the others occurring on the second Thursday of each month from 7-9 PM EST and on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST.
Parenting After Loss Support Group; for those with older children at the time of loss
In this group we discuss the full gambit of raising children while also grieving the baby we cannot hold in our arms.
This group meets on the fourth Monday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Termination for Medical Reasons Support Group (Wednesday)
Our TFMR groups are open to all who have experienced the agonizing decision to end a pregnancy because of a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis, regardless of gestation. If you’re reading this, you know that this type of loss is particularly complicated. In addition to grief for the baby, many people struggle with additional guilt, fear of judgment, and trauma. Our facilitators create a space that is ultra safe, ultra accepting, and ultra compassionate. You and your story and your baby belong here.
This group meets the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
We offer 3 drop-in groups per month for you to choose from, the others occurring on the second Thursday of each month from 7-9 PM EST and the last Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST.
Support Group for Dads
This is a space for male-identifying, non-gestational parents who have lost babies to explore their experience of grief in this culture.
This group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Trying for Another Baby Support Group
When you are thinking about having another baby, the emotions can be complicated and may change from day to day. This support group offers a safe space to explore the idea of next steps. It is intended for people who are thinking about becoming pregnant or who are considering a surrogacy or adoption process. This group is open to residents of Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont.
This group meets on the third Monday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
BIPOC Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group
Our BIPOC group is open to non-white families nationwide who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. The express intent of this group is to provide a safe and affirming space for people of color to share their unique loss experiences.
This group meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Parenting After Loss Support Group; for those with a new baby born after loss
This group is for navigating the complexities of welcoming a new baby while grieving the child who is no longer here.
This group meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Infertility & Loss Support Group
This group is for people who have struggled with the double challenge of infertility and loss. If you have suffered any kind of pregnancy or infant loss following an infertility journey, this group is designed with you in mind.
This group meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Expecting your Next Baby Support Group
This group addresses the ways in which grief affects a family’s journey towards another baby. This group is open to people who are currently pregnant, people who are currently pregnant through surrogacy, or in an active adoption process.
*This group is intended for those who have participated in or are currently attending at least one of our support groups to process their loss. As this group focuses on next steps, there is less space to process loss in this group.
This group meets on the third Thursday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
LGBTQ+ Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group
This group is for people who identify under the umbrella as queer (LGBTQ+) and have also experienced pregnancy and/or infant loss.
This group usually meets on the second Friday of each month from 12:00-1:30 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Termination for Medical Reasons Support Group (Thursday)
Our TFMR groups are open to all who have experienced the agonizing decision to end a pregnancy because of a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis, regardless of gestation. If you’re reading this, you know that this type of loss is particularly complicated. In addition to grief for the baby, many people struggle with additional guilt, fear of judgment, and trauma. Our facilitators create a space that is ultra safe, ultra accepting, and ultra compassionate. You and your story and your baby belong here.
This group meets the second Thursday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
We offer 3 drop-in groups per month for you to choose from, the other occurring on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST and the last Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST.
Miscarriage & Early Pregnancy Loss Support Group
This group is open to anyone who has experienced early pregnancy loss including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or termination for medical reasons early in pregnancy.
This group meets on the second Thursday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Infant and Toddler Loss Support Group
This group will cater to people who had extended time with their babies before death. Whether your baby had medical complexities, or died unexpectedly at an older age, you are welcome in this group to process the pain of loss along with the social challenges that accompany the loss. This group is open to residents of Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont.
This group meets on the first Monday of each month from 7-8:30 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Virtual Bereaved Mother's Day Yoga Class
Please join Empty Arms parent Alyssa Astrinos as she leads a virtual yoga class on Sunday, May 4th, from 10 to 11 AM EST in honor of Bereaved Mother’s Day.
Bereaved parents, friends, family, and community members from any location are all welcome!
This class is by donation to Empty Arms Bereavement Support. A donation is NOT required for attendance!
Sign up here: https://givebutter.com/bereavedmothersdayyoga
VIRTUAL Accompanying Parents When a Baby Dies: For Bedside Providers
This is an essential annual course for those who care for parents at the bedside when a baby dies. Perfect for nurses, doulas, doctors and midwives who are there when a family learns of their baby's death, and those who coach them through the process of delivery, time together, and saying goodbye. This session will feature the contributions from bereaved parents who will share their stories and experiences.
COST: $60
LOCATION: Held virtually over Zoom
ACCREDITATION:
2.5 contact hours through ANAMass (This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by American Nurses Association Massachusetts, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation)
1.5 credits for social workers through NASWMA
REGISTER: https://givebutter.com/april30
*Credits available for nurses & social workers
*Empty Arms Bereavement Support is approved by American Nurses Association of Massachusetts, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Nurses who attend and participate in the entire course will be awarded the pertaining amount of contact hours.
*Empty Arms Bereavement Support is approved by the National Association of Social Workers, Massachusetts chapter. Social workers who attend and participate in the entire course will be awarded credits through NASWMA.
Termination for Medical Reasons Support Group (Tuesday)
Our TFMR groups are open to all who have experienced the agonizing decision to end a pregnancy because of a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis, regardless of gestation. If you’re reading this, you know that this type of loss is particularly complicated. In addition to grief for the baby, many people struggle with additional guilt, fear of judgment, and trauma. Our facilitators create a space that is ultra safe, ultra accepting, and ultra compassionate. You and your story and your baby belong here.
This group meets the last Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
We offer 3 drop-in groups per month for you to choose from, the others occurring on the second Thursday of each month from 7-9 PM EST and on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST.
Parenting After Loss Support Group; for those with older children at the time of loss
In this group we discuss the full gambit of raising children while also grieving the baby we cannot hold in our arms.
This group meets on the fourth Monday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
VIRTUAL Pregnancy and Infant Loss Training for Clinicians
This session is a candid exposure to the realities of what pregnancy and infant loss can be like for parents, what the normal trajectory of grief and healing looks like, and the language and strategies that help and hurt. This session will feature the contributions from bereaved parents who will share their stories and experiences.
LOCATION: Held virtually over Zoom
COST: $60
ACCREDITATION:
2.5 contact hours through ANAMass (This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by American Nurses Association Massachusetts, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation)
1.5 credits for social workers through NASWMA
REGISTER: https://givebutter.com/april28
*Credits available for nurses & social workers
*Empty Arms Bereavement Support is approved by American Nurses Association of Massachusetts, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Nurses who attend and participate in the entire course will be awarded the pertaining amount of contact hours.
*Empty Arms Bereavement Support is approved by the National Association of Social Workers, Massachusetts chapter. Social workers who attend and participate in the entire course will be awarded credits through NASWMA.
Stillbirth and Neonatal Loss Support Group
This group is open to people who have experienced later pregnancy loss after 20 weeks gestation, during birth, or during the first few weeks of life.
This group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Trying for Another Baby Support Group
When you are thinking about having another baby, the emotions can be complicated and may change from day to day. This support group offers a safe space to explore the idea of next steps. It is intended for people who are thinking about becoming pregnant or who are considering a surrogacy or adoption process. This group is open to residents of Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont.
This group meets on the third Monday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Expecting your Next Baby Support Group
This group addresses the ways in which grief affects a family’s journey towards another baby. This group is open to people who are currently pregnant, people who are currently pregnant through surrogacy, or in an active adoption process.
*This group is intended for those who have participated in or are currently attending at least one of our support groups to process their loss. As this group focuses on next steps, there is less space to process loss in this group.
This group meets on the third Thursday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Support Group for Dads
This is a space for male-identifying, non-gestational parents who have lost babies to explore their experience of grief in this culture.
This group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.