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.

Jul
29

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.

View Event →
Aug
14

In Person Support Group

This support group is open to Empty Arms parents (no grandparents/friends/siblings). This in-person support group is a baby and child-free space, created with care to honor the grief journeys of all who join us.

Registration required: you can find the link to register in your monthly newsletter.

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Accompanying Parents when a Baby Dies (Morning Session)
Sep
30

Accompanying Parents when a Baby Dies (Morning Session)

Carol McMurrich, EdM, leads participants in an exploration of successful, compassionate bereavement care.

Participants in this course will:

  • Learn best caregiving practices for when a baby dies and why these practices can be important to each individual family.

  • Explore how to present options to parents which empower them to become active participants in their own loss experience, rather than victims of circumstance.

  • Practice ways to assess and acknowledge a family’s social and cultural background and how they can use this information to help to make meaning with the family at the time of loss.

  • Learn from those who have experienced this type of loss themselves via the speakers in the parent panel.

  • Gather skills for debrief and self-care so that they can learn from, and not be negatively affected by, caring for the bereaved.

    This is the first of two identical sessions on 9/30, the other occurring from 4:30 - 9 PM.

    COST: $80

    REGISTER HERE

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. Nurses who attend and participate in the entire course will be awarded 4 contact hours.

This program has been approved for 3.5 Social Work Continuing Education hours for relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization Number D 92593.

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Accompanying Parents when a Baby Dies (Evening Session)
Sep
30

Accompanying Parents when a Baby Dies (Evening Session)

Carol McMurrich, EdM, leads participants in an exploration of successful, compassionate bereavement care.

Participants in this course will:

  • Learn best caregiving practices for when a baby dies and why these practices can be important to each individual family.

  • Explore how to present options to parents which empower them to become active participants in their own loss experience, rather than victims of circumstance.

  • Practice ways to assess and acknowledge a family’s social and cultural background and how they can use this information to help to make meaning with the family at the time of loss.

  • Learn from those who have experienced this type of loss themselves via the speakers in the parent panel.

  • Gather skills for debrief and self-care so that they can learn from, and not be negatively affected by, caring for the bereaved.

    This is the second of two identical sessions on 9/30, the other occurring from 10 AM - 2:30 PM.

    COST: $80

    REGISTER HERE

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. Nurses who attend and participate in the entire course will be awarded 4 contact hours.

This program has been approved for 3.5 Social Work Continuing Education hours for relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization Number D 92593.

View Event →
Jul
21

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.

View Event →
Jul
17

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.

View Event →
Jul
16

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. 

View Event →
Jul
16

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.

View Event →
Jul
15

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. 

View Event →
Jul
10

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. 

View Event →
Jul
8

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. 

View Event →
Jul
7

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.

View Event →
Bereavement Bag Creating with EABS Central Hub
Jun
29

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

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Yoga on the Beach with EABS Eastern Hub
Jun
29

Yoga on the Beach with EABS Eastern Hub

  • 15 Summit Avenue Hull, MA, 02045 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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

View Event →
Jun
24

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.

View Event →
Jun
19

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. 

View Event →
Jun
18

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.

View Event →
Jun
18

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. 

View Event →
Jun
17

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.

View Event →
Jun
16

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.

View Event →
Jun
10

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.

View Event →
Jun
9

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.

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“Before a Breath” Film Screening in Boston
Jun
7

“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.

View Event →
Jun
2

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.

View Event →