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.
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 (no Tues. group in December).
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 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, but this month will meet on 12/15. 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 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.
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.
Stillbirth and Neonatal 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, but this month will meet on 12/16 due to the holiday. 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.
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.
Accompanying Parents When a Baby Dies for Bedside Providers
Carol McMurrich, EdM, leads participants in an exploration of successful, compassionate bereavement care.
DATE & TIME: Monday, January 12th from 6:30-9:00 PM EST
LOCATION: Virtually held on Zoom
COST: $65
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
DESCRIPTION: This is an essential annual course for those who care for parents at the bedside when a baby dies. Perfect for nurses, doulas, and those 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.
McMurrich’s professional trainings are designed with nurses and OBGYNs on the front lines and are based on her extensive training with the Perinatal Loss and Infant Death Alliance, Share, Pregnancy and Infant Loss, Inc, her own research, and her 15 years of work with hundreds of bereaved families across Western Massachusetts and beyond.
Accompanying Parents When a Baby Dies for Bedside Providers
Carol McMurrich, EdM, leads participants in an exploration of successful, compassionate bereavement care.
DATE & TIME: Tuesday, January 27th from 9:00-11:30 AM EST
LOCATION: Virtually held on Zoom
COST: $65
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
DESCRIPTION: This is an essential annual course for those who care for parents at the bedside when a baby dies. Perfect for nurses, doulas, and those 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.
McMurrich’s professional trainings are designed with nurses and OBGYNs on the front lines and are based on her extensive training with the Perinatal Loss and Infant Death Alliance, Share, Pregnancy and Infant Loss, Inc, her own research, and her 15 years of work with hundreds of bereaved families across Western Massachusetts and beyond.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Training for Clinicians
Carol McMurrich, EdM, leads participants in an exploration of successful, compassionate bereavement care.
DATE & TIME: Tuesday, February 3rd from 6:30-9:00 PM EST
LOCATION: Virtually held on Zoom
COST: $65
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
DESCRIPTION: 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.
McMurrich’s professional trainings are designed with nurses and OBGYNs on the front lines and are based on her extensive training with the Perinatal Loss and Infant Death Alliance, Share, Pregnancy and Infant Loss, Inc, her own research, and her 15 years of work with hundreds of bereaved families across Western Massachusetts and beyond.
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 2026, 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.
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 second 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.
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, but this month will meet Wed. 12/3 from 7-9 PM. 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 (no Tues. group in December).
Stillbirth and Neonatal Loss Support Group
This group is open to people who have experienced later pregnancy loss after ~20 weeks gestation through early infancy.
This group usually meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST, but is rescheduled to 11/24 due to the Holiday. 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.
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.
*Special Collab* Parenting After Loss Support Group; for those with older children at the time of loss
We’re excited to invite you to a unique support group opportunity open to all members of the Empty Arms community.
This is a special collaboration event with Jen Noonan, Program Director at The Children’s Room in Arlington, MA and will take place during the usual Parenting After Loss group.
Fill out our contact form to register.
At Empty Arms, we deeply value collaboration and shared learning as we support families through grief. The Children’s Room offers a remarkable program designed to help children ages 3.5 - 18 who have experienced the death of a parent or sibling along with their families. While it’s heartbreaking to think about the many bereaved siblings in our community, we are so grateful that organizations like The Children’s Room exist to walk alongside them during such difficult times.
The PAL support group for those with older children at their time of loss usually meets on the fourth Monday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST, but is rescheduled to the 18th due to the holiday. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form. In this group we discuss the full gambit of raising children while also grieving the baby we cannot hold in our arms.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 second 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.
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.
MA Center for Unexpected Infant & Child Death Annual Walk to Remember
The Massachusetts Center for Unexpected Infant and Child Death at Boston Medical Center invites you to join them on Saturday, October 25th, 2025 at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus, Massachusetts for their Annual Walk to Remember to support and join communities statewide who have been affected by infant, child and prenatal loss.
Check-in begins at 10:00 AM at the Visitor’s Center. Following brief remarks at 10:30 AM, a 2-mile walk will commence on Breakheart’s tranquil Inner Loop, with a midway stop at the Lower Pond beach for a name recitation, poem reading, and a flower and bubble release. The Inner Loop is a paved trail and mostly flat with some minor inclines—conducive to strollers, bikes/scooters, and wheelchairs. This event is child and pet friendly—there are picnic tables throughout, as well as a playground and dog park along the way. Parking is free. On-site spots may be limited, but follow signage for additional parking at an adjacent shopping plaza. Beverages and snacks will be available.
Advanced registration is completely optional and available at www.magriefcenter.org. Pre-registering helps us contact you in the event of any changes (weather, etc.) made to our walk. Even if you pre-register, you are not obligated to attend the event.
This is a free event, though donations are welcome to support the Center’s mission of caring for families. For more information, or last-minute updates, please visit www.magriefcenter.org.
Stillbirth and Neonatal 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
(SOLD OUT) Fall Mini Photoshoot (session 2)
Empty Arms & Jeffrey Rivkin Photography are offering Fall themed mini photoshoots!
Mini shoots are 15 minutes, and can include adults, children, and pets. You receive a generous folder of digital photo files, perfect for holiday cards.
When: Sessions available Friday, September 26th and Saturday, October 18th
Where: 85 Easthampton Road, Westhampton, MA 01027
Cost: $100 (50% of the proceeds benefit Empty Arms)
Slots fill up FAST every year, so secure your spot today!: calendly.com/veronica-emptyarmsbereavement/fall-photo-mini-shoots-clone?month=2025-09
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.
Wave of Light for Baby Loss Awareness Week
From babyloss-awareness.org:
“We invite you to join other families across the world by lighting a candle at 7pm local time and leaving it burning for at least one hour to remember all babies that have died too soon.
To join our virtual Wave of Light, take a photo of your candle and post it to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #WaveOfLight at 7pm local time.
Wherever you do this, you will be joining a global ‘Wave of Light’ in memory of all the babies who lit up our lives for such a short time.”
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.