Maureen Bjerke is the Zero to Five Community Coordinator and works with the Early Childhood Collaborative to strengthen our community around children and families, honoring the importance of every parent and caregiver, whether their children are here with them or not. Stephanie Meskimen, BAN, RN, PMH-C, CCMC, is a certified Perinatal Mental Health Case Management nurse with 25 years of experience dedicated to supporting families and connecting them to essential resources.
October 20, 2025
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time to recognize and support families who have experienced the heartbreak of losing a baby during pregnancy, at birth or shortly after. For many, this loss can feel like invisible grief—deeply painful, yet often challenging to talk about. Still, it’s more common than many realize. About one in four pregnancies ends in loss.
When this happens, parents and loved ones need care, understanding and connection. Here in Helena, community members and organizations, such as St. Peter's Health, Helena OB/GYN, the Early Childhood Collaborative, Helena Village Collective, Rebuilding Roots Peer Support Group, and Nature and Nurture Counseling, are working together to build stronger systems of support for families facing this kind of grief.
Although some of this work has been ongoing for years, a more formal partnership was established just over a year ago. Members of this group share the commitment to ensuring families feel supported, connected, and never have to go through pregnancy or infant loss alone.
Building community support
This team focuses on making resources easier to find, providing spaces for grieving, and ensuring that families feel acknowledged in their loss. Many of the people involved—both professionals and volunteers—have personally experienced pregnancy or infant loss. They bring compassion, empathy and a deep understanding of what families need to heal.
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group
Helena offers a peer support group for adults who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. It provides a safe and welcoming space to share stories, express emotions, and connect with others who truly understand. Being with people who "get it" can help reduce feelings of isolation and remind parents they are not alone. - ECC Creative Workshops
The Early Childhood Collaborative hosts creative workshops throughout the year to honor and support people who have experienced loss. These gatherings may include art, writing or other hands-on activities that help participants process grief and remember babies gone too soon. They offer a gentle, healing way to connect with others in the community. - Community connections
Families in grief are now more likely to be connected with local resources early in their journey. Thanks to collaboration between healthcare partners, chaplains, community health teams, and support group leaders, people are guided toward welcoming spaces where their grief is acknowledged and support is available.
Why collaboration matters
No single organization can meet all the needs of families experiencing loss. That’s why collaboration is so important. By working together, local partners have been able to:
- Build stronger referral pathways to enable families to find support more quickly.
- Provide spaces where grieving adults can share openly without stigma.
- Offer ongoing opportunities for healing through community events and workshops.
- Raise awareness so parents and loved ones feel seen, validated and supported.
These partnerships also strengthen the people who provide care and support. Many facilitators, health care workers and community members have experienced loss themselves. Working together across organizations creates a sense of belonging, mutual care and shared purpose.
Moving forward together
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month reminds us that grief is not something anyone should face alone. Resources and support are available right here in Helena to help families find comfort and connection.
Whether it’s joining a peer support group, attending a creative workshop or simply reaching out to a friend who has experienced loss, each of us can play a part in offering compassion and understanding.
When our community comes together, we can lessen isolation and build connection. Together, we can bring comfort, reduce isolation, and build a stronger web of support for families facing one of life's most challenging moments.
To learn more about the resources available to parents who have experienced the loss of a child, visit the Early Childhood Collaborative website: Click Here.
