Does it ever feel like your baby is pushing you away or resisting your attempts to soothe them? Have you ever been surprised by feeling bored during early infancy, and pressured to find things to stimulate or entertain your little one? What if connection doesn’t come from knowing everything or doing more…but from actually slowing down and getting to know the little human in front of you?

Silence. Shame. Frustration. Secrecy. Stuck. Lonely. Isolation. These are some of the words selected by the brave women who recently joined our Pregnancy Loss Group during our first session when I asked, “what are the feelings you hold when thinking about your loss?” When I followed up with, “why are you joining us tonight?” a resounding answer: community.

Embarking on the journey of special needs parenting can feel like you are entering a new world—one filled with complex emotions, new routines, and many unknowns. Many parents feel overwhelmed or helpless, or both. Whether you’ve recently received a diagnosis for your child or you’ve been on the journey for some time, know that you’re not alone, and you don’t have to do this without support.