Our Mission

Bringing the community together to create a safe and supportive network of resources for families who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss.

While we know the loss of a child, whether it be during pregnancy or as an infant, is one that society has a difficult time talking about, we want you to know that we are here for you!

Through the joint effort of a committee consisting of local community members the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Outreach for North Simcoe Muskoka (PILO NSM) program was created.  A common consensus from those with lived experience was that there just wasn’t enough peer to peer support available to those who had experienced the loss of a child. Our goal is to change that.  The PILO NSM program will create a safe and supportive network for families and will help to remove the stigma that surrounds pregnancy and infant loss.

This specialized program is designed to offer practical and emotional support through Home Hospice Association’s ‘Our Babies, Our Grief’ six week progressive healing peer support program facilitated by our professionally trained volunteers.

The key message is it is important to us to let you know that you are not alone, your child is important and we are here to help you.

We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment free of discrimination where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, can contribute fully, and have equal opportunities. To register with PILO NSM please complete the Referral Form or contact our team member Louise Brazier, Bereavement Services Coordinator, at louise@nsmhpcn.ca or call 705-325-0505 Ext. 209.

About our Volunteers

The PILO NSM volunteers are screened in accordance with the standards of Hospice Palliative Care Ontario.

Our volunteers come with a wide range of personal and professional lived experience surrounding Pregnancy and Infant Loss.  If you feel you would be able to assist another who has experienced this type of loss we would love to hear from you.

For more information on how you can become a volunteer please contact our team member Louise Brazier, Bereavement Services Coordinator, louise@nsmhpcn.ca or call 705-325-0505 Ext. 209.

Regional Program

The PILO NSM program was designed to provide support to anyone in need within the North Simcoe Muskoka region. Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers continues to work tirelessly to get the program established in all areas of the region.  Currently support is available in the Orillia and Muskoka areas; we are currently looking for organizations in all other areas to champion the program for their community.

If you are interested in finding out what this would look like please connect with our Bereavement Services Coordinator, Louise Brazier at louise@nsmhpcn.ca or by phone at (705) 325-0505 ext. 209.

Resources

Supporting Someone After a Loss

Immediately Following a Loss

  • Listen with your heart. Words aren’t always needed — your presence matters most.

  • Offer practical support. Meals, laundry, childcare, or dog walking can ease the burden.

  • Call before you go out. Offer to pick up groceries, prescriptions, or anything they might need.

  • Don’t avoid them. You don’t have to have the “right” words — just show up, sit beside them, and hold space.

  • Acknowledge the baby by name. If a name was chosen, use it. This affirms their child’s existence and importance.

  • Support the whole family. Siblings grieve too. Offer age-appropriate support, care, or simple outings.

  • Mark important dates. Birthdays, due dates, and anniversaries can be especially difficult. A call, note, or text can make all the difference.

Remember

  • Reach out regularly. Grief doesn’t fade with time. Continue to check in — even years later.

  • Let them tell their story. Over and over, if needed. Repeating memories can help make sense of the pain.

  • Honour their baby’s memory. Mention their child in conversation. Light a candle or send a message on special days.

  • Invite them to remembrance events. Include them in moments that offer space for reflection or legacy.

  • Recognize that grief has no timeline. Avoid phrases like “move on” or “at least…”

Bridget’s Bunnies (Pregnancy and Infant Loss Foundation)

Offers Comfort Kits, Little Loss Libraries, and community events (like “Bridget’s Run”) throughout Simcoe–Muskoka.

Visit

PAIL Network (Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network)

Offers peer support groups (online, in-person, phone) for losses including miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, TFMR, infant death, etc.

Perinatal Mental Health Help and Support

Connecting with community services to support your mental health and your family’s adjustment during the perinatal period may be helpful.

Visit

Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health (PCMCH)

Provides evidence-based and strategic leadership for perinatal, newborn, child and youth health services in Ontario

Visit