Book cover titled 'Always Remember' by Cece Meng, illustrated by Jago, featuring a colorful chameleon and other small reptiles in a lush green jungle setting.
Book cover titled 'Always Remember' by Cece Meng, illustrated by Jago, featuring a colorful chameleon and other small reptiles in a lush green jungle setting.
Cover of a children's book titled 'My Sibling Still,' showing a child looking out a window with a red toy car upside down on green grass.
Cover of a children's book titled 'My Sibling Still,' showing a child looking out a window with a red toy car upside down on green grass.

GRIEF RESOURCES FOR PARENTS WHO HAVE LOST A CHILD

Your baby was and will always be a part of you, and it is important that you receive support from those who understand.

Here are some support groups that are offered freely for people who have been where you are.

The Compassionate Friends for Stillbirth, Miscarriage and Infant Death 
The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a nationwide organization offering friendship, understanding, and hope to bereaved families that have experienced the death of a child at any age from any cause. Compassionate Friends has a special Memorial Garden at Lafreniere Park in Metairie with a statue and name-bricks honoring our children. Every year they have a butterfly release and picnic. Email: tcfnola@gmail.com. Chapter Phone (504) 265-0581. ‍http://www.tcfneworleans.com

Cenacle Grief Support Meeting (A ministry of the Catholic Archdiocese -see Redbird Ministries)
The Grief Support Group is for anyone who has suffered a loss. There is no charge to attend. For more information, please contact facilitator (2026) Jewell Bayhi, at jbayhi@arch-no.org or 985-778-6277.

Bereaved Parents of the USA (BP/USA)
BP/USA is a non-profit, completely volunteer support organization for families (parents, siblings, grandparents) who have lost a child. The closest group is in Alexandria and has a private facebook support group. Louisiana Chapter Leader (2026) Becky Watkins; (318) 730-6780 

M.E.N.D. Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death
M.E.N.D. is a Christian, non-profit that reaches out to families who have lost a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death. There is no Louisiana chapter, but there is on-line support available over Zoom.

Red Bird Ministries (RBM) is a non-profit, pro-life, and pro-family Catholic grief support ministry serving individuals and couples who have experienced the loss of a child from pregnancy through adulthood.

Metairie: Redbird Ministry meets at the Cenacle on the 1st  and 3rd  Tuesday at 6pm every month.  5500 St. Mary St. Metairie , LA
Northshore: RedBird Ministry meets at Our Lady of the Lake, 312 Lafitte St. Mandeville, 6.30pm on the second Thursday of every month in Holy Family Hall. OLL Office Phone: 985-626-5671

BOOK RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

“Lullabies from Heaven” A Book and CD

https://www.amazon.com/Lullabies-Heaven-Sacred-Songs-Beyond/dp/1963227646

Available on Amazon Music as Lullabies from Heaven, Mariah David

EXPLAINING DEATH TO CHILDREN

Here is a selection of books to help those first conversations, recommended by a licensed social worker and school counsellor.
https://www.counselorchelsey.com/blog/griefandlossbooks

(After this section are some books specifically for children who have lost a sibling due to miscarriage or infant death.)

I MISS YOU: A FIRST LOOK AT DEATH, by Pat Thomas. Grades Pre-K to 2
This book explains death in a way that young readers will understand.

ALWAYS REMEMBER, by Cece Meng. Grades K to 3
After Old Turtle dies, the other sea creatures reflect on their memories of him.

LIFE IS LIKE THE WIND, by Shona Innes and Irisz Agocs. Grades: 1 to 3
This book helps readers understand life (and death) by comparing it to the wind. It gives a variety of comforting possibilities about what happens after death.

REMEMBERING ETHAN, by Leslea Newman. Grades: 2 to 4
When Ethan dies, Sarah’s parents don’t want to talk about what happened. Towards the end of the book, they sit down and talk about all the special memories they share.

RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN WHO HAVE LOST A SIBLING

Feelings of grief can be confusing and lonely for kids. It is important to help them talk about it.

https://lollipopbookclub.com/blogs/news/childrens-books-about-miscarriage-stillbirth-infant-death

MY SIBLING STILL by Megan Lacourrege
Written for children whose family has experienced miscarriage, or infant death.

NO NEW BABY by Kristi McClendon
For siblings who have lost a brother before they were born.

WE WERE GONNA HAVE A BABY, BUT WE HAD AN ANGEL INSTEAD by Pat Schwiebert
Told from a young child’s perspective about the excitement and dreams of a coming baby, and the disappointment and sadness of a miscarriage.

REMEMBERING BABY BIRD and other book resources for siblings are available here: https://www.threelittlebirdsperinatal.org/recommendedreading