🪷 Welcome to BLOOM
BLOOM is a support group for parents who have experienced the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, TFMR, abortion, or infant loss.
Both mothers and fathers are welcome to attend – whether together or individually, as each person’s experience through grief is their own. We meet once a month in suburban Kansas City, Missouri, and welcome all who carry this kind of loss, whether it was yesterday or decades ago.
Our gatherings are peer-led in an open, informal setting. We spend most of our time simply sharing about our babies, our stories, and the different ways grief touches our lives. Along the way, conversations may naturally include emotions such as fear, anger, guilt, sadness, and loneliness, as well as topics like relationships, differences in how partners grieve, and moments – when they come – of healing or acceptance.
We also hold meaningful seasonal and annual gatherings for our families, including our Mother’s Day Tea, Backyard Bonfire, Walk to Remember, Holiday Candlelight Ceremony, and a memorial crafting gathering.
At BLOOM, our mission is simple: to provide support, foster connection, and create space where babies are remembered and honored with love and dignity.
🌿 Thinking About Attending BLOOM?
We know that attending a support group for the first time can bring questions. You may be wondering what it will be like, whether you’ll be expected to talk, or if you’ll feel out of place. We hope the information below helps ease some of those unknowns and shows that there is no “right” way to attend. Whether you choose to speak or simply listen, you are welcome here.
What a meeting is like
We gather in a relaxed, circle-style setting and begin by introducing ourselves. Everyone is invited to share their name and as much – or as little – of their story as they feel comfortable sharing. From there, the conversation unfolds naturally based on what is on our hearts that evening. There is no script, no agenda, and no pressure to participate beyond what feels right.
Share in whatever way feels right
Some parents choose to share their story in full, some share pieces of it over time, and others prefer to simply listen. All are welcome. There is never any expectation to speak.
Take care of yourself
You are always welcome to step out for a moment, take a break, or care for yourself in whatever way you need during the meeting.
A Few Important Notes
Babies and children do not attend our monthly meetings. Because our members are grieving the loss of a baby, seeing or hearing young children can be unexpectedly painful. We do, however, welcome babies, children, and family members at many of our special events hosted throughout the year.
Pregnant again? You are absolutely welcome. Pregnancy after loss can bring both hope and fear. Whether you are expecting again or have welcomed a rainbow baby, you are still welcome at BLOOM.
Attend as often as feels right for you. Grief isn’t linear, and neither is your need for support. Some parents attend every month, while others come only once in a while. You may find that you need BLOOM regularly for a season, take a break, and return months or even years later. However your journey unfolds, you’re always welcome whenever you need us.
We meet on the first Thursday of each month from 7:00 – 8:30 pm in suburban Kansas City, Missouri. Meeting details and locations can be found on our Schedule page.
If you’re planning to attend for the first time, you’re welcome to email or message our facilitator, Charmel Clough, with any questions.
⚖️Disclaimer: BLOOM and its members are not licensed counselors or medical providers.
Although it can be therapeutic, BLOOM gatherings are not intended to be a replacement for therapy or medical advice.
Diagnosis and treatment of physical, mental, or emotional conditions should be given by your own medical provider or licensed counselor.
We would be honored to meet you whenever you feel ready.
Click on the video below for a guided tour through the North Kansas City Public Library to find our meeting space. We meet downstairs in the public meeting room. If you require an elevator, it is located to the left of the stairway.