Northwest Grief & Bereavement Community of Practice – Pregnancy & Infant Loss: Awareness Matters
The Northwest Grief & Bereavement Community of Practice Presents:
Pregnancy & Infant Loss: Awareness Matters with Michelle La Fontaine
Key Audience: Health Care Providers & Community Supports
When:
March 12, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
Session Info:
Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) Network is a provincially funded organization with a mandate to provide bereavement support at no cost to families in Ontario who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy at any stage, or the death of their baby, up to 12 months of age. We welcome any families who have suffered a pregnancy or infant death to join with others who share in their grief. PAIL Network is very proud to be able to offer this free service and we are grateful to the many volunteers around the province who share their hearts with bereaved families, like their own.
We are pleased to offer this presentation for health care professionals and community supports to learn more about PAIL Network, with information about our Family Support Program, our Education for Professionals, and how health care professionals can refer families for support.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will further develop their knowledge about the impact that pregnancy and infant loss can have on people who have experienced this type of bereavement
- Participants will increase their ability to provide skilled and compassionate care and services to people who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss
- Participants will learn basic strategies for compassionate communication
- Participants will learn more about Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) Network and be able to find information to share with people who may benefit from resources and programs provided by PAIL Network
Speaker Bio:
Michelle La Fontaine, B.A.A., CLStDipl., MHA(CC) is the Regional Program Manager for the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network, and is a passionate advocate, speaker, and leader dedicated to raising awareness and support for individuals and families impacted by pregnancy and infant loss. Having personally navigated infertility, miscarriage, and the devastating stillbirth of her twins in 2005, she brings a unique perspective to the conversation around grief and bereavement. Michelle has a background in healthcare as a child life specialist, and worked with children and families in the community for over 15 years before dedicating her career to breaking the silence surrounding pregnancy and infant loss in an effort to create a more compassionate and supportive world for those affected by pregnancy and infant loss.