Bears for Bereaved Mommies is a developing Canadian non-profit, non-denominational organization providing support to individuals and families who experience pregnancy and infant loss Conception – 1 year. Established in October 2004 Bears for Bereaved Mommies exists to provide caring, confidential, support services to families and friends who experience pregnancy and infant loss find hope, healing, and resolve. We promote awareness of the issues faced by families who experience pregnancy and infant loss, as well as, provide resources to aid in positive grief resolution. *Our program of interest is our Bear Care Cub Distribution Program through which bears are distributed to facilities that offer bereavement programs and services for those who experience pregnancy and infant loss.

Bears for Bereaved Mommies is based on the fundamental belief that a healthy way to cope with the tragedy of pregnancy and infant loss is to obtain information, seek others who offer empathy and allow oneself to fully experience grief.

The Statistics

It is estimated that between 25 to 50% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage or loss. In Canada, between 1991 and 2000 fetal mortality fluctuated between 5.4 and 5.9 deaths per 1000 births. Additionally, in Canada, in 2000, 5.1 infants in 1000 did not survive their first year of life.*

The causes of miscarriage, neonatal, and infant death are many, ranging from genetic abnormalities, premature birth, SIDS (Sudden Infant death Syndrome), and pregnancy complications.

October 15th Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

Miscarriage and infant death are a source of grief, often silent, for mothers, fathers, siblings and grandparents. To recognize this loss, Hon. Elvy Robichaud, New Brunswick Minister of Health and Wellness declared October 15th to be Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, October 12th, 2005.

He called on provincial residents to help promote "support, education and awareness for grieving parents who have lost infants during pregnancy or shortly after birth."

*Statistics from Canadian Perinatal Health Report (2003)

 *The availability of Bears for Bereaved Mommies programs and services are made possible through the generous donation and support of people like you in conjunction with monies raised through fundraising efforts.