Dragonfly Support Program

The Dragonfly Support Program at Women’s Health Clinic supports people impacted by pregnancy loss, infant loss, and babies born to spirit. We are currently offering counselling, peer support, group support, and resources for individuals and families affected by these experiences. All our services are free-of-cost for anyone living in Manitoba regardless of health coverage and welcome people of all genders. We welcome formal and self-referrals.

Counselling: We offer counselling for individuals, couples, and families impacted by pregnancy loss, infant loss, and babies born to spirit as well as those wanting support with experiences of infertility and pregnancy after loss

Group Therapy: Group therapy can provide a safe and accepting community in which to process grief, build self-compassion, empathy and coping skills, as well as deconstruct internalized stigma. Many people find it helpful to connect with others who may have a similar range of experiences of loss. Our therapy groups are for anyone who has experienced pregnancy loss, infant loss and babies born to spirit. Our next group therapy session will begin in fall 2023. The group will run for 8 weeks (about 2 months), September 2023 – October 2023. If you are interested in participating, please register here, or email dragonflyprogram@womenshealthclinic.org.

Peer Support: We can pair you up with a trained volunteer who has personal experience with pregnancy loss, infant loss, and/or babies born to spirit for one-on-one peer support and resources. See our Volunteer page for more information about peer support volunteering.

Support Circle: We offer a peer-led support circle drop-in space every Thursday from 6-8pm at Ode’imin (603 St. Mary’s Road) for people impacted by pregnancy loss, infant loss, and babies born to spirit. We will share the schedule for the month ahead in our monthly newsletters, which may include information about different locations or activities. To sign up for our monthly newsletter, please email dragonflyprogram@womenshealthclinic.org

Education & Training: We offer service provider trainings multiple times a year focused on providing anti-oppressive and compassionate care for people who experience pregnancy loss, infant loss and babies born to spirit. We also provide educational workshops on request for communities and organizations.

Provincial Community of Practice: We host meetings with a network of service providers, knowledge keepers, and peer supporters to share knowledge, wise practices, resources, and to collaborate in providing supports for people experiencing pregnancy loss, infant loss and babies born to spirit across the province.

If you are a service provider who would like to refer a client, participate in a workshop, or obtain resources please email dragonflyprogram@womenshealthclinic.org or call our intake line.

Dragonfly Support Program Intake Line:  204-947-2422 Ext 544

Dragonfly Support Program Intake Form

Dragonfly teachings offered by Indigenous Elder and Director of Leadership Louise McKay

We acknowledge the historical and ongoing colonization of this land. Colonization has and continues to impact Indigenous people’s experiences of pregnancy and infant loss, including apprehension. As a program, we aim to offer services rooted in anti-oppression, and to work in a way that actively challenges colonialism. Our program is guided by Indigenous Elder and Director of Leadership Louise McKay, and by community consultation. If you would like to be involved, we would love to hear from you. This invitation is open to those who have been affected by pregnancy or infant loss, or those that provide services relating to pregnancy and infant loss.

“The dragonfly is born on the water as a bug (a nymph) and lives the first part of its life under water. As the nymph matures it begins to look up longingly through the water and the sky above. Somehow it knows that its time has come to give in to the urge to climb up the lily pad stalk. Once the nymph climbs up, emerges from the water and learns to breathe air, it can never return to live in the water. Almost immediately their body will release two beautiful pairs of wings which will allow it to fly. Dragonfly symbolizes change, transformation, adaptability, and self-realization.” 

- Elder Wa Wa Tei Ikwe (Northern Lights Woman)

Like the dragonfly, when we experience change or grief, a transformation happens. We don’t simply “get over” grief; we build around our grief. We build a bridge between who we were before and after by working through and acknowledging what has happened, building connections and support.

Read the full teaching here.

If you need immediate support, please contact:

Mobile Crisis Service
204-940-1781

Community Intake
204-788-8330

Family Peer Support
204-940-2376

Klinic Crisis Line
204-786-8686 or 1-888-322-3019
TTY 204-784-4097

Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line
1-877-435-7170 (1-877-HELP170)

First Nations and Inuit Hope and Wellness Help Line
1-855-242-3310