Dragonfly Support Program
The Dragonfly Support Program at the Women’s Health Clinic supports people through the experience of pregnancy loss, infant loss, or babies born into the spirit world. There is no right or wrong way to feel after a miscarriage, termination, pregnancy loss, or infant loss. People often feel alone and like they can’t talk about what happened. Having support – being acknowledged, validated, and understood – can help.
The program provides counselling and resources for individuals and families affected by these losses. We are currently open for counselling individual and couple/family intake. We welcome formal and self-referrals. Drop-in group sessions occur on the first Saturday of each month. Peer Support programming is expected to begin January 2023.
The Dragonfly Support Program is a free service for anyone living in Manitoba. The length and frequency of counselling is determined by the needs of each individual, couple or family receiving the service. Our services welcome people of all genders.
We currently offer peer support volunteer positions, workshops, and service provider resources. 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 Form
Dragonfly Support Program Intake Line: 204-947-2422 Ext 544
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.
Dragonfly teachings
offered by Indigenous Elder
and Director of Leadership Louise McKay
“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.”
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.
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