PURPOSE:
Pregnancy following perinatal loss is associated with significant psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear of recurrence. Despite the known emotional burden, maternity services often lack dedicated pathways addressing these needs.

DISCUSSION:
Women and birthing people with a history of pregnancy loss often disengage from routine antenatal education, perceiving these spaces as emotionally unsafe due to exposure to content focused on uncomplicated pregnancies. Recognising this gap, a co-production approach was adopted, involving bereaved parents, midwives, psychologists, expert by experience coordinators and voluntary sector organisations, to design peer-led support groups specifically tailored to their experiences. The groups provided a psychologically safe environment for emotional sharing, alongside adapted antenatal education content sensitive to the unique anxieties of pregnancy after loss. Facilitated jointly by trained peer supporters with lived experience, senior psychologists and specialist senior midwife, these sessions supported trust-building, enhanced emotional continuity, and encouraged gradual re-engagement with birth preparation and parenting. An additional component was trauma informed journaling, enabling participants to reflect on their emotions, document their pregnancy journey, and engage in therapeutic writing practices known to support mental well-being in grief and trauma contexts.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Qualitative feedback from participants highlighted reduced isolation, validation of complex emotions, and increased confidence in navigating their pregnancy journeys. Participants reported feeling better prepared for clinical appointments and more engaged with their care plans. Peer support can aid in addressing emotional needs often overlooked in routine care.

KEY MESSAGE:
Co-produced Pregnancy After Loss Peer Support Groups offer a compassionate, effective model to address the emotional and educational needs of bereaved parents during subsequent pregnancies. By integrating peer-led emotional support, adapted antenatal education, and reflective journaling, this approach enhances emotional recovery, promotes re-engagement with birth and parenting preparation, and allows a safe space for juggling fear with joy. Pregnancy loss