Styling Life with Aditi Loveridge
Getting dressed is something we all do, but how each of us experiences it is unique. Along with being curious about how people choose to style their bodies & lives, I'm fascinated by what drives folks to follow their hearts & endeavour to shape our world in unique ways. My hope is that this project will inspire others to live creatively, with love & passion.
I’ve known Aditi for many years, and it’s been an honour watching her grow the Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Centre into the remarkable space it is today. She’s someone I admire deeply, & I’m thrilled she’s sharing her insights & wisdom with us here. May her words bring you hope & inspiration.
all images in this post were created for PILSC by Mecoh Bain
Can you please tell us a bit about who you are?
My name is Aditi Loveridge (she/her). I am a pregnancy loss coach, advocate and founder of the registered charity, Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Centre.
What is The Pregnancy & Infant Loss & Support Centre?
The Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Centre is a registered charity based in Calgary, Alberta, serving the loss community worldwide. Our mission is to support and connect individuals of all identities, backgrounds or circumstances, who have experienced the trauma around miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal loss, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or infertility.
We acknowledge that the journey through loss towards healing is as complex as it is individual. As such, we offer many no-cost pathways to healing, including a helpline, peer support, mental health sessions, and somatic therapies. You can read more about our vision & values here.
What inspired you to start The Pregnancy & Infant Loss & Support Centre?
My personal and professional journey inspired me to start the centre. After experiencing loss personally, I found a lack of diverse healing options for the journey towards healing. Then when I began coaching others professionally, I started to see the same need from the community. People were looking for ways to connect at different points in their journey.
What types of resources are available? Who are they for? How do they access them?
We offer a text/webchat helpline, multiple support groups (both peer and professionally facilitated), mental health sessions, alternative healing options (reiki, yoga, acupuncture, psychic medium), and siblings in loss programming. Our programs are available for anyone impacted by loss (birthing person, partners, grandparents, siblings) across each stage of the journey (acute loss, trying to conceive, pregnant in loss, parenting after loss).
You can access our supports remotely from anywhere and, once we move back to in-person, there will be a chance to attend sessions at our location in Sunalta Calgary. Remote options will also be available for those residing outside Calgary or who have other barriers to accessing services. You can book in for any support on our website here.
What shifts have you noticed in the community since starting the Centre?
People now know that miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal loss, SIDS, and infertility are worthy of support. More and more community members are talking about it and reaching out, and those who haven't experienced it are becoming increasingly aware. The shift is that this is now becoming a cause deemed worthy of support and is becoming less silenced in our society.
What is your dream for the Centre? What do you hope it will grow into?
My dream for the Centre is that it is in every province. I hope that it grows into the “hub” of best practices in what pregnancy and infant loss support can look like.
What do you wish people knew about grief?
Grief is a lifelong journey. It is not something that happens in solace. It is something that we carry with us for the rest of our lives. The way we carry it changes, but we carry it nonetheless.
Is there anything people can do to better support themselves & others through grief?
For those navigating loss themselves, I would encourage you to connect to others who can relate to the journey. Community is one of the most healing things you can gift yourself.
For those supporting others, I would encourage you to show up - not only in the immediate aftermath of the loss but for the journey. Remember important dates (due dates, birthdates) and send a note on those dates. Don’t ask the person or family what they need (many grievers have no idea what they need). Instead, drop off a coffee/meal. Offer to take pets for a walk or watch other living children. Don’t ask - just show up and let them accept the offer. And if they don’t, don't take it personally.
What does personal style mean to you?
Personal style is the things that make you feel like you. It can be clothing, hair, makeup.
How would you define your style?
My style is very simple, but I always have earrings and a bright lip. You will rarely see me without one of those!
Do you have any outfits or other rituals you turn to when you need a boost of confidence?
When I need a boost of confidence, I will meditate and practice affirmations. I will also take some downtime to reflect on how far I have come. I think slowing down is how I step into confidence more fully.
What rituals or routines do you have for staying grounded?
I am an avid meditator and, recently, I have gotten into learning more about Tarot. I have been pulling cards daily that invite me to go inward and explore those parts of myself that I sometimes ignore.
What values & principles guide your life?
Vulnerability, trust and honesty guide my life. I deeply value people and feel the way we build connections is to lead with a heart centred on vulnerability, trust and honesty - not only with others but with ourselves too.
What does balance mean to you? How do you find it?
Balance is still something I don't believe exists. There are times in our lives when certain areas of my life will inevitably need more attention than others. Finding balance means changing my perception of what balance is - and being okay with never achieving it. I am still working on that ;)
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced (in business, life or both)? How did you move through them?
The hardest part is not carrying the sadness with me. I engage in many rituals and ceremonies, so I am not holding what is not mine while I support others.
What impact do you hope to make in this world?
I hope I create a space for people to be exactly who they are without apology.
If you could say anything to your younger self, what would it be?
You are far more capable than you give yourself credit for. You will fall, and you will rise again. And again. And again.