Infant Loss and Bereavement Support
Losing a child at any stage of pregnancy or infancy is a heartbreaking experience. It’s a grief can feel isolating and overwhelming. This page is dedicated to families who have experienced such a profound loss and provides resources and support to help navigate through this difficult journey.
Raising Awareness Together
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. By raising awareness and breaking the silence, we can provide support to those grieving and empower future families to have healthy pregnancies. Share your story, connect with others, and help us bring light to this often-unseen pain.
Understanding Infant Loss
Every year, thousands of families are impacted by the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or other complications. In the United States:
- 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage.
- 1 in 175 pregnancies end in stillbirth.
The grief that follows can feel incredibly isolating. It’s important to know that there is no right or wrong way to grieve—and that you are not alone.
A Dedicated Bereavement Labor Suite
Our Birthways Unit features a specialized bereavement labor suite, designed to support families grieving the loss of a child. This suite includes a state-of-the-art Murphy bed, offering a comfortable and private space for families following delivery. Located away from other laboring mothers, the suite minimizes any triggering sounds and distractions, allowing for a more peaceful environment during this difficult time.
A Private Family Room for Reflection and Remembrance
Adjacent to the labor suite is a family room, providing loved ones with a private space to gather, reflect, and support one another. Here, families can participate in cherished acts of care, such as bathing their baby, collecting footprints, and preserving mementos like wisps of hair, allowing for moments of connection and healing.
Specialized Training for Compassionate Care
Stacy Peterson, Director of Maternal Child Services, and our staff have pursued extensive training to support families experiencing miscarriage and stillbirth. While we cannot erase the pain of such a loss, our goal is to offer comfort and compassionate care at a time when it is needed most.
Mary Greeley Medical Center remains committed to helping families navigate their journey of loss, honoring each life with dignity and care.
