Contact Us at 845.368.5297
Your baby dies. The grief you feel is very real.
Others may try to comfort you, but the pain doesn't go away. When a baby dies, parents go through an intense grieving process. Everyone grieves differently. As you go through the healing process of grief, you may feel very alone and vulnerable.
"Is what I am feeling NORMAL"?
"Am I acting the way I should"?
Your baby was, and is, a part of you; when your baby died so did many of your hopes and dreams for the future.
Good Samaritan Hospital's Perinatal Bereavement Support Program (PBSP) recognizes that grief needs to be shared. Often the baby is quickly forgotten by others, leaving parents alone. Through mutual help groups and special events, PBSP provides a supportive environment where families can share their thoughts, feelings and similar experiences.
"We have been attending a perinatal bereavement group and it helps us to be around others who have gone through a similar loss."
"The meetings give us comfort and hope for the future."
Support Groups
Mutual support can help toward the resolution of grief. Parents gain a sense of wholeness when their feelings are validated.
PBSP offers support through the various stages of grief and grief reactions. Symptoms of grief can be so overwhelming that it is often a comfort to learn that these symptoms are a normal reaction to loss. You may experience shock, disbelief, numbness, confusion, forgetfulness, sadness, anger, guilt, depression, and fatigue. You may also experience physical symptoms such as aching arms, heaviness in the chest, dreams of the baby, and appetite disturbances. The need to talk about your experience over and over is also very common.
Any bereaved parent, relative or friend may attend meetings.
Listening and/or sharing is provided in a comfortable and informal environment.
- Stillborn and newborn death
- Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy
- Heartbreaking choices (interruption of the wanted pregnancy)
- Crossroads (subsequent pregnancy after the loss of a baby)
- Bereavement support for parents who have experienced the loss of a baby/babies of a multiple pregnancy (ex. 1 twin dies and the other survives)
- Grandparents/family/friends
- Recurrent loss and/or loss complicated by infertility
Annual Events
"Walk To Remember"
During the month of October, National Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month, a national network of parents, health professionals, friends, and family members across the U.S. will be symbolically joining each other by participating in their local “Walk to Remember”. This walk is dedicated to approximately 870,000 babies who die each year through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, or newborn death.
Holiday Candlelight Memorial Service
A non-sectarian memorial service that provides an opportunity for families to remember the babies who have died. This service is held the 2nd Sunday of December.
Walkway of Remembrance
Symbolic gestures play an important role in the healing process. The "Walkway of Remembrance", on the grounds of Good Samaritan Hospital, is especially comforting for those who have experienced a loss. The walkway and garden contain commemorative brick pavers on which individuals inscribe personal information, such as the child's name, birth and death dates, and/or a brief message.
You are not alone….
We know that no one will be able to take away your pain. We are here to support, listen and help you through this journey. For more information on support groups, events, or the Walkway of Remembrance, please contact the Perinatal Bereavement team at 845.368.5297.
Funding
There is no charge to participate in the program. Contributions to the bereavement program are welcome and appreciated.
Your tax deductible donation may be sent to:
GSH Perinatal Bereavement Program
Attn: Bereavement Coordinator
255 Lafayette Ave.
Suffern, NY 10901
For additional information please contact:
Dina Natelson
Dina.Natelson@wmchealth.org