Dear Parents,
If you are here because of a prenatal diagnosis that indicates that your baby may die before or soon
after birth, our hearts go out to you. The Perinatal Comfort Care team is here to be of support to you
and your family through this difficult time. We are dedicated to embracing parents who have made the decision to continue their pregnancy and wish to spend every precious moment with their baby.
Expecting a new baby is a time filled with excitement, anticipation and hope for the future. However, for
parents who have been given a prenatal diagnosis that their baby may be born with a life-
threatening condition incompatible with life, this can be a time filled with heartbreak and uncertainty.
Parents who choose to continue the pregnancy may find themselves alone with limited information
and resources. Other family members may also be facing their own unique struggles. In response to
the need for more specialized perinatal care, St. Joseph Hospice in collaboration with St. Joseph
Hospital has developed a perinatal hospice program to help you and your family through this time of uncertainty. You do not have to walk alone.
The Program Coordinator admits the parents to the PCC program, facilitates communication with
the hospital staff, attends the Perinatal Conference at the hospital and coordinates the PCC team.
The Clinical Social Worker completes the initial assessment, provides psychosocial support and counseling to the family. The Social Worker will assist parents in developing a holistic Birthing Plan
and referrals to community resources. The Social Worker will also provide opportunities for the
parents and family to participate in memory making.
The Chaplain provides a spiritual assessment and collaborates with the parents to establish a care
plan to meet the spiritual needs of all family members. The Chaplain will help families find purpose
and meaning in the lifetime of their baby. The Chaplain is also available to facilitate blessings,
baptism and other rituals.
The Music Therapist will provide an assessment and care plan to meet the psychosocial needs of
the family. Through music, the Therapist is available to assist family members in bonding with their
baby and exploring their feelings regarding the birth and possible death of their baby.
A Nurse is available in a volunteer capacity to provide education and support to parents and family members to better understand their baby’s diagnosis and what to expect at the time of birth and
aftercare.
Volunteers are available to assist the family by providing emotional support and respite.
This outpatient hospice team, along with the Mother’s Obstetrician and hospital staff, collaborate to
provide comprehensive care from the time of diagnosis through bereavement.
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