Perinatal Bereavement Program
At CHAM, we excel at giving high-risk newborns the best outcomes. For those families who do suffer the loss of a newborn, CHAM founded the Perinatal Bereavement Program. Started in 1984, this comprehensive, interdisciplinary program helps parents cope with loss. The program:
- Helps facilitate parents' full expression of grief following a perinatal (miscarriage, fetal, stillbirth), neonatal, or infant loss
- Educates health care providers on how to express empathy and care for families experiencing loss
- Enlists perinatal social workers and nurses to counsel grieving women and families with compassion
Every person's grieving process is different. However, we recognize that certain practices can provide closure, cleansing, and peace. We encourage parents to see and hold their baby, and we give each family a box of pictures, keepsakes, and appropriate literature. We assist with burial options, and provide access to free lending libraries and a support group that serves families throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Westchester. Each year, our program hosts a Remembrance Memorial Service held at Weiler Hospital for parents.
We accept direct referrals from families or hospital social workers. Please call 718-904-2707 for more information.