Bereavement Program

Losing a child is devastating. Our team understands that every family will prepare for and mourn the death of their baby in a different way, and we are by your side every step of the way.

Support Group

CHOC’s social services team offers a support group for English- and Spanish-speaking families who have lost a child.

Making Tough Decisions

When a child is nearing the end of life, parents are faced with many tough decisions. We offer families the help and support they need to make those difficult decisions by providing them with access to our physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists and chaplain who can provide a great deal of insight medically, emotionally and spiritually. Not only can we discuss the child’s medical prognosis now and in the future, but we can provide guidance and perspectives on how to celebrate your child’s life in ways that will be meaningful for the family.

Making Final Moments Special

Our NICU team ensures that the baby’s final moments with his or her family and friends are special. We can make arrangements for extended family, friends and clergy to be with you for support and comfort. We understand that the end-of-life and grieving processes are very different for every family and we honor those differences and encourage families to make their time with their baby their own. Many families choose to bathe, baptize or dress their baby in special clothing often provided by the volunteers through Threads of Love.

Making Special Memories a Reality

Our team works hard to ensure families have the opportunities to create special memories of their beautiful baby. We provide each family with a memory box and offer a variety of other ways to memorialize their baby. We partner with the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation, a network of professional photographers who help families capture their babies’ precious moments before or after their passing.

Resources Now and In the Future

Our nurses and social workers are available to provide families with the resources they may need to plan a funeral or other final arrangements for their baby. Our social workers can also connect families with support groups and other bereavement resources within their community.