Resolve Through Sharing

Each year, nearly one million pregnancies end in miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death within the first few months of life. For these families life has changed forever, their grief seems unbearable, and the journey of healing begins.

Our Resolve Through Sharing program offers education, guidance, resources, and support in a caring, healing environment to families touched by pregnancy and infant loss. We can also help by connecting you with other families who share your experience. At St.Vincent Women's Hospital our nurses and staff are prepared to give the comfort and guidance you need during this difficult time.

The Resolve Through Sharing Program provides support for families who have experienced:

• Early Miscarriage (Conception to 14 weeks)

  The loss of a baby early in pregnancy can occur any time within the first one to 14 weeks of pregnancy. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG), miscarriage is the most common type of pregnancy loss and can affect anyone. There are many types of miscarriages, and they often occur spontaneously. Many women don't know that they have had a miscarriage until their doctor is unable to detect the baby's heartbeat during a routine visit, or their doctor diagnoses an ectopic pregnancy (where the baby is attached to the Fallopian tube rather than the uterus). An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency and requires medical treatment. Some women are diagnosed with Intrauterine Fetal Demise (IUFD) and may choose to miscarry naturally at home or have their doctor perform a surgical procedure called a D&C.

  Whatever the circumstances, or type of miscarriage, you are still experiencing the loss of your baby and have many unanswered questions that may include:

  • Why did this happen to me?
  • What can I do to get through this awful pain?
  • How long does the grief last?
  • Is what I'm feeling "normal"?
  • What do I do with my baby if I delivered at home?

  At the St.Vincent Center for Perinatal Loss our staff is prepared to help answer your questions while providing the support and guidance you need in a comforting, healing environment.

  In the majority of states, babies who are not born alive and under 20 weeks gestation are handled like medical waste and hospitals dispose of the remains as they would tumors or gallstones. In Indiana, this is not the case. Indiana law states that babies who are not born alive and under 20 weeks gestation are considered "medical tissue" and therefore the parents are given options.

  At St.Vincent Women's Hospital, if you choose, your baby will be kept in our Pathology Department, transported to a local funeral home, cremated, and kept in a common urn for our annual graveside service – all free of charge. Families who experience their loss at home can bring their baby to our lab (located on the first floor of St.Vincent Women's Hospital) and similar arrangements will be made – all free of charge. Alternatively, families also have the option of making their own funeral service arrangements using a licensed funeral home of their choice.

  Please call the Center for Perinatal Loss at (317) 415-7494 for more information.

• Infant Loss at 14 to 20 weeks

  Experiencing the loss of a baby at any time is devastating. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG), miscarriage is the most common type of pregnancy loss and can affect anyone. Infant loss that occurs between 14 to 20 weeks is often referred to as IntraUterine Fetal Demise (IUFD), and is typically diagnosed during an office visit when the doctor is unable to detect your baby's heartbeat.

  Parents experiencing an infant loss during these gestational weeks will undergo the labor process to deliver their baby. Labor will need to be induced (medications given) and delivery will follow. Our nurses and staff will encourage you to see, hold, and name your baby. Creating memories is very important through photographs, footprints, handprints, etc. Depending on where you deliver, the hospital may create these for you. If not, we encourage you to advocate for yourselves and create your own memories.

  Whatever the circumstances, or type of miscarriage, you are still experiencing the loss of your baby and have many unanswered questions that may include:

  • Why us?
  • What can I do to get through this awful pain?
  • How long does the grief last?
  • Am I "going crazy" or is what I'm feeling "normal" for someone who is grieving?

  At the St.Vincent Center for Perinatal Loss our staff is prepared to help answer your questions while providing the support and guidance you need in a comforting, healing environment.

  In the majority of states, babies who are not born alive and under 20 weeks gestation are handled like medical waste and hospitals dispose of the remains as they would tumors or gallstones. In Indiana, this is not the case. Indiana law states that babies who are not born alive and under 20 weeks gestation are considered "medical tissue" and therefore the parents are given options.

  At St.Vincent Women's Hospital, if you choose, your baby will be kept in our Pathology Department, transported to a local funeral home, cremated, and kept in a common urn for our annual graveside service – all free of charge. Families who experience their loss at home can bring their baby to our lab (located on the first floor of St.Vincent Women's Hospital) and similar arrangements will be made – all free of charge. Alternatively, families also have the option of making their own funeral service arrangements using a licensed funeral home of their choice.

  Please call the Center for Perinatal Loss at (317) 415-7494 for more information.

• Stillbirth

  A stillbirth is when fetal death occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy. A couple who experiences a stillbirth needs time to grieve. You may experience a range of emotions including deep sadness, anger, denial and more. And, you may likely have many unanswered questions such as:

  • Why did this happen?
  • Am I losing my mind?
  • Do men and women grieve differently?
  • How long will this pain last?

  In Indiana, the law states that babies who are born alive (at any time during the pregnancy) or who are not born alive and are over 20 weeks gestation must be cremated or buried by a licensed funeral home. The baby's parents are responsible for making these arrangements. We invite and encourage families who have lost a baby due to stillbirth to attend one of our several memorial events to help honor the loss of your baby.

  Please call the Center for Perinatal Loss at (317) 415-7494 for more information.

• Newborn Death

  For any baby who is born alive but critically ill, very premature, or is suffering from an abnormality, whether he/she lives a few hours, days, weeks or even months, the parents experience a painful time of waiting. They are tormented by the uncertainty, and the hopes and fears of the outcome. And, you may likely have many unanswered questions such as:

  • Why did this happen?
  • Do men and women grieve differently?
  • How long am I going to be in such pain?
  • Am I "going crazy?"
  • How do I know what is normal?
  • How long will this pain last?
  • How do I know if I am healing?

  At the St.Vincent Center for Perinatal Loss our staff is prepared to help answer your questions while providing the support and guidance you need in a comforting, healing environment.

  Please call the Center for Perinatal Loss at (317) 415-7494 for more information.

Grief is a very normal, personal experience that has no timetable for healing. You may find yourself in need of some support outside of your family and friends. At the St.Vincent Center for Perinatal Loss our staff is prepared to provide the support and guidance you need in a comforting, healing environment. Please call the Center for Perinatal Loss at (317) 415-7494 for more information.