Click here to view a list of verified organizations who have joined the Global Pregnancy and Infant Loss Comfort Coalition
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Global Pregnancy & Infant Loss Comfort Coalition Mission Statement
The Global Pregnancy & Infant Loss Comfort Coalition has been formed with the purpose of gathering organizations who actively provide compassionate service to parents and families walking through the loss of a baby in any gestation during pregnancy, a child in infancy, or those who receive a life-limiting perinatal diagnosis. While we invite and welcome members of the medical community to join our team, our goal is compassionate family-centered care for those facing a perinatal or infant loss.
Core Statement of Beliefs and Support Mission
- We believe life begins at conception and that every individual is a unique creation of God.
- We believe that all life is precious and worthy of celebration and dignity.
- We believe in empowering parents with the knowledge and tools to decide how time should be spent with their baby when facing a perinatal loss or a life-limiting diagnosis in pregnancy.
- We believe all support should be parent-centered/family-centered. No one is more equipped to parent a child, whether alive or not, than his or her parents.
- We believe that in order to bridge the gaps in care for bereaved parents, it is necessary and effective to form a comprehensive planning and support team where medical professionals and community-based support can work together for the good of the bereaved family.
- We believe all parents should be made aware of the options available to them before making medical (and other) decisions that could impact their long-term mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
- We believe in using the companioning method of supporting bereaved families, rather than a checklist of things to do. Entering in, being present, walking with families from the time of diagnosis, throughout pregnancy, birth, death, and beyond.
- We believe parents should be given as much time as they prefer creating tangible and intangible memories and bonding with their baby. A comfort companion (loss doula, bereavement doula, comfort doula, supportive nurse, etc) should be available as a guide and source of support for bereaved families.
- We believe that family-centered support should extend beyond the nuclear family to include other relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.).
- We believe that comprehensive support and resources should be made readily available to staff and bereaved families.
Click here to apply to be listed among the trusted organizations in the pregnancy and infant loss support community who have joined the Global PAIL Comfort Coalition.
How did the Global Pregnancy and Infant Loss Comfort Coalition begin?
Last February, we invited a small group of trusted leaders in the pregnancy and infant loss support community – those who have actively worked to bring comfort and hope to bereaved parents and families to gather in Florida for a Perinatal Loss Support Summit. Respected pioneers in this industry who have paved the way for others as well as new organizations with a heart to serve. Together, we are living in a time where we are witnessing the fruits of this labor of love. The blood, sweat, and tears…the sacrifices of time and health…the grief…the prayers…the serving…the words poured from our hearts…the ache we all carry for the little ones who dance in heaven…all of it has led us to such a time as this. It is amazing to see hospitals embracing a new way to care for families walking through perinatal loss. Such a comfort to know that together, our efforts are helping to change the story for grieving parents from one filled with regret to hope-filled memory-making with treasured babies who are well-loved.
I’ve often wondered how much more we could accomplish…how much stronger our voices would be…if they were united. Let’s face it, those who serve loss families haven’t always had a smooth path to breaking down barriers in the medical community. It takes much time and a concerted effort to bring about change. In some cases we have spent years trying to help change antiquated policies, creating a peaceful and supportive environment for bereaved families to welcome their babies. Sometimes, it feels lonely, and we lack opportunities to work together. In all honesty, sometimes there seems to be a lack of willingness to work together.
Through SGM, I speak and lead perinatal loss support trainings at hospitals and other venues throughout the United States. In the state of Ohio, SGM has built an amazing rapport with hospitals, helping to bridge the gap between birth professionals and patients with proven parent-centered care. However, despite this wealth of experience, we have noticed in some arenas, there is little openness to new ideas beyond the medical community. We are often left out of the conversation. We believe those who companion bereaved parents, including organizations with a non-medical background, offer valid and much-needed contributions to a well-rounded support team.
We believe we have something valuable to share that can further change the way we care for bereaved families. The times I have spoken to other worthy perinatal loss support organizations have proven to be mutually beneficial in encouraging us to press on in this sacred work. We need one another.
It is our hope that we can offer the most comprehensive, compassionate support to bereaved families if we work together. This will benefit not only the families we serve, but also each of our organizations. Too often, families looking for support have no way to gauge the quality of the online information they are receiving. Forming a comfort coalition where listed support organizations are screened for quality and values ensures that parents facing loss will receive the best care available.