Because Every Life Matters…We are Here
Sufficient Grace Ministries provides professional, compassionate comfort doula support and remembrance photography services both in-person and virtually. We also offer perinatal hospice and birth planning consultations. Please click below to find in-person support options in Ohio and SE Michigan and virtual support options globally.
The shock and devastation of hearing that your baby has a life-limiting diagnosis, when you were expecting a joyous outcome, the gift of new life, can shake a parent to the core. Parents are left with many questions, and are often faced with difficult and impossible decisions.
- What will it be like to continue this pregnancy, knowing my baby’s life will be brief?
- What does this mean for our family?
- How does such a decision mesh with our faith, our beliefs?
- Is organ or tissue donation a possibility for my child?
- Will we still get to see our baby and create memories with our child?
When it feels like so much has been taken from you, it is important to remember that there are still so many things you CAN do. None of this is what you had planned, but you can make a plan for the time you do have with your baby. You can still celebrate and embrace the moments you are given, creating special memories for the time your baby is here with you. It is okay to slow down and make a plan one step at a time, as you are able.
Now that you have received this life-changing news, doctors will offer you options that, as a parent, you never thought you would face. You will need to make the tough decision of how and if you want to continue your pregnancy. Options may include Perinatal hospice (Comfort Care), Compassionate Induction, and Termination. If you choose to carry your baby, you will also need to discuss with your doctor if labor (spontaneous or induced) or a C-section would be a better option based on both your baby’s and your medical needs. Certain anomalies or the desire to participate in neonatal organ donation may affect delivery recommendations.
Palliative Care
One of the first options you will want to explore with your partner, physician, and support team is if you want to choose comfort care or medical interventions for your baby. Options and decisions will vary depending on your baby’s condition. You may even have two plans in place if you wish to assess your baby at birth and decide then what interventions are available.
Perinatal Hospice
Perinatal hospice (Comfort Care) offers the option to continue your pregnancy after a life-limiting diagnosis, cherishing whatever time you are given with your baby. It is referred to as “hospice in the womb,” which starts with birth planning and continues by offering support after the baby’s birth until the baby’s death, and beyond. Hope replaces some of the hopelessness, as you are empowered to make decisions on behalf of your baby and family.
Compassionate Induction
Compassionate Induction is when your baby is delivered early at the hospital, usually by medically inducing labor. Babies typically pass shortly after birth with this option. You and your loved ones may choose to spend time with your baby once they are born. Laws vary, and some states may have restrictions on when this option can be performed.
Termination
Termination is typically preformed at a clinic via surgical procedure, depending on gestation. Due to the nature of the procedure, the option to see or hold the baby is not available in most cases.
Birth Planning
While it can be difficult to consider how you may wish to spend the time you are given with your sweet baby, most parents experience a great deal of peace once a plan is in place. The plan may change, and that’s okay. Having the beginning of a plan helps all of your caregivers understand what is important to you, so that you can focus on embracing time with your baby.
Hear the incredible testimonies of six families served by Sufficient Grace Ministries and how this comprehensive, parent – centered support program changed the story for each one: