| The loss of a pregnancy or the serious illness,
injury or death of a child is a tragedy shattering the cohesiveness
of a family as each person tries to deal with their grief.
Reactions to loss may be frightening, and vary greatly from person
to person. The Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida
recognizes the impact of fetal, infant, or child loss, and reaches
out to families in need through a variety of services.
Families are offered support from professionals in the field of
grief and bereavement. Support may include on going emotional
support, referral to community resources, educational materials, and
grief education programs for community groups, businesses, and
professional organizations. Support may be provided in the
home, at the office, by telephone, or through support groups.
There is no charge for these services, and no time limit to when
support begins or ends.
For more information or to request services contact the Pediatric
/ Pregnancy Bereavement Coordinators at: (239) 432-3672.
BEREAVED PARENTS OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
In conjunction with its bereavement services, The Children's
Hospital of Southwest Florida supports two groups for parents who
have lost a child. Professionally guided, the pregnancy and
infant loss support group is for parents or other caregivers
grieving the loss of a baby from conception to one year of age.
The child loss support group is for parents of children who were
over a year old when they died. Sharing feelings with others
who are bereaved helps begin the journey of healing and often
validates and normalizes the parents' experiences.
Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month from 7:00
p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Starting Oct. 16, 2007 the meetings will be
held at HealthPark Medical Center in room HP1A located on the first
floor by the cafeteria.
There are no fees or religious affiliations. For more
information please call, 239-432-3672.
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