Perinatal Hospice
"Helping prepare the birth plan, the several home visits and knowing the support that StarShine would have provided was invaluable in preparing us for the birth of Andrew. We feel that because of people like you, we had the best experience possible in this situation."
~Parents
StarShine Hospice at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center provides a Perinatal Hospice to fill a void for parents facing the birth of a child with a terminal condition. Perinatal Hospice services create a bridge of support during the transitions from pregnancy to parenthood to bereavement.
After being told their unborn baby has a fatal condition for which there is no cure, parents are often overwhelmed with questions and decisions, fear and grief. In collaboration with clinical geneticists and genetic counselors, the StarShine staff addresses the needs of expectant parents and siblings, as well as preparing for the needs of the infant.
The team provides medical, psychosocial and spiritual counseling for parents during their pregnancy and after the birth of their child. Support is offered to the other children in the family as well. A birthing plan is created that is consistent with the individual family's belief system. The hospice team creates special treasures and keepsakes of the newborn. If there is a live birth, the infant can be admitted to hospice.
The hospice team offers support and guidance for families as they cope with their grief and work through their decisions. They also assist with the planning of final arrangements and memorial services, as needed. Bereavement support is offered for the family for a minimum of two years following the death of the child.
"I never felt alone in my struggle. StarShine laughed with me, cried with me, prayed with me, delighted in the small victories with me and continuously encouraged me with their kind words of support."
~A Mother
For more information about the StarShine Hospice, please call 513-636-4663, or email starshine@cchmc.org.
