Pediatric Bereavement

The serious illness or death of a child or loss of a pregnancy is a tragic experience, leaving parents, siblings, family and friends with many unanswered questions.

The cohesiveness of the family often can be shattered as family members deal with their grief. While grief can be frightening, it is normal.

Symptoms of grief can include:

• Disbelief
• Confusion
• Helplessness
• Pre-occupation
• Anxiety
• Sleep or eating changes
• Lack of energy
• Weakness
• Crying or numbness
• Overactivity or withdrawal

Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida recognizes the impact of fetal, infant or child loss and offers free, ongoing support to the families of children who have died, are terminally ill or those who have experienced pregnancy loss. Professionals work with families to help them through grief, identify and address potential problems and make referrals when necessary.

Consultation and referral to doctors, social workers, mental health specialists and chaplains are available as needed. Support services are offered in the home, at the office or by telephone.

Bereavement services

• Ongoing emotional support for families touched by the serious illness or death of a child
• Referral to community services
• Educational materials
• Grief education programs for community groups, schools, businesses and professional organizations

We offer services on both self-referral and referral basis.

For more information or to request services, contact the Pediatric / Pregnancy Bereavement Coordinator at: 239-343-6812.

Click on the links below for additional information and helpful tips on dealing with the loss of a loved one:
 
Grief: 
Goodtherapy.org: Grief, Loss, and Bereavement
 
Bereavement Meal assistance:
Signupgenius.com: Online Meal Volunteer Sheet

Funeralwise.com: Sympathy Meals
 
Social Media Information:
Washingtonnational.com: How to handle social media accounts of deceased loved ones
 
USPS:
USPS: Mail for Deceased
 
Do Not contact list:
DMAchoice.org: Deceased Do Not Contact Registration