Perinatal Palliative Care

Perinatal palliative care is compassionate support for parents and families who find out during pregnancy that their baby has a potentially life-limiting condition.  Care focuses around the needs of the family in a holistic nature.  This support is provided from the time of diagnosis throughout the baby’s life.  Perinatal palliative care helps parents embrace whatever time they have with their child and make it meaningful, memorable and family-focused.

During Your Pregnancy

From the time of your baby’s diagnosis you may be faced with many questions and a mixture of emotions.  Your perinatal palliative care team consists of you, a nurse and a counselor.  Here’s what you can expect:

• Our nurse and counselor will learn what is important to you and discuss with you the best way to support and guide you through your pregnancy.
• We will explore ways to express love and care for your baby.
• You can be assured we will listen to your family’s concerns, questions and needs.
• We will discuss ways to design your birth plan and share those needs with your health care provider.

After Your Baby’s Birth

The perinatal support team provides the best care for newborns that have a potentially life-limiting condition.  A nurse will meet with you at the hospital and together will identify your goals and wishes for you and your baby.  We want to support you and provide you with the confidence and tools you need to care for your little one.

Your Comfort Care Team

We want to be your care team and provide comfort to you, your child and your family by listening to and addressing all your needs, whether they are physical, emotional or spiritual.  You are the most important part of this team.

We encourage you to share your thoughts and feelings with us, because good communication will mean the best care for everyone.

Other members of the team can include:

• Counselors
• Nurses
• Volunteers
• Social Workers
• Chaplains
• Home Health Aides
• Nurse Practitioners
• Physicians

For more information please contact Center for Palliative Care.

Office Hours by referral and appointment only

211 North Cedar Street, Mishawaka, IN 46545, 574-367-2476