At St. Joseph Hospital, we understand that the loss of a baby during pregnancy or infancy is a profound and life-altering experience. Our Perinatal Bereavement Program provides compassionate care to families as they navigate their grief journeys.
Our licensed social workers offer guidance, education and resources so every family feels cared for and supported. While families are in the hospital, we encourage them to find meaningful ways to bond with their babies. We provide education about the grieving process and offer continued follow-up care for at least a year after discharge, helping families find their path toward healing.
The Ornament Ceremony is a cornerstone of the program, held every December in the hospital atrium. For nearly three decades, this event has created a sacred space for families to honor the short lives of their babies. Families bring ornaments to hang on a memorial tree, each representing love and remembrance. The ceremony fosters connection as families share their stories and find comfort in a community that understands their loss.
One mother has returned for 28 consecutive years, bringing her sons to honor their sister’s memory, showing how deeply this tradition resonates. In the soft glow of the tree, each
ornament represents love that transcends time.
At St. Joseph Hospital, every baby’s story matters. Through our bereavement program and the Ornament Ceremony, we provide families with solace and a place where their grief is handled with care and dignity.