Mercy HeartPrints

Support for Families Who Experience the Loss of a Baby

Mercy HeartPrints is a very special program offered to provide support to families who experience the loss of a baby any time during pregnancy or the newborn period, including neonatal death, stillbirth, miscarriage, or ectopic pregnancy. It is designed to provide one-to-one support during hospitalization at Mercy Hospital and after discharge. Mercy HeartPrints support staff are trained in perinatal grief and provide support and comfort to bereaved families. They are available to work with families as long as needed to provide support through the grief process.                      

Mercy HeartPrints Staff

We recognize that grief is a very personal process and our staff assists each family in handling their grief in the way that is best for them. Families who experience the loss of a baby during pregnancy or shortly after birth tend to feel isolated and alone. This isolation may be a stumbling block in the grief process because parents may internalize feelings that others don’t acknowledge. In addition, families may feel pressured to move through grief more quickly than possible by others who feel uncomfortable relating to this intensely painful experience. Mercy HeartPrints staff are available to bridge the gap during this time.

Mercy HeartPrints Support Group

Our support group is an opportunity for parents to come together to share and to validate each other’s feelings. The group’s safe and supportive environment alleviates the sense of isolation parents may feel and allows them to move through grief with the support of others.