Loss Awareness Initiative Helps Grieving Parents

Whitestones Jodi Solieri credits North Shore Hospitals infant loss awareness program with giving her the strength and support to recover from the devastating loss of her 11-month-old child two years ago. On Sunday, October 6, she will be on hand at the Hospital to help other mothers who experienced the tragic death of their children.
Solieri, 34, is one of many mothers whose young children die annually from illness or injury and avail themselves of the emotional, spiritual and psychological aid offered through the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Program.
"When Dana died on May 28, 2000," she said, "I gained help and wisdom from the dedicated social workers and medical personnel and was able to find the strength to continue to care for Danas twin, Nikki, and my 12-year-old Alexa. I learned that I was not alone and other mothers had gone through this trauma before me."
Solieri recalled that when Dana died unexpectedly the staff came to her assistance and then gave her a "bereavement box" that contained the babys clothes, a clip of her hair, and hand and foot prints. One of the purposes of the Hospitals annual Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Day Program is to raise funds for the bereavement boxes which cost $40 each.
The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will bring together physicians, health care professionals and parents wishing to learn more about coping with pregnancy and infant loss, and options for the future.
"Most people just dont understand what we go through," Solieri said. "While fathers do care, they have a different grieving mechanism."
The Whitestone mother is an active member of the North Shore program. She edits the programs newsletter, "Treasured Memories."
Jeanne Woods, a registered nurse who is the Hospitals regional perinatal coordinator, calls the annual event "a very important part of the bereavement work we do here at the Hospital."
On October 6, the program will feature a panel of experts discussing prenatal diagnosis and decision making infertility and pregnancy loss and management of twins and triplets.
The main address will be delivered by Yamin Levy, author of "Confronting the Loss of a Baby."
The Hospital suggests a $20 donation. For further information, call Jeanne Woods at (516) 562-2349.