New Perinatal Hospice offers support to women whose pregnancy turns into an unexpected journey of grief
Columbus, GA – For most, pregnancy is an anticipation of life, but for approximately 3% of women in the Chattahoochee Valley, the anticipation of a new life becomes the bereavement of a baby’s death. Now, a new perinatal hospice, Sound Journeys, will provide free advocacy and support for women faced with this tragedy.
With advancements in medical testing, doctors are now able to detect fetal anomalies in the first few weeks and months of pregnancy. Such early detection, when accompanied by a fatal diagnosis, leaves expectant women facing the difficult decision to either terminate the pregnancy or continue the pregnancy, all the while grieving their child’s short life. Neither decision allows women the option of escaping heartache. Neither choice defers the pain.
Sound Journeys’ Coordinator, Angie Oakland, has experienced this crisis and the heartache it brings. She states, “To go through your pregnancy knowing that your baby will most likely not live once he/she is born is one of the most difficult things a person can go through. You want to experience the joy that other mothers are experiencing with their pregnancy, but there is always the looming reality.”
Previously, women faced with this crisis, were likely to terminate because of the lack of resources available to them. Now however, Sound Journeys makes it possible for them to receive the support of a trained network of social and medical professionals throughout the duration of their pregnancy and their baby’s life. Whether women carry to term, miscarry or terminate, Sound Journeys commits to providing these women and families with free counseling and support services.
Sound Journeys offers ultrasound pictures and collaborates with photographers to capture precious memories of the baby’s life. Sound Journeys also coordinates with local funeral homes to assist in burial arrangements. Grief counseling and post part-um counseling are offered, and for those women whose babies survive after birth, support is given during those hours, days, weeks and months before the baby’s death.
Sound Journeys’ services are offered free of charge due to a team of dedicated volunteers. To learn more about Sound Journeys and the services they provide or to volunteer, please call them at (706) 304-5029 or visit their website at www.perinatal-hospice.org
