Support for Grief and Loss
The staff at Mission Hospital is here to help our families through the difficult time of losing a baby. The death of a child comes as a shock and leaves families with a sense of numbness. It is often difficult to think about making plans and remembering all the details while coping with a loss. We want you to know that your family is not alone. Our hospital staff is here to help.
Our registered nurses provide compassionate care unique to the needs of each family. It is our desire to provide an empathetic environment that encompasses dignity and respect.
The spiritual care department has chaplains available 24-hours a day, seven days a week; call 949-364-7711. Our professionally-trained chaplains provide confidential and non-judgmental emotional and spiritual support for you and your loved ones. Our focus is on supporting the deeper spiritual meaning and understanding of suffering and sickness, health and wellness. We value our multi-faith approach to spiritual health, which allows us to serve the unique needs of each patient while respecting everyone’s chosen spiritual path.
A professionally trained case manager is also available to help with coping and the emotional components of a loss. Case Managers are knowledgeable about community resources and can offer direction and understanding about your decisions.
Unique Services Offered
- Memory Box for Baby’s Sacred Moments
- Specialized Photography Service
- Ceramic Impressions of Baby’s Hand and Footprints
- Follow-up Support Groups
Healing Hearts
Healing Hearts is a support group for those who have lost a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, early infant death, or for parents who had a much wanted pregnancy but due to medical problems were unable to continue the pregnancy.
Healing Hearts is a network of grieving families who have experienced the death of a baby. Our goal is to help other parents in the normal grieving process. We provide a safe and comforting environment for newly bereaved parents to share their feelings with other bereaved parents. Much of the content and structure is based on the needs of the group. This provides the opportunity to discuss individual needs and feelings with others who have had a similar experience.
Meetings are held twice a month, the 1st and 3rd Monday, 7 - 9 p.m. at Mission Hospital’s Women’s Wellness Center, 26732 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite 171C, Mission Viejo.
There is no charge to attend our meetings. For more information, call 949-222-6604 to speak with Megan Heddlesten, Healing Hearts Support Group Facilitator.