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 Having a Baby is a supposed to be a happy event. But sometimes things don’t go according to plan. When brand new life and death are separated by mere minutes, we are here to help. The Perinatal Team at Hospice of Chattanooga can help make what little time these families have to spend with their newborn babies, precious.
When the diagnosis of a life-threatening condition is made pre-natally, there is an opportunity for palliative care to begin before the baby is even born. Often, after this type of diagnosis, the family is told to come back “when you are in labor” . This may leave them feeling alienated and isolated during the remainder of the pregnancy as they try to deal with the impending birth.... and death of their newborn baby. By involving the parents in perinatal palliative care early, we are giving the family confidence to face any situation and affording them a seamless setting from birth to bereavement care.
 What is Perinatal Hospice?
Perinatal Hospice is a program offered exclusively through Hospice of Chattanooga. It is the beginning of end-of-life care for the terminally ill baby while the baby is still safely in the mother’s womb. We follow the family’s lead and provide the type of support they want from a compassionate family-centered care program provided by an interdisciplinary team of perinatal and pediatric experts. Our Perinatal Team will work with your primary care physician to provide the best care possible for mother and baby while also assessing the needs of the rest of the family.
The Perinatal Team of Hospice of Chattanooga consists of specially trained professionals including:
A Board Certified Palliative Care Physician who oversees pain/symptom management and regularly reviews the plan of care.
A Pediatrician who works with the patient’s primary physician, supervises our team, and provides consultation and clinical care, including home visits.
A Pediatric Nurse who visits the child/family providing nursing instruction and care, overseeing pharmaceutical and medical equipment and coordinates communication between physician and team members to ensure continuity of care.
A Social Worker who focuses on counseling family members regarding various issues that affect the family unit and help identify community resources to assist with legal and financial needs.
A Bereavement Coordinator who provides support to family members prior to and for up to13 months after the child’s death.
And, A Spiritual Care Coordinator who provides the family with spiritual support and guidance.
 All at no cost to the family. For more information or for a referral please call Brenda Touchstone at 423 892-4289. Extension 406.
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