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March of Dimes Offers Bereavement Materials Born Out of Love and the Loss of a Child
Now Available On March of Dimes Web Site
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., MARCH 19, 2002—Bereavement materials and a new Web site for women and their families who have experienced the loss of a baby before or shortly after birth are now available online from the March of Dimes at www.marchofdimes.com. "The March of Dimes bereavement materials were prepared with the utmost care and respect for the grieving parents and their families, said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes, "and reflect a comprehensive perspective, recognizing that one's body, mind and spirit all must be supported during this difficult time.
"The loss of a child before or soon after birth is especially traumatic. Families go through periods of terrible grief, and a whole range of related emotions," Howse continued. "To address this sensitive area, the March of Dimes assembled an expert advisory panel to help develop our approach. The materials were developed with experience, sensitivity and love.'' The bereavement materials were born out of tragedy when Joe and Marcia Bannon's son, Zachary, was born stillbirth five years ago. The family, devastated and heartbroken, decided to honor Zachary's memory with a generous gift to the March of Dimes which provided the seed money to create the bereavement materials.
The Bannons, and Marcia's parents, Jaye and Bill Zessar, all of whom now live in Iowa, have been active in their communities in promoting the bereavement materials. The materials have been available through the March of Dimes Resource Center and its chapters throughout the country. With the recent launch of the new March of Dimes Web site, mama online, the March of Dimes begins a mass distribution of tens of thousands of packets of bereavement materials—in English and Spanish—to the public.
Each packet contains a booklet to help with and explain the emotional issues associated with loss; information for people, friends and grandparents about how they can best help; an insert called "When You're Ready To Try Again'' to address concerns of parents thinking about another pregnancy; a resource directory; and a set of five fact sheets on miscarriage, ectopic and molar pregnancy, stillbirth, neonatal death, and birth defects. In addition, there is a 'memory envelope' to allow parents to save personal information, such as a photograph or footprint, of their child. Parents who need more specific information about a medical condition during pregnancy or after birth can also contact the March of Dimes Resource Center. The Resource Center offers health information specialists who are trained to speak to families dealing with bereavement issues. The Resource Center can be reached at (888) 663-4637 or on the March of Dimes Web site.
The American Public Health Association's Public Health Materials Contest named the March of Dimes bereavement materials the top winner in the 'printed material category' in November 1999.
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com, its Spanish web site at www.nacersano.org or call 1-888-MODIMES.
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