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Providing Comfort and Compassionate Care

Not every pregnancy goes the way you hoped. Learning that your unborn baby has a complex condition or life-threatening diagnosis is devastating. There’s no right way to navigate the uncertainties associated with a pregnancy that has unexpected challenges. You and your family don’t have to navigate this alone. We are here and will walk this journey with you every step of the way.

Our Perinatal Palliative Care team offers support services to help you through this difficult time. Our support can be integrated at the time of diagnosis and continue throughout your baby’s life. We understand that every baby and family is unique. We will develop a personalized care plan that best supports your needs, goals and values.

Offering Educational Support

Oftentimes, families immediately begin researching new diagnosis information to prepare for and navigate the road that lies ahead. We can provide education about your baby’s condition, treatment options and anticipated challenges. Our team will help you navigate the clinical details, so you are empowered to make the best decisions for your baby and family.

Anticipating a Prolonged NICU Hospitalization

Some families find benefit in being able to explore neonatal treatment options prior to delivery. Our Perinatal Palliative Care team can assist in coordinating a tour of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies and arrange a consultation with a Neonatologist. During this time, you can ask questions about your baby’s condition. You will learn what to expect following delivery, including treatment options, what your baby’s NICU stay may look like and the resources available. Depending on your baby’s needs, our team can also provide additional support by offering care coordination, exploring goals of care, assisting with medical decision-making and providing symptom management following discharge home.

Building a Legacy While Preparing for a Shortened Life Span

When families receive the devastating news of a life-limiting diagnosis, they are asked to make decisions that no parent should have to make. Your baby’s life, no matter the length, matters and your hopes for them will be the foundation for all decision– and meaning–making.

Maintaining hope, although it may evolve, is essential throughout your pregnancy. We will partner with and empower you to create an individualized plan that reflects your wishes, dreams and values for your baby. This birth vision will communicate to the medical team at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital your hopes for pregnancy and how you wish to honor your baby at the time of delivery and in the immediate period after their birth.

An individualized birth vision may include:

  • Mother and newborn medical care
  • End of life symptom management
  • Legacy building
  • Parent, sibling and spiritual support
  • Quality family time
  • After care arrangements

Each situation is unique and by helping you navigate decision-making, the Perinatal Palliative Care team is able to bridge the medical and emotional aspects of care. We can help by facilitating a holistic approach that addresses physical, emotional and spiritual needs. We will assist with exploring opportunities for bonding, legacy building and meeting meaningful milestones with your baby. Depending on your family’s goals and your baby’s journey, our team is also available to support a home-based plan of care with hospice coordination and management when appropriate. 

A Team Approach When You Need It Most

We utilize a multidisciplinary approach to provide comprehensive, coordinated care and ongoing support during pregnancy and after delivery. Whether you need high-risk pregnancy care, spiritual support or help anticipating and dealing with grief, we offer different types of support to address your family’s needs.

Our multi-disciplinary team includes:

Contact Us

For more information or to receive support, please call (321) 841-2245.