Perinatal Memorial Service helps families deal with loss of a young child

The impact on a family of losing a young child can be immeasurable, affect an entire family in its own unique way.

It’s what prompts Lions Gate Hospital Perinatal Services and North Shore Health to hold their annual perinatal memorial service in the LGH Chapel for families who have experienced pregnancy loss due to miscarriage, stillbirth or newborn death.

“People who’ve attended the service have appreciated a welcoming place to come together to grieve a loss that usually is not often acknowledged openly,” says LGH Chaplain Andres Rebane. “Those who’ve never been affected by this type of loss don’t always fully understand the effect that perinatal loss can have.”

The service involves people from various faith and cultural backgrounds and includes music, quiet times, candle lighting as well as prayers and readings from various faith traditions.

Participants wanting an opportunity to share a poem, song or personal thoughts in memory of one’s baby are invited to do so as part of this non-denominational service. As well, anyone wanting their baby’s name acknowledged at this service — whether they’re able to attend or not — should call 604-984-5894.

Attendees to past memorials have reported they gained a measure of peace and that participating with other families who truly understand their loss was very helpful. In some cases, families need some time after their loss before they attend but all have appreciated having a safe space for them to come to and receive support for a loss that is not always openly acknowledged.

This year’s memorial will be held:

Sunday, March 2, 2014 @ 3 pm

Lions Gate Hospital (Terrace Cafeteria)

A reception follows the service and participants are asked to please RSVP to Andres Rebane at 604-984-5894 or andres.rebane@vch.ca