The resources below have graciously shared their information to be used as contacts for families facing the loss of their baby, or who are expecting a baby who may have a limited life. The particular services provided, and costs associated with those services, must be arranged with the provider, not with Jamie. All of these service providers have had direct communication with Jamie and are familiar with this work. They are ready for your call.
If you have a resource you would like to add, please feel free to use the submission form at the bottom of the page.
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION
Having access to high-quality childbirth education is crucial to a positive birth experience, regardless of the expected outcome. All of these chilldbirth educators are knowledgeable of the specific needs of families facing birth in any trimester and are ready to help you prepare for your birth experience. Many of these providers offer expedited classes to accommodate those for whom time is of the essence.
Sirene-Rose Lipschutz - Email Sirene-Rose
Jennifer McKenny Lewandowski - Jennifer's Website
Courtenay Grabowski - Courtenay's Website OR 248-396-5132
Bonnie Miller - Bonnie's Website OR Email Bonnie OR 313-538-7222
POSTPARTUM DOULA
Postpartum doulas are specially trained to support families in the early days after childbirth. These postpartum doulas are specially prepared to support families who have given birth in any trimester. If your birth has already occurred or is still on the horizon, please reach out to access additional support where you may need it. Postpartum doulas can assist with childcare of any children in the family (please be aware that medically fragile infants may be best served by specially trained nurses), housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, shopping and many other tasks that may be difficult soon after giving birth.
Courtney Kay Blackwell - Email Courtney
Jill Roper - Jill's Website OR Email Jill OR 517-899-8869
Katrina Zimmerman Rende - Katrina's Website OR 586-876-2609
Jill McPartlin Reiter - Jill's Website OR Email Jill OR 586-604-1446
LACTATION SUPPORT
Lactation after loss can bring feelings that are confusing and frustrating, as well as physical effects that can be difficult enough to deal with when they are not complicated by grief. The lactation experts below are able to support your lactation needs and can assist with cessation of milk production, help with milk donation and can encourage continued nursing of other children. If you are experiencing difficulties with nursing, are postpartum and want to explore your options or are expecting a child who may have a brief life, please reach out for support as soon as you are able. Things are much easier when we don't go at them alone.
Courtney Kay Blackwell - Email Courtney
Courtenay Grabowski - Courtenay's Website OR 248-396-5132
Pamela Ford - Focus: HOPE Breastfeeding Peer Counselor - 313-494-4425
HOME BIRTH MIDWIVES
Many families envision the perfect home birth during their pregnancy. If this is your dream, and your pregnancy is progressing typically in ways unrelated to the diagnosis your child has received, the midwives below may be able to help facilitate the home birth you have planned. A planned home birth can be very fulfilling and gratifying, no matter what trimester the baby is born in, and these midwives are highly skilled in assisting with your home birth. There are specific requirements to ensure safe home births, so please reach out to a midwife to help determine if you are a good candidate for a home birth. The midwife is just part of your support team; you'll still want to include an experienced, trained doula and all other support persons you may have access to.
Courtney Kay Blackwell - Email Courtney
Courtenay Grabowski - Courtney's Website OR 248-396-5132
Wendy Pinter - Wendy's Website OR Email Wendy OR 248-425-6782
Jill Roper - Jill's Website OR Email Jill OR 517-899-8869
PHOTOGRAPHY
There is only one chance to capture the memories of your birth. When you add the highly emotional element of giving birth to a baby who may experience a brief life, those memories become even more precious. Having a skilled, professional photographer who can capture those beautiful, captivating memories will be a gift you can give yourself for years to come. I'd like to invite anyone who is afraid to have pictures of their baby taken to reach out to me personally so I can help share some of the options with you. The whole team will work to make sure we meet you where you are and that you feel fully empowered to make every decision with minimal regret.
Courtney Kay Blackwell - Email Courtney
Toni Piluso - Toni's Website
Michelle Massey Barnes - Michelle's Website
Kaissa Moon - Email Kaissa
Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep - NILMDTS Website
PLACENTA ENCAPSULATION
There are certain benefits to consuming your placenta after birth. These benefits can be obtained in an easy, pleasant way by having your placenta prepared and processed into capsules. Below you'll find a list of professional placenta processors. Please be aware that some conditions that present in pregnancy can make it inadvisable to consume your placenta. Please reach out to a professional placenta processor to determine if you would be eligible for processing. Either way, beautiful keepsakes can be created from your placenta and those options should be made available to you if they interest you.
Courtney Kay Blackwell - Email Courtney
Hanna Russo - Email Hanna
Ashleigh Cornell - Ashleigh's Website OR Email Ashleigh
Missy Gannon Kacy - Missy's Facebook
Gina Hodgson - Gina's Facebook OR Gina's Website
Caryn Simon - Caryn's Website
Laurel Miller - Laurel's Website
Tamra Klaty - 810-691-3477 OR Email Tamra
PRENATAL MASSAGE & EXERCISE
It can be so difficult to relax during any pregnancy, and when you are faced with a difficult diagnosis, it can be so much harder. Prenatal massage can be a great way to relax during pregnancy and can even help you cope during labor. Another method used frequently to address high levels of stress is exercise. Finding a professional exercise instructor who is trained in leading women during pregnancy can really enhance your workout experience and ensure you stay safe. Here are professional massage therapists and exercise instructors who can provide the services you may be looking for.
Ashleigh Cornell - PRENATAL MASSAGE - Ashleigh's Website OR Email Ashleigh
Laurel Hicks - PRE- & POSTNATAL YOGA - Email Laurel
Memory Making Opportunities During Pregnancy
It's so important to capture every opportunity to make a beautiful memory during pregnancy. Here are some great resources for unique memory making opportunities.
Courtney Kay Blackwell - BELLY CASTING - [email protected]
Meridith Lynch - BELLY CASTING - Meridith's Facebook
Caryn Simon - BELLY CASTING - Caryn's Website
Laurel Miller - BELLY CASTING - Laurel's Website
Meridith Lynch - HENNA ARTIST - Meridith's Facebook
Tamra Klaty - HENNA ARTIST - 810-691-3477 OR Email Tamra
Jill McPartlin Reiter - BELLY BINDING - Jill's Website OR Email Jill OR 586-604-1446
COUNSELING
You do not need to go on this journey alone. The counselors listed below are trained in supporting families who are experiencing, or have experienced, miscarriage, stillbirth, infertility, loss of a child at any stage, grief and a wide variety of other areas. It is crucial to include outside counseling when you are ready. If you are not sure if you would benefit from the services of a counselor, please reach and see if you feel comfortable with the interaction. Don't be afraid to contact more than one counselor to ensure you find the right fit.
Embracing Life Counseling - Laurette Lipman - Embracing Life Counseling's Website
Laurel Hicks - Social Work/Counseling - Email Laurel
FUNERAL HOMES
Below is a list of compassionate, caring funeral homes with special arrangements for families who have experienced the loss of their child. If you are emotionally or physically unable to begin the process of making these arrangements, please reach out to me so we can work together to begin the process. This is a very sensitive matter and I am so honored to walk with you. These funeral homes are staffed with trusted funeral directors who will work their hardest to ensure your requests are honored and to give your precious child the memorial service they so deserve.
Lynch & Sons - Lynch & Sons Website OR 248-435-0660
BIRTH CENTERS
Here I have compiled a list of hospital birth centers who have experience in walking with families expecting a baby who may be born sleeping or may have a brief life. These hospitals may have special programs in place for these families and I have had direct communication with all of them to ensure they are able to offer the best support to families during this time of need. Additionally, I am able to accompany you to any of the hospitals below. If your hospital isn't on this list, please reach out to me. I am happy to work with you to ensure you are able to be fully supported.
Providence Park Hospital - Hospital Website
ONLINE RESOURCES
If you are looking for information about a specific condition, information on birth plans and access to tons of resources, please check out two of my favorite organizations.
Stillbirthday - Stillbirthday Website
Stillbirthday is everything you could hope to find when you are faced with giving birth in any trimester, with any expected outcome. From a wide variety of resources, to answers to crucial questions, even pictures of babies at varieties of gestational ages.
Sufficient Grace Ministries - SGM Website
SGM offers support materials, Comfort Bears, in-person support groups, training for hospital staff, burial wraps & gowns, diapers for babies born at any gestational age, and so much more!!
SPIRITUAL RESOURCES
The following listing of Spiritual Resources is in now way a complete listing of all that is available in our area, but serves as a starting point to find some support options to begin with. If you have a favorite resource, please use the Request to Add Resource form below to have it added.
Kensington Church - Kensington offers a non-denominational Christian grief program called Grief Share. - Kensington Church Website
The Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network - Provides connections to various grief programs that are compatible with the Jewish faith. - The Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network Website
Catholic Charities of South East Michigan - Provides support services, financial services and counseling referrals that are compatible with the Catholic Faith. - Catholic Charities of South East Michigan Website
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
For the below resources, please consult the provided website for additional information about qualifications, levels of support and other details.
Hearts in Heaven - Providing resources for medical and funeral expenses - Hearts in Heaven Website
Angel Names Association - Providing resources for end-of-life expenses and counseling - Angel Names Association Website
Kids Wish Network - Providing resources for memorial expenses - Kids Wish Network Website
The Tears Foundation - Providing resources for memorial expenses - The Tears Foundation Website
Hope After Loss/The Hygeia Foundation - Providing assistance for burial expenses - The Hygeia Foundation Website
Michigan Department of Human Services - Providing assistance for burial expenses - The MI DHS Website
Having access to high-quality childbirth education is crucial to a positive birth experience, regardless of the expected outcome. All of these chilldbirth educators are knowledgeable of the specific needs of families facing birth in any trimester and are ready to help you prepare for your birth experience. Many of these providers offer expedited classes to accommodate those for whom time is of the essence.
Sirene-Rose Lipschutz - Email Sirene-Rose
Jennifer McKenny Lewandowski - Jennifer's Website
Courtenay Grabowski - Courtenay's Website OR 248-396-5132
Bonnie Miller - Bonnie's Website OR Email Bonnie OR 313-538-7222
POSTPARTUM DOULA
Postpartum doulas are specially trained to support families in the early days after childbirth. These postpartum doulas are specially prepared to support families who have given birth in any trimester. If your birth has already occurred or is still on the horizon, please reach out to access additional support where you may need it. Postpartum doulas can assist with childcare of any children in the family (please be aware that medically fragile infants may be best served by specially trained nurses), housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, shopping and many other tasks that may be difficult soon after giving birth.
Courtney Kay Blackwell - Email Courtney
Jill Roper - Jill's Website OR Email Jill OR 517-899-8869
Katrina Zimmerman Rende - Katrina's Website OR 586-876-2609
Jill McPartlin Reiter - Jill's Website OR Email Jill OR 586-604-1446
LACTATION SUPPORT
Lactation after loss can bring feelings that are confusing and frustrating, as well as physical effects that can be difficult enough to deal with when they are not complicated by grief. The lactation experts below are able to support your lactation needs and can assist with cessation of milk production, help with milk donation and can encourage continued nursing of other children. If you are experiencing difficulties with nursing, are postpartum and want to explore your options or are expecting a child who may have a brief life, please reach out for support as soon as you are able. Things are much easier when we don't go at them alone.
Courtney Kay Blackwell - Email Courtney
Courtenay Grabowski - Courtenay's Website OR 248-396-5132
Pamela Ford - Focus: HOPE Breastfeeding Peer Counselor - 313-494-4425
HOME BIRTH MIDWIVES
Many families envision the perfect home birth during their pregnancy. If this is your dream, and your pregnancy is progressing typically in ways unrelated to the diagnosis your child has received, the midwives below may be able to help facilitate the home birth you have planned. A planned home birth can be very fulfilling and gratifying, no matter what trimester the baby is born in, and these midwives are highly skilled in assisting with your home birth. There are specific requirements to ensure safe home births, so please reach out to a midwife to help determine if you are a good candidate for a home birth. The midwife is just part of your support team; you'll still want to include an experienced, trained doula and all other support persons you may have access to.
Courtney Kay Blackwell - Email Courtney
Courtenay Grabowski - Courtney's Website OR 248-396-5132
Wendy Pinter - Wendy's Website OR Email Wendy OR 248-425-6782
Jill Roper - Jill's Website OR Email Jill OR 517-899-8869
PHOTOGRAPHY
There is only one chance to capture the memories of your birth. When you add the highly emotional element of giving birth to a baby who may experience a brief life, those memories become even more precious. Having a skilled, professional photographer who can capture those beautiful, captivating memories will be a gift you can give yourself for years to come. I'd like to invite anyone who is afraid to have pictures of their baby taken to reach out to me personally so I can help share some of the options with you. The whole team will work to make sure we meet you where you are and that you feel fully empowered to make every decision with minimal regret.
Courtney Kay Blackwell - Email Courtney
Toni Piluso - Toni's Website
Michelle Massey Barnes - Michelle's Website
Kaissa Moon - Email Kaissa
Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep - NILMDTS Website
PLACENTA ENCAPSULATION
There are certain benefits to consuming your placenta after birth. These benefits can be obtained in an easy, pleasant way by having your placenta prepared and processed into capsules. Below you'll find a list of professional placenta processors. Please be aware that some conditions that present in pregnancy can make it inadvisable to consume your placenta. Please reach out to a professional placenta processor to determine if you would be eligible for processing. Either way, beautiful keepsakes can be created from your placenta and those options should be made available to you if they interest you.
Courtney Kay Blackwell - Email Courtney
Hanna Russo - Email Hanna
Ashleigh Cornell - Ashleigh's Website OR Email Ashleigh
Missy Gannon Kacy - Missy's Facebook
Gina Hodgson - Gina's Facebook OR Gina's Website
Caryn Simon - Caryn's Website
Laurel Miller - Laurel's Website
Tamra Klaty - 810-691-3477 OR Email Tamra
PRENATAL MASSAGE & EXERCISE
It can be so difficult to relax during any pregnancy, and when you are faced with a difficult diagnosis, it can be so much harder. Prenatal massage can be a great way to relax during pregnancy and can even help you cope during labor. Another method used frequently to address high levels of stress is exercise. Finding a professional exercise instructor who is trained in leading women during pregnancy can really enhance your workout experience and ensure you stay safe. Here are professional massage therapists and exercise instructors who can provide the services you may be looking for.
Ashleigh Cornell - PRENATAL MASSAGE - Ashleigh's Website OR Email Ashleigh
Laurel Hicks - PRE- & POSTNATAL YOGA - Email Laurel
Memory Making Opportunities During Pregnancy
It's so important to capture every opportunity to make a beautiful memory during pregnancy. Here are some great resources for unique memory making opportunities.
Courtney Kay Blackwell - BELLY CASTING - [email protected]
Meridith Lynch - BELLY CASTING - Meridith's Facebook
Caryn Simon - BELLY CASTING - Caryn's Website
Laurel Miller - BELLY CASTING - Laurel's Website
Meridith Lynch - HENNA ARTIST - Meridith's Facebook
Tamra Klaty - HENNA ARTIST - 810-691-3477 OR Email Tamra
Jill McPartlin Reiter - BELLY BINDING - Jill's Website OR Email Jill OR 586-604-1446
COUNSELING
You do not need to go on this journey alone. The counselors listed below are trained in supporting families who are experiencing, or have experienced, miscarriage, stillbirth, infertility, loss of a child at any stage, grief and a wide variety of other areas. It is crucial to include outside counseling when you are ready. If you are not sure if you would benefit from the services of a counselor, please reach and see if you feel comfortable with the interaction. Don't be afraid to contact more than one counselor to ensure you find the right fit.
Embracing Life Counseling - Laurette Lipman - Embracing Life Counseling's Website
Laurel Hicks - Social Work/Counseling - Email Laurel
FUNERAL HOMES
Below is a list of compassionate, caring funeral homes with special arrangements for families who have experienced the loss of their child. If you are emotionally or physically unable to begin the process of making these arrangements, please reach out to me so we can work together to begin the process. This is a very sensitive matter and I am so honored to walk with you. These funeral homes are staffed with trusted funeral directors who will work their hardest to ensure your requests are honored and to give your precious child the memorial service they so deserve.
Lynch & Sons - Lynch & Sons Website OR 248-435-0660
BIRTH CENTERS
Here I have compiled a list of hospital birth centers who have experience in walking with families expecting a baby who may be born sleeping or may have a brief life. These hospitals may have special programs in place for these families and I have had direct communication with all of them to ensure they are able to offer the best support to families during this time of need. Additionally, I am able to accompany you to any of the hospitals below. If your hospital isn't on this list, please reach out to me. I am happy to work with you to ensure you are able to be fully supported.
Providence Park Hospital - Hospital Website
ONLINE RESOURCES
If you are looking for information about a specific condition, information on birth plans and access to tons of resources, please check out two of my favorite organizations.
Stillbirthday - Stillbirthday Website
Stillbirthday is everything you could hope to find when you are faced with giving birth in any trimester, with any expected outcome. From a wide variety of resources, to answers to crucial questions, even pictures of babies at varieties of gestational ages.
Sufficient Grace Ministries - SGM Website
SGM offers support materials, Comfort Bears, in-person support groups, training for hospital staff, burial wraps & gowns, diapers for babies born at any gestational age, and so much more!!
SPIRITUAL RESOURCES
The following listing of Spiritual Resources is in now way a complete listing of all that is available in our area, but serves as a starting point to find some support options to begin with. If you have a favorite resource, please use the Request to Add Resource form below to have it added.
Kensington Church - Kensington offers a non-denominational Christian grief program called Grief Share. - Kensington Church Website
The Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network - Provides connections to various grief programs that are compatible with the Jewish faith. - The Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network Website
Catholic Charities of South East Michigan - Provides support services, financial services and counseling referrals that are compatible with the Catholic Faith. - Catholic Charities of South East Michigan Website
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
For the below resources, please consult the provided website for additional information about qualifications, levels of support and other details.
Hearts in Heaven - Providing resources for medical and funeral expenses - Hearts in Heaven Website
Angel Names Association - Providing resources for end-of-life expenses and counseling - Angel Names Association Website
Kids Wish Network - Providing resources for memorial expenses - Kids Wish Network Website
The Tears Foundation - Providing resources for memorial expenses - The Tears Foundation Website
Hope After Loss/The Hygeia Foundation - Providing assistance for burial expenses - The Hygeia Foundation Website
Michigan Department of Human Services - Providing assistance for burial expenses - The MI DHS Website