St. Louis nurses create global bereavement kits for infant loss
A local nonprofit has developed a new standard of care for families who unexpectedly lose a baby, including mailed comfort packages and specific communication protocols for hospital staff.
By Carlos Rousseau ·
St. Louis labor and delivery nurses have built a nonprofit organization to address the lack of formal support for families who experience pregnancy or infant loss. The group was formed by medical professionals who witnessed the emotional toll on mothers and decided to create a unified approach to care.
The organization addresses a gap in the medical profession. Kayla Hollingshead, a member of the group, noted that most medical diagnoses have an established standard of care. She stated that no such real standard had ever existed for families who unexpectedly lose a baby.
The new standard of care includes specific guidelines for how office staff speak to grieving families. The nurses designed these protocols to ensure consistent and compassionate communication during a difficult time.
The group also produces physical comfort kits for distribution to families. These kits contain books, cards, and self-care items. The organization mails these packages to recipients around the world.
This work takes place alongside other health topics discussed in the Aging Untold program, including caregiver communication and gout prevention.
Gerontologist Sam Cradduck advised caregivers to step away from tense interactions with aging loved ones. He recommended leaving the room to allow stress to subside before resuming the conversation.
Aging expert Amy O’Rourke identified specific words that can escalate conflict. She cautioned caregivers to avoid using terms such as no, you, always, never, don’t, and you can’t during these exchanges.
Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, explained the mechanics of gout. She described the condition as a buildup of uric acid in the blood that forms crystals in joints and tissues. The immune system reacts to these crystals as foreign objects, causing pain that often affects the big toe.
Rogers noted that this uric acid buildup can signal larger underlying health issues. She emphasized the importance of monitoring warning signs to prevent painful flare-ups.
The program also covered the preservation of Ford Model A vehicles. Ford produced roughly 5 million of these cars between 1927 and 1931. Today, car clubs work to keep the engines running for enthusiasts.
Stew Wolfe, vice president of the Old Dominion Model A Ford Club, said the cars generate strong reactions from the public. He reported that people get excited when they see the vehicles, and children are particularly delighted when the drivers sound the ahooga horn.
