Making Connections

More information about the loss of a baby, including other local support resources and ways to volunteer your help. Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS) nowilaymedowntosleep.org.

photo courtesy of Mary Luebke, First Expressions Photography

Other ways to help

Jessi Hill, founder of the Coulee Region chapter for NILMDTS, also partners with the following organizations:

Mary Madeline Project
The organization offers infant burial gowns and blankets to local hospitals for bereaving parents. Volunteers donate materials, including wedding gowns, and help with sewing.

Heavenly Angels in Need (HAIN)
The group provides many different kinds of help to babies, children, and their families in need, including hats, booties, and clothing. Also, comfort supplies for children in trauma, toys, and more.

Monthly Pregnancy Loss Support Group & Annual Events

Who: Offered for parents, family members, and friends who have experienced or been affected by a pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or death of an infant.

What: Offered in collaboration with Franciscan Skemp Healthcare and Gundersen Lutheran, the group provides an opportunity to share stories of loss with healthcare professionals and others that have had similar experiences. Participation in discussion is strictly voluntary.

When: Meets the third Monday of each month.

Time: 6:45 to 8 p.m.

Location: John and Nettie Mooney Resource Center, Patient Education Room, first floor of Gundersen Lutheran Clinic, Seventh Street and South Avenue, La Crosse.

Other: Franciscan and Gundersen co-sponsor two annual events. In the fall, a Walk to Remember is held to honor all precious babies who have died. In December, a Christmas Candlelight Memorial Service is offered.

Contact information: For more information, contact Waneeta Everson, bereavement and end of life coordinator, at 775-3696.

Franciscan Skemp Healthcare “Share Program”

Who: Offered for families to help them deal the loss of a child.

What:  The program is equipped with trained nurses, information about grief, the chance to speak with a chaplain, and other support as needed. A nurse follows up with patients by personal telephone calls to find out what is needed at that time. 

The Share office also has a library of information, including resources on grief, infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, death of an infant child, holiday grief, adoption, subsequent pregnancies, and books for children and teens about loss and grief.

Contact information: The Share office can be contacted at 791-9723, or 800-362-5454, ext. 22389, any time. Feel free to leave a message.