The Tiniest of Patients: Perinatal Hospice

My brother and sister-in-law suffered the heartbreak of a lifetime 18 years ago. They had baby girl who was born prematurely with V.A.T.E.R Syndrome. No amount of prenatal testing back then alerted them to the trouble her pregnancy was in. Leina Ala died only two weeks after her birth.

Today, prenatal testing can detect hundreds of congenital malformations and conditions. Could today's advanced technology diagnose Leina Ala's condition? I'm not sure, but for the thousands of couples who are informed that their pregnancy will likely result in the death of their baby, the decisions they face are heartbreaking.

Perinatal hospice programs can help these families through their pregnancy, the birth of the baby, and their grief after loss.

Read more about perinatal hospice and find a program near you.