Perinatal Palliative Care Program
Pregnancy should be a time for joy and anticipation of a new life. Unfortunately, for many parents, pregnancy becomes a time of fear, anxiety and uncertainty as they struggle with the news that their baby has a serious, potentially life-threatening problem. If you and your family have received difficult news, please know we are here to help guide you through this process and provide you with the information you need to be the best advocate for your child.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is care delivered to patients who have been noted to have a serious, potentially life-threatening, condition. While the patient may be cured, the outcome is uncertain, and the course of treatment will likely be complicated.
What is the Perinatal Palliative Care Program?
The Perinatal Palliative Care Program provides:
- Education about your baby’s diagnosis
- Preliminary medical decision-making for your baby
- Detailed birth planning
- Exploration of all possible scenarios following delivery
- Emotional support for your entire family
- Coordination of care among your care providers
What type of physician will I see?
Dr. Terri Weinman, board certified in both neonatology and pediatric palliative care, is uniquely qualified to partner with parents during the pregnancy and provide you with information and support.
What is the benefit of the Palliative Care Program?
Prenatal diagnosis, while improving all the time, is not perfect. Sometimes, a diagnosis is made that proves to be not entirely accurate. At birth, the baby’s condition can be less or more severe than expected. Our program helps you explore all options and prepare for a variety of outcomes, acknowledging that it is rare to know with absolute certainty about a baby’s condition. It is important to maintain hope while at the same time making plans that meet the family’s goals of care and priorities for their baby. Decisions and plans can always be adjusted as the baby makes his/her needs known.