Bryn Mawr Hospital offers its patients the services of a Bereavement Consultant for individuals and couples who have experienced a miscarriage, stillborn or infant death.

Our Bereavement Consultant, Gerri Wismer, RN, NCBF is available to listen, to provide guidance, to let you know that others are here to help you cope with your grief.

To contact Ms. Wismer, please call 610-645-2099.

Our consultant is also available to provide guidance when...

• A loss is identified during a physician visit or hospital stay
• Parents are faced with a difficult decision as a result of genetic testing
• Parents are grieving a child’s potential following the diagnosis of an illness.

Bereavement support continues through the UNITE Support Group. This group meets monthly from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Lankenau Hospital, 100 Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood, PA. Speak with Gerri Wismer for further information at 610-645-2099.

Coping with the Pain
Often the grief you are experiencing can be overwhelming. You may feel alone, isolated and disoriented in the early hours and days. Know that you are not alone-- that others have felt similar pain and there are common feelings after such losses. You should also know that there are things you can do for yourself to help you cope with this situation. Below is a list of helpful suggestions you might consider.

• Care for every part of you -- body, emotions, and spirit -- because every part of you is grieving. Eat balanced nutritious meals, get adequate rest, and regular exercise.
• Trust yourself and your judgement about what you need to do.
• Find a loving support system.
• Ask for help when you feel the need for it. Don’t think that you must go through this grief on your own.
• Allow yourself to experience the pain and emotion. This helps you to move through the grieving process.
• Realize that your partner and family might not react to this situation the same as you. Each person is unique and responds differently. Be patient and try to understand and accept their perspective.
• Cherish the memories of your pregnancy and your baby. Just as with any other loss, those memories will sustain you over time.

UNITE, Inc.Grief Support
This organization has been providing grief support following the loss of a baby, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth and infant death, since 1975. Learn More.

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