Resources
National
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National Perinatal/Postpartum Depression Hotline:
1-800-PPD-MOMS (1-800-773-6667)
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
988
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 24/7:
1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357)
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Chicago
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Northwestern Memorial Hospital 24/7 Crisis Line:
312-926-8100
Immediate Support
Information & Support
Pregnancy & Infant Loss
Centering Corporation
The Centering Corporation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education and resources for the bereaved – adults and children.
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Jane’s Room
This public charity organization provides privacy and comfort to families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss through their Rooms of Respite and Education & Care programs to help support grieving parents and families at hospitals throughout the country.
March of Dimes
This organization leads the fight for the health of all mothers and babies in the areas of medical research, education of pregnant women, community programs, government advocacy, and support of pregnant women and mothers.
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MISS Foundation
Established in 1996, this international volunteer-based organization provides counseling, advocacy, research, and educational services (C.A.R.E.) to women and their families experiencing the death of a child.
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National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
The month of October was designated by President Ronald Reagan on October 25, 1988 to recognize the loss many parents experience across the United States and around the world and to inform and provide resources for parents. Consider recognizing this month (and especially October 15th) in a meaningful way to support and remember.
https://nationaltoday.com/national-pregnancy-and-infant-loss-awareness-month
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Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
The mission of NILMDTS is to introduce remembrance photography to parents suffering the loss of a baby with a free gift of professional portraiture, capturing love and creating a legacy.
PALS - Pregnancy After Loss Support
Pregnancy after loss is a unique experience of grief and joy that requires recognition from family, friends, peers, and professionals.
PALS supports courageous mamas pregnant again after a loss through connection with peers, awareness in the community, education of providers, and advocacy around the world.
https://pregnancyafterlosssupport.org/
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PLIDA – Pregnancy Loss and Infant Death Alliance
This organization believes that providing perinatal bereavement care is imperative. Its members serve as leaders in perinatal and neonatal bereavement care through education, advocacy, and networking for health care providers and parent advocates.
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Return To Zero: H.O.P.E
RTZ HOPE supports families who have experienced miscarriage, termination for medical reasons (TFMR), other types of pregnancy loss (ectopic pregnancy, blighted ovum, molar pregnancy), neonatal death, infant death, and toddler death.
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Sands - Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Charity (UK)
Sands works to support anyone affected by the death of a baby, improve the care bereaved parents receive, and create a world where fewer babies die.
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Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support
A national organization and community for anyone who has been affected by the tragic death of a baby – from parents, grandparents, siblings, and others within the family unit, to the professionals who also care for them. This organization has over 75 chapters in 29 states in the United States and Canada, and offerings include face-to-face support groups, private online communities, memorial events, trainings for caregivers, etc.
Star Legacy Foundation
This non-profit organization is dedicated to reducing pregnancy loss and neonatal death, and improving care for the families who experience such tragedy by increasing awareness, supporting research, promoting education, and encouraging advocacy and family support.
https://starlegacyfoundation.org
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Still Standing Magazine
Founded in 2012, Still Standing Magazine shares stories from around the world by writers surviving the aftermath of child loss and infertility, and includes information on how others can help.
Professional Affiliations
NASW – National Association of Social Workers
This is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with more than 120,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.
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PLIDA – Pregnancy Loss and Infant Death Alliance
This organization believes that providing perinatal bereavement care is imperative. Its members serve as leaders in perinatal and neonatal bereavement care through education, advocacy, and networking for health care providers and parent advocates.
Before, During, & After Pregnancy
American Psychological Association: “What is postpartum depression and anxiety?”
This on-line printable brochure outlines the symptoms of PPD, the risk factors of PPD, and provides resources and links to help.
www.apa.org/pi/women/resources/reports/postpartum-depression.aspx
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Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation
This organization works to improve outcomes of pregnancy, childbirth, infancy, prematurity, as well as assist with the impact of loss through financial assistance, education, and advocacy. To date, they have served over 700 families in 40 states.
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Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Through research, public health monitoring, scientific assistance and partnerships, the CDC's Division of Reproductive Health (DRH) serves as the focal point for issues related to reproductive health, maternal health, and infant health, and is dedicated to improving the lives of women, their children, and their families.
www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth
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March of Dimes
This organization leads the fight for the health of all mothers and babies in the areas of medical research, education of pregnant women, community programs, government advocacy, and support of pregnant women and mothers.
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MGH Center for Women's Mental Health
This center (based out of Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School) provides a range of current information including discussion of new research findings in women's mental health across the life cycle (including postpartum psychiatric disorders). This center strives to provide sound information to patients and providers alike so that individual clinical decisions can be made in a thoughtful and collaborative fashion.
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Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS)
This non-profit organization is dedicated to providing accurate evidence-based, expert information to patients and health care professionals about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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PANDA - Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia
Provides excellent support to individuals and families in the area of perinatal mental health.
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Postpartum Depression Alliance of Illinois
This site provides an excellent, consolidated online database of local programs and resources on postpartum depression throughout the state of Illinois.
Postpartum Support International
This site provides direct peer support to families, trains professionals, and provides a bridge to connect them.
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health: Depression During and After Pregnancy Fact Sheet
This site offers excellent basic information about the different forms of depression that may occur during a pregnancy and postpartum.
www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/postpartum-depression
Infertility
Coalition For Family Building
This organization, serving the Chicago area, works to promote health
and alleviate the mental and physical distress of individuals and couples diagnosed with infertility through education and financial assistance.
https://coalitionforfamilybuilding.org
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RESOLVE
This national infertility organization supports family building by empowering individuals with knowledge, supporting them through community, uniting through advocacy, and inspiring people to act.
Women's Mental Health
International OCD Foundation
The mission of the International OCD Foundation is to help those affected by obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders to live full and productive lives. Their aim is to increase access to effective treatment through research and training, foster a hopeful and supportive community for those affected by OCD and the professionals who treat them, and fight stigma surrounding mental health issues.
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MGH Center for Women's Mental Health
This center (based out of Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School) provides a range of current information including discussion of new research findings in women’s mental health across the life cycle (including postpartum psychiatric disorders). This center strives to provide sound information to patients and providers alike so that individual clinical decisions can be made in a thoughtful and collaborative fashion.
https://womensmentalhealth.org
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National Institute of Mental Health
This is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders and one that is committed to transforming the understanding and treatment of mental illness. The NIMH is part of the National Institute of Health (NIH), the largest biomedical research agency in the world. Their mission focuses on prevention, recovery, and cure. Their website search engine is extensive and can provide more information on depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress, etc.
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DEPRESSION & ANXIETY
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Anxiety and Phobia Workbook
E. Bourne, New Harbinger Publications.
The Anxiety and Worry Workbook
D. Clark and A. Beck, The Guilford Press.
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The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Anxiety
W. Knaus, New Harbinger Publications.
The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Depression
W. Knaus, New Harbinger Publications.
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Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
J. Grayson, Berkley Publishing.
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The PTSD Workbook
M. Williams and S. Poijula,
New Harbinger Publications.
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The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook
M. Davis, E. Robbins Eshelman & M. McKay,
New Harbinger Publications.
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When Words Are Not Enough: The Women’s Prescription for Depression and Anxiety
V. Raskin, Harmony.
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PARENTING
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The Explosive Child
R. Greene, Harper Paperbacks.
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Get Out of My Life but First Could You Take Me and Cheryl to the Mall?
A. Wolf, Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
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How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
A. Faber and E. Mazzlish, Scribner.​​
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The Parent's Tao Te Ching
W. Martin, DaCapo Lifelong Books.
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Permission to Parent: How to Raise Your Child with Love and Limits
R. Berman, Harper Wave.
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Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too
A. Faber, W.W. Norton & Company.
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Smart but Scattered
P. Dawson and R. Guare, Guilford Press.
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Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishment to Love and Reason
A. Kohn, Atria Books.​​​
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Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood
L. Damour, Ballantine Books​.
Recommended Reading
FERTILITY/INFERTILITY
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The Fertility Doctor's Guide to Overcoming Infertility
M.Trolice, Harvard Common Press
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If at First You Don’t Conceive
W. Schoolcraft, Rodale Books.
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Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health
T. Weschler, William Morrow.
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Unsung Lullabies: Understanding and Coping with Infertility
J. Jaffe, D. Diamond & M. Diamond,
St. Martin’s Griffin.
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PREGNANCY AND POSTPARTUM ADJUSTMENT
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A Deeper Shade of Blue: A Woman’s Guide to Recognizing and Treating Depression in Her Childbearing Years
R. Nonacs, Simon & Schuster.
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Before Your Pregnancy: A 90-Day Guide on How to Prepare for a Healthy Conception
A. Ogle and L. Mazzullo, Ballantine Books.
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Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts: Breaking the Cycle of Unwanted Thoughts in Motherhood
K. Kleiman and A. Wenzel, Routledge.
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Mothering the New Mother: Women’s Feelings & Needs After Childbirth: A Support and Resource Guide
S. Placksin, William Morrow Paperbacks.
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The Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook: Practical Skills to Help You Overcome Anxiety, Worry, Panic Attacks, Obsessions and Compulsions
P. Wiegartz and K. Gyoerkoe,
New Harbinger Publications.
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Pregnant on Prozac: The Essential Guide to Making the Best Decision for You and Your Baby
S. Bennett, Globe Pequot Press.
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This Isn’t What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression
K. Kleiman and V. Raskin, Da Capo Lifelong Books.
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RELATIONSHIPS
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Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find - and Keep - Love
A. Levine and R. Heller, Tarcher/Perigee.
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Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself
N.G. Tawwab, Tarcher/Perigee.
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PERINATAL/NEONATAL LOSS
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A Silent Sorrow: Pregnancy Loss: Guidance and Support for You and Your Family
I. Kohn, P-L. Moffitt & I. Wilkins, Routledge.
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A Time to Decide, A Time to Heal
M. Minnick and K. Delp, Pineapple Press.
The Brink of Being: Talking About Miscarriage
J. Bueno, Virago.
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Empty Cradle, Broken Heart
D. Davis, Fulcrum Publishing.
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Help, Comfort, & Hope After Losing Your Baby During Pregnancy or the First Year
H. Lothrop, Lifelong Books.
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Unsupported Losses: Ectopic Pregnancy, Molar Pregnancy, and Blighted Ovum
S. Ilse, A Place to Remember.
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PREGNANCY AFTER A LOSS
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Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing, and Pregnancy After Loss
A. Chute, She Writes Press.
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Joy at the End of the Rainbow: A Guide for Pregnancy After a Loss
A. Ross-White, A. Ross-White.
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Pregnancy After a Loss: A Guide to Pregnancy After a Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Infant Death
C. Cirulli Lanham, Berkley.
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Trying Again: A Guide for Pregnancy After a Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss
A. Douglas and J. Sussman,
Taylor Trade Publishing.
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GRIEF/LOSS BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
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The Invisible String
P. Karst, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
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Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children
B. Mellonie, Bantam.
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The Memory Box: A Book About Grief
J. Rowland, Sparkhouse Family.
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Sun Kisses, Moon Hugs
S. Schaefer Bernardo, Inner Flower Child Books.
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Where Are You? A Child’s Book About Loss
L. Olivieri, Lulu.com.