Pregnancy Loss Understanding and Support (P.L.U.S.)

Introduction:

St. Margaret of York is a young, vibrant and family-oriented parish. Each year we happily celebrate more than 100 baptisms. However, according to statistics (provided by the March of Dimes), we know that for every 10 of these baptisms held at SMOY, there are 3 families experiencing the pain of a pregnancy loss.  The death of a baby through miscarriage or stillbirth may cause tremendous grief, confusion, fear and anguish for parents and families. Such a loss is often a deeply personal one, particularly when it occurs in early pregnancy, and may be faced alone.

We are sorry if you or someone you know has experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage or stillbirth. As a Catholic community, we are called to respect and honor life from conception to natural death, regardless of longevity. We hope that the information provided here will offer you comfort and support during this difficult time.

P.L.U.S. Mission:

1. To provide caring support to those who have experienced the loss of a baby through miscarriage or stillbirth. This caring support will be provided in the form of information, group support meetings, liturgical activities and prayer.
2. To provide a forum for valuing and honoring human life from conception to natural death, regardless of longevity.

P.L.U.S. Offers:

1. Information about pregnancy loss and options available to family members through links to informational websites and recommended reading
2. Meetings of prayer, comfort and support for those who have experienced pregnancy loss.
3. An annual Memorial Mass for babies who have died as a result of miscarriage or stillbirth.
4. A personal contact for more information about these SMOY offerings. (Please contact Gillian at this email address.)

P.L.U.S. (Pregnancy Loss Understanding and Support), is symbolic because:

• The "+" is an artistic version of the cross of Christ, the ultimate focus of our ministry.
• Women who seek this ministry share in common the experience of a "+" pregnancy test.
• Our babies, though never born, have added to our families.
• We seek to provide positive support for those we serve, support that is full of faith, love and hope for the future.

Information:

Prayer

Most Loving God,
Losing a child is devastating.
Bless all women who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death.
Comfort them in their loss.
Give them hope for the future of their families.
Bless them with an abundance of love,
That as their bodies heal, so too may their hearts.
Give them the courage to face each new day in the confidence of your love.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

Suggested Reading

• Miscarriage: Women Sharing from the Heart by Marie Allen & Shelly Marks
• A Deeper Shade of Grace by Bernadette Keaggy
• Miscarriage: Why it Happens and How Best to Reduce Your Risks by Henry M. Lerner, MD, OB/GYN

Informational Websites

National Share office

The mission of Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support, Inc. is to serve those whose lives are touched by the tragic death of a baby through early pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or in the first few months of life. All information packets, correspondence, and support are free of charge for bereaved parents.

Miscarriage Association

This site provides a very comprehensive range of support, information and comfort, including information pamphlets to download.

Pregnancy Loss

At this site you will find information and a place to come for comforting words.

National Day of Remembrance

This site gives information about the 'National Day of Remembrance’ for children lost to miscarriage, stillbirth and/or neonatal death. It also provides a ‘Memorial Wall’ for these babies to be remembered.

Bereavement Services

Bereavement Services has developed a comprehensive approach to caring for families whose babies died during pregnancy or shortly after birth. This website offers memorial items for purchase.