Stillbirth is remarkably common and too often the cause of a family’s loss remains unknown. Our program helps families find answers to questions on the cause of their stillbirth.
The Kate Cares Stillbirth Assessment Program aims to:
- Help families find answers to more questions about why their baby was stillborn
- Calculate the chances of stillbirth happening in future pregnancies
- What can be done in future pregnancies to help prevent stillbirth from happening again
Although there are no words to relieve the pain and devastation of losing a child to stillbirth, finding answers can help alleviate parental guilt and help in the healing process. Learn more about Riley at IU Health Grief & Bereavement support services.
How We Can Help
For families affected by stillbirth, our program offers:
A comprehensive diagnostic testing protocol, including:
- Physical examination of the infant
- X-rays
- Genetic testing
- Maternal blood tests
- Medical record review
- Review of placenta
- Clinical images of the infant, such as ultrasounds
- Autopsy evaluation
Families may decline any portion of the evaluation. Results of the evaluation are then reviewed, free of cost, by our multi-specialty team of providers which includes specialists in the areas of:
- Maternal Fetal Medicine
- Medical Genetics
- Pathology
- Neonatology
- Nursing
- Genetic Counseling
Results of all findings, any additional testing recommendations, and any recommendations for stillbirth prevention for future pregnancies are then summarized and sent to the patient’s referring healthcare provider. A consultation with our healthcare team is also available upon request.
For additional information, or to speak with our Clinical Coordinator, please call 317.688.2948 or email KateCares@iuhealth.org.
About the Kate Cares Stillbirth Assessment Program
History
Following the loss of their daughter, Katherine Jean (“Kate”), to stillbirth in 2003, the Carmichael family developed the Kate Cares Stillbirth Assessment Program to help parents find answers to their stillbirth.
Vision
The vision of the Kate Cares Stillbirth Program includes seeing each baby and each family’s story as building blocks in our search for ways to decrease the occurrence of stillbirth and support those whom stillbirth touches.
Mission
The Kate Cares Stillbirth program strives to support families experiencing stillbirth by:
- Helping families understand why their baby was stillborn.
- Providing information regarding the chances of stillbirth happening again and what can be done to help in future pregnancies.
- Connecting families to medical and social support resources.
- Educating the general public and professionals about the needs of families experiencing stillbirth and creating opportunities for their involvement.
- Increasing the understanding of stillbirth to help other families.
- Providing a framework to search for ways to prevent stillbirth.
Values
- Every baby is valued and treated with respect and dignity.
- All families deserve the opportunity to explore why their baby was stillborn.
- The grieving process is unique for each family and each person.
- Achieving our vision requires the collaboration of the professionals, families and others who have been touched by stillbirth.
- Any stillbirth is one too many for those who experience such a loss.
Resources
For a list of helpful resources, visit our Grief & Bereavement Services page.
