Support for Families With a Fetal Diagnosis

Learning that your baby has a health condition can sometimes mean navigating unexpected changes, which can be difficult. We understand that families need more than just medical services; they also need emotional, practical and social support when preparing for baby’s arrival.

Our team provides support along the journey. A fetal care nurse navigator will be your main point of contact, coordinating all your care needs and providing support every step of the way. They can connect you with various services to help you manage the nonmedical stresses of coping with your child’s diagnosis.

We provide the following resources to make your pregnancy, delivery and life after birth a little less stressful. 

Conine Clubhouse 

The Conine Clubhouse at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is a “home away from home” where you can stay free of charge (based on availability). We offer a comfortable and convenient place to stay for those who need to be near the hospital while waiting for delivery or for families receiving care at our Fetal Care Center.

Stays require a doctor, social worker or nurse referral. You may qualify to stay at the Conine Clubhouse if:

• Your baby is receiving treatment in the NICU
• Your family is traveling to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital for care

Child Life Specialists

If you have other children, they may also need extra support. Our child life specialists can work with your children to ease anxiety and help them better understand what’s going on. Child life specialists are available to play and distract your child from stressful times in the hospital.

In addition, a child life specialist can provide support to your baby if they’re admitted to the hospital and need treatment after birth. 

Social Workers, Counseling and Spiritual Support

An unexpected prenatal diagnosis can sometimes require making difficult decisions. You and your family will need to determine what types of treatment before and after birth you feel comfortable with. You may also need to plan for specific challenges after your baby comes home.

Our team includes social workers, counselors and spiritual advisors, all trained to provide the compassionate guidance you need during this challenging time. They can assist by:

• Connecting you with individual or group counseling
• Coordinating resources to help with financial burdens and insurance issues
• Guiding you through treatment decisions
• Helping you come to terms with how your baby’s diagnosis will affect your family
• Teaching you and your family stress-relieving and stress-management techniques

Perinatal Palliative Care

When we recognize that a fetal diagnosis may be life-limiting — or even life-ending — we include the palliative care specialists in consultation meetings. These specialists can help you understand your options so you can make the most informed decisions for your family.

They work with you before delivery to determine how you’d like to handle various situations, and they make sure everyone involved is aware of your prenatal and neonatal care plan. After delivery, they provide emotional support to you and your family.

For babies born with life-ending conditions, our palliative care team helps arrange for private and nurturing time together as a family. They make sure you have as much time with your baby as possible and the chance to make precious memories together.