July is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, with the goal of raising awareness and providing support to those who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or infant. At GHC-SCW, we understand the profound impact these losses have on individuals and families. We commit to offering resources and support to help navigate this difficult journey.
Understanding Pregnancy and Infant Loss
Pregnancy and infant loss are more common than many realize. It’s also important to understand the terms associated with these losses as well. A miscarriage, or an early pregnancy loss, is when a pregnancy loss occurs before the 20th week of pregnancy. According to the March of Dimes, about 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. The number may actually be higher, as some pregnant people may not realize they are pregnant when they are experiencing a miscarriage. A stillbirth is when the pregnancy loss occurs in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy. In the United States, stillbirth affects about 1 in 160 pregnancies.
Despite these numbers, many misconceptions surround pregnancy loss. One of the most harmful is the belief that it is often the pregnant person’s fault. It is crucial to understand that pregnancy loss rarely happens because of anything the pregnant person did or didn’t do. Some miscarriages may be caused by problems with chromosomes. Regardless of the cause, the emotional toll of these losses is immense. Feelings of guilt, grief and isolation are common. It is important to note that most people who have a miscarriage or a stillbirth and get pregnant again have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Behavioral Health Resources at GHC-SCW
GHC-SCW offers a range of behavioral health resources to support those affected by pregnancy and infant loss. Our counseling services provide a safe space for individuals and families to express their grief and begin the healing process. Our therapists handle the unique challenges that come with such a loss. They offer compassionate and professional care.
Our behavioral health staff may also be able to connect you to local support groups. These are safe spaces where grieving parents and families connect with others who have experienced similar losses. These groups provide a sense of community and understanding., and participants may feel less isolated in their grief. Our goal is to ensure that no one faces this journey alone. If you have questions, please call (608) 441-3290.
Community Support
GHC-SCW deeply commits to supporting our local community. We partner with organizations focused on pregnancy and infant loss. One such organization is Mikayla’s Grace. Mikayla’s Grace was started in March of 2011 by Mike and Melissa Terrill after the loss of their babies, Mikayla Grace and Chase Gabriel. This organization is their way of giving back to the community, and keeping their babies’ spirits and memory alive while helping other families. Mikayla’s Grace provides comfort and support to families with babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and those who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. They offer angel memory boxes, baby loss comfort packages and other resources to help families through their grief. We proudly support Mikayla’s Grace and their mission.
Visit the Mikayla’s Grace website.
How to Seek Help and Get Involved
If you or someone you know is affected by pregnancy or infant loss, reach out for support. Accessing GHC-SCW’s behavioral health resources is straightforward. Contact our Behavioral Health services to schedule an appointment or learn more about available support groups.
Supporting Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month is also a meaningful way to get involved. Consider participating in local events, donating to organizations like Mikayla’s Grace, or volunteering your time to help those in need. Every effort helps raise awareness and provides much-needed support to grieving families.
At GHC, we offer management of confirmed miscarriage at less than 13 weeks of gestation via expectant and medication management. We also offer support, resources and understanding during this difficult time. Remember, pregnancy loss is not the pregnant person’s fault. No one should navigate this journey alone. Reach out, seek support and know that help is available.
Additional Information and Resources
March of Dimes – Miscarriage, Loss, and Grief
UW Health Hope After Loss Clinic
UW Health Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic
This April, we celebrate the ConnectRx Wisconsin initiative that helps Black mothers and their babies. Now in its second year, this innovative care coordination system continues to provide medical care and address essential social needs that contribute to the overall well-being for Black pregnant women and birthing persons in Dane County. Coinciding with this anniversary is Black Maternal Health Week, a time dedicated to recognizing and addressing the health challenges of Black mothers.
A Vision for Health Equity
ConnectRx Wisconsin was launched by the Dane County Health Council and The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness to bridge the health disparity gap in our community, particularly in maternal and child health. The initiative was created to eliminate disparities in low-weight births between Black and white women in Dane County, where Wisconsin has one of the highest Black infant mortality rates in the United States. The Saving Our Babies Report, which includes community-based and system-level recommendations, led to the launch of the Saving Our Babies Initiative in 2019 and the Black Maternal and Child Health Alliance of Dane County in 2020 and paved the way for ConnectRx Wisconsin.
The Heart of ConnectRx Wisconsin
At the core of ConnectRx Wisconsin is a comprehensive screening process, identifying participants who could benefit most from the program. To qualify, patients must:
- Identify as African American/Black
- Have a positive pregnancy test
- Screen positive for one or more of the five Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) domains, including:
- Housing
- Financial stability strain
- Food insecurity
- Transportation
- Stress
Once enrolled, individuals work with dedicated community health workers. These professionals guide participants with crucial resources like housing support, financial assistance and accessible health care services.
Making a Difference Together
Over the past two years, ConnectRx Wisconsin has not only improved health outcomes of Black mothers, but has also empowered them with the proper support to create brighter futures for their children.
Since April 2022, ConnectRx Wisconsin has referred 674 Black pregnant patients who were identified as high-risk for coordinated care. Out of these, 600 patients were given essential resources such as housing, food, transportation, and financial assistance. Among the 411 Black pregnant patients who chose to enroll in ConnectRx Wisconsin for additional birthing support, 234 healthy births have occurred, including 172 doula-supported births. This showcases the valuable role of doulas in achieving positive birth outcomes.
During the 20-month evaluation period of ConnectRx Wisconsin, 90% of babies born with doula support reached optimal gestational age, and an impressive 84% were born at a healthy birth weight. These statistics address a critical factor in reducing Black infant mortality rates. Furthermore, in year one, 68% of clients avoided medical interventions, while an unprecedented 94% initiated breastfeeding. These outcomes foster healthier beginnings for both mothers and babies alike.
The program’s success is a testament to the power of community, collaboration and technology. We are proud to be part of the list of program partners below, working together to help address these health disparities to make a positive difference.
- Access Community Health Centers
- GHC-SCW
- SSM St. Mary’s
- Madison Metropolitan School District
- Public Health Madison Dane County
- United Way of Dane County
- UnityPoint Health –Meriter
- UW Health
A Week of Reflection and Action for Black Maternal Health
Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17. This time reminds us of the work still required to ensure that all mothers, regardless of race, have access to the care and support they deserve. ConnectRx Wisconsin embodies the spirit of this week throughout the year by actively working to dismantle barriers. The goal of this initiative is to foster a world where every pregnancy is safe, respected and celebrated.
Looking Ahead with Hope
As we reflect on the accomplishments of the ConnectRx Wisconsin program and the importance of Black Maternal Health Week, we continue supporting and uplifting Black mothers in our community. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless families. We also continue to work towards ensuring all have the care and support they need to live a healthy life.