RTS (perinatal/neonatal bereavement program)

Primary purpose

To provide care and support to families who are grieving the loss of an infant through miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death. Services are primarily provided by RTS personnel, health care-givers who have completed a two-day grief training program in perinatal loss.

In-hospital support

Support by RTS personnel is provided at the time of death, whenever possible. Grief folders are given to all families who experience a perinatal or neonatal loss. The folders contain the booklets, Empty Arms and Aching Hearts and Memories are Forever, as well as a variety of other written materials.

Family follow-up

Bereaved families are contacted by an RTS representative via mail and phone after they have left the hospital. The caller provides support and answers any questions the family may have regarding their feelings and responses to grief. They assess for any special needs and refer families to community resources.

RTS parent support group

A mutual support group for mothers experiencing the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn death is held monthly. Parents have the opportunity to share feelings and common experiences, as well as hear professionals speak on issues of grief and healing. The support group is sponsored by Loma Linda University Children's Hospital and meets on the second Tuesday of each month in room 2826 at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call Cheri at (909) 558-7261.

Grief program publications order form (PDF)

Empty Arms and Aching Hearts and Shattered Dreams order form (PDF)