The Christ Hospital Health Network in Cincinnati is set to introduce two Angel Suites at the Mt. Auburn Birthing Center, designed for families mourning the loss of a child during pregnancy or shortly after birth. These suites are funded by The Hayden & Crue Project, an organization dedicated to supporting families through the difficult experience of losing a baby.
One suite will be located near the main labor and delivery unit, while the other will be adjacent to the Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The NICU suite is noted as being the first of its kind in Greater Cincinnati. Charla Payne, Nursing Director of Labor & Delivery at The Christ Hospital Health Network, emphasized that these spaces are intended to provide comfort away from typical hospital environments. "By offering these and other services, we can ensure that these families continue to feel the love and support from our entire team," she stated.
The Angel Suites will feature amenities such as comfortable seating, books, bathing and dressing stations with infant clothes and blankets, and Caring Cradles that preserve the baby for family time before leaving the hospital. Nicole Campbell, co-founder of The Hayden & Crue Project, expressed pride in partnering with The Christ Hospital Health Network: “Our hope is that these suites and amenities...will help support these families during their most difficult time of grief.”
In addition to the Angel Suites, The Christ Hospital offers a program called Women in Need of Grief Support (WINGS), which provides emotional support for families experiencing perinatal loss at both Mt. Auburn and Liberty Township birthing centers. Elizabeth Moore, DO at The Christ Hospital Health Network highlighted this commitment: “Whether it’s the new Angel Suites or the WINGS program...having a support system to guide them through the grief process...can help them in their time of need.”
The hospital also collaborates with organizations like Bella Baby and Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep to create lasting memories for grieving families through photography services.
The Angel Suites are expected to open later this month.