Original Author: Bahar Ostadan
Published: October 6, 2025
Perinatal loss is a heart-wrenching experience affecting thousands of families every year. On Long Island, Huntington Hospital has become a critical space to support mothers and families who endure pregnancy or infant loss. In 2025, the hospital held its 8th Annual Perinatal Bereavement Event, providing a safe space for remembrance, healing, and community connection. The hospital also hosts a support group for families.
A Personal Journey Through Loss
Margot Dahlberg lost her daughter at 35 weeks pregnant when she experienced a placental abruption, resulting in an emergency C-section and the tragic loss of her newborn. “It’s a club you never really want to be a part of,” Dahlberg shared, reflecting on her experience. Now, Dahlberg has channeled her grief into helping other women navigate similar heartbreak, demonstrating the power of support and shared stories.
Similarly, Jeanine Sabatino, who lost her daughter Diana eight years ago, found solace and community through the Star Legacy Foundation, a national organization dedicated to raising awareness of perinatal loss and supporting grieving families. Today, Sabatino leads the foundation’s New York Metro chapter, helping families connect with support groups, peer companions, and educational resources.
Huntington Hospital’s Bereavement Event
Huntington Hospital’s annual event, held in a peaceful garden outside the hospital, provides families with a meaningful way to honor lost children. Rows of memorial stones display the names of babies, accompanied by messages like, “A moment in our arms, a lifetime in our hearts.” Healthcare providers read each name aloud and distribute flowers, creating a solemn and supportive atmosphere for grieving parents and families.
Since 2019, the hospital has documented approximately 74 pregnancy and infant losses through its Center for Mothers & Babies. However, the true number is likely higher, considering cases that present through the emergency department or other services. The hospital offers support kits to families, including items such as a lock of the baby’s hair, footprint keepsakes, and photographs to help preserve precious memories.
Providing Continuous Support
Support at Huntington Hospital extends beyond the event itself. Kacey Farber, a hospital social worker, emphasizes the importance of open communication and acknowledgment of loss for grieving mothers. Families are encouraged to discuss their experiences, helping reduce the stigma surrounding pregnancy and infant loss. Even after a loss, the body and mind may continue processing grief, including physiological responses such as lactation. Hospital programs account for these challenges, ensuring comprehensive care.
The hospital partners with the Star Legacy Foundation to offer in-person and virtual support groups, peer mentorship, and education on navigating future pregnancies. These programs provide resources not only for mothers but also for fathers, grandparents, and siblings, highlighting the holistic nature of family-centered bereavement care.
How Families Cope and Remember
Families find personal ways to commemorate their children. Community support, whether through hospital events, foundation resources, or peer networks, plays a crucial role in helping families navigate grief. Parents like Dahlberg and Sabatino emphasize the importance of speaking about loss, remembering the child, and finding solidarity with others who understand the pain firsthand.
Importance of Awareness and Advocacy
Perinatal loss impacts about 1 million pregnancies annually in the United States, with roughly 21,000 stillbirths. Despite these numbers, many families receive no clear explanation for their loss. Raising awareness, promoting resources, and providing structured support networks are essential to helping families heal and honor their children.
By hosting annual events and partnering with national organizations, Huntington Hospital is setting an example of compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for families experiencing perinatal loss. These initiatives not only help families cope but also raise awareness about the emotional, physical, and psychological impacts of such losses.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is perinatal loss?
Perinatal loss refers to the death of a baby during pregnancy, at birth, or shortly after delivery. It includes miscarriages, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths.
How common is pregnancy or infant loss in the U.S.?
About 1 million pregnancies end in miscarriage each year, and approximately 21,000 babies are stillborn, according to the CDC and Yale University research.
How does Huntington Hospital support grieving families?
The hospital provides memorial events, support kits, peer companion programs, counseling, and partnerships with organizations like the Star Legacy Foundation.
Can families who were not patients at Huntington Hospital participate in support programs?
Yes. Bereavement support groups and programs are open to families across Long Island, regardless of where they received medical care.
What resources are available for fathers and extended family?
Huntington Hospital and the Star Legacy Foundation offer grief discussion groups for fathers, grandparents, and siblings, providing holistic family support.
Why is talking about perinatal loss important?
Open discussion reduces stigma, validates grief, and connects families with community and professional support, which are essential for healing.