Resources for Bereaved Families
“Please know, while our stories may be different, I understand the pain you are feeling, for I, too, have suffered a similar loss. After my son, Michael, passed away, I was left with milk that he would never use. Donating my milk to The Milk Bank in his memory, allowed me to heal and provided comfort knowing that other babies’ lives could be saved.”
Lauren Duncan, Donor Mother Coordinator
We are here to help. Some mothers find the process of donating their breast milk to be a step in healing, while others prefer not to donate. Whether you need help to gradually and safely diminish your supply or if you choose to pump and donate in memory of your baby, we can provide the support you need.
Why pump and donate your milk?
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Pumping can help you to maintain a connection with your baby
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It helps you and others to acknowledge that your baby did exist
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It is a way for you to move through your grief
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Lactation completes the reproductive cycle
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The release of hormones of lactation helps to reduce the symptoms of depression
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Many bereaved mothers have a physiological need to pump
Garrett’s Gift Bereavement Donation Program
Garrett’s Gift Bereavement Program provides families that have experienced a loss the chance to donate in honor of their little one. Each leaf on this tree has the name of a baby whose family has donated in the hopes of saving another life. There is no minimum donation. Contact our donor mother coordinator for specific donation guidelines. Bereaved parents are welcome to visit Garrett’s Giving Tree during business hours.
We Are Here to Help!
Our goal is to make the donation process for a grieving family as seamless as possible by providing supplies, when available, and convenient donation drop-off sites, as well as the ability to work directly with hospital staff to ship milk donations.
IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED A LOSS AND WOULD LIKE TO DONATE, PLEASE CONTACT US AT (317) 536-1670.
If you would like to give financially in memory of a little one click here for more information.
“Donating filled my heart with such excitement and joy because I knew I was helping those fragile little preemies in honor of my sweet son.”
Sheri Rukavina, on donating after the loss of her son, Mark
Additional Resources for Bereaved Families
| NAME OF RESOURCE | TYPE OF SERVICES PROVIDED | CONTACT INFORMATION |
| Bereavement Publications |
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PO Box 101 Eckert, CO 81418 888-604-4673 www.bereavementmag.com |
| Centering Corporation Grief Resources |
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7230 Maple Street Omaha, NE 68134 866-218-0101 www.centering.org |
| Compassionate Friends |
|
900 Jorie Blvd Suite 78 Oakbrook, IL 60523 630-990-0010 or 877-969-0010 www.compassionatefriends.org |
| Counseling Associates |
|
931 E 86th St Suite 101 Indianapolis, IN 46240 317-466-1516 www.counselingindy.com |
| Eagle Creek Counseling |
|
3935 Eagle Creek PKWY Suite C Indianapolis, IN 46254 317-293-5563 www.eaglecreekcounseling.com |
| Family Counseling Associates |
|
7526 East 82nd Street Indianapolis, IN 46254 317-293-5563 www.fcahelp.com |
| Healing Hearts Infant Bereavement Services |
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810 River Avenue Suite #250 Pittsburgh, PA 15212 888-721-2742 www.cribsforkids.org/joinourforum |
| IU Health – Hope in Healing Pediatric Bereavement Program |
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6640 Intech Blvd, Suite 320 Indianapolis, IN 46278 317-963-0829 Hope in Healing |
| Infants Remembered in Silence (IRIS Organization) |
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218 Third Avenue SW Fairbault, MN 55021 507-334-4748 www.irisremembers.com |
| Kudoboard |
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www.kudoboard.com |
| March of Dimes |
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National Office: 1275 Mamaroneck Ave White Plains, NY 10665 914-997-4488 Indianapolis Office: |
| Mommies Enduring Neonatal Dealth (M.E.N.D.) |
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www.mend.org |
| Mothers in Sympathy & Support (MISS) Foundation |
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77 E Thomas Rd Suite 112 Pheonix, AZ 85012 602-279-6477 or 888-455-6477 www.missfoundation.org |
| Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep |
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2305 E. Arapahoe Road Suite 220 Centennial, CO 80122 877-834-5677 www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org |
| Pathways to Healthing Counseling & Education |
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2051 Monument St Noblesville, IN (Across from Noblesville, HS) 9011 N Meridian St, #108 |
| Postpartum Support International |
|
800-944-4PPD (4773) www.postpartum.net |
| Return to Zero- Center for Healing |
|
www.returntozerohealingcenter.com |
| SHARE Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support, Inc. |
|
401 Jackson St St. Charles, MO 63301-3468 800-821-6819 www.nationalshare.org |
| Will CarryOn |
|
willcarryon.wordpress.com |