Covington, Ga. (November 17, 2023) – Piedmont Newton Hospital can now offer parents who experience the loss of a baby before, during or shortly after birth more time with their child, thanks to a donated Cenotaph Smart Cradle. Piedmont Newton received the cooling bereavement cradle from two organizations dedicated to supporting parents through infant loss and volunteerism, respectively, Rachel’s Gift and Heartbeats & Hands 540.

The smart cradle is designed to preserve the body of a deceased infant, allowing parents to keep the baby with them for longer than would be possible without its cooling function. The cradle resembles a typical hospital bassinet, but it is outfitted with a discrete cooling pad.

“When we do have a mother lose a baby, she will often ask to keep the child in the room with her. Having this bereavement cradle will allow us to say ‘yes’ to more time and provide truly patient-centered care for these mothers and their loved ones,” said Susann Whittle, clinical manager of the Labor & Delivery unit at Piedmont Newton. “We are so grateful to Rachel’s Gift and Heartbeats & Hands 540 for helping us foster a dignified grieving experience for these patients while they are with us.”

Georgia has the second highest rate of fetal mortality in the country, according to recently published data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), underscoring the importance of access to a Cenotaph Smart Cradle in Newton County. The cooling cradle donated by Rachel’s Gift and Heartbeats & Hands 540 is Piedmont Newton’s first.

The Newton Women’s Services team is committed to supporting families through infant loss. As a Rachel’s Gift partner hospital, Piedmont Newton receives keepsake boxes from the organization that include a handmade blanket and specialized bereavement resources to give to moms and families at their time of loss.