Arizona Perinatal Bereavement
Mission statement – “We provide information and support to help families recover
from the emotional devastation of fetal demise or newborn death.”
Parents’ Rights
Rights of Parents when a Baby Dies -- Effective Ways of Presenting Choices to
Parents at the Time of their Loss
Written by Cathi Lammert, RN, Executive Director, National SHARE Office (Used
here with the author’s permission)
Each parent has these rights:
1. …to be given the opportunity to see, hold and touch their baby at any time before
and /or after death within reason.
Tips to staff for ensuring this right with sensitivity:
 Instead of directly asking parents if they would like to see and hold their baby,
ask if they had thought of seeing the baby.
 If parents hesitate, ask: “Can you share your feelings with me?” Many times
fears about what the baby will look like arise. If this is a worry, let parents
know that you or a nurse will prepare them for what they might see (for
example, skin tears or skin discoloration.)
 We let parents know that they can hold their baby or that we can place the baby
in a special basket for them to see.
 Reassure parents that they can make the decision to see and hold their baby
during or after the birth and that they can have as much time as they need.
 Address parents’ fears and concerns as honestly as possible.
2. …to choose whether they wish to have photographs taken of their baby and to
have these photos available to them or held in security until the family wishes to
see them.
Tips to staff for ensuring this right with sensitivity:
 Don’t force parents to take or see these photos.
 Explain, however, that, unfortunately, this is the only chance parents have to
have photos taken of their baby. If they have photos taken, they can choose not
to look at them, but if they do not have photos taken, they will not be able to
change their minds later.
 Explain that process of taking these special pictures will include positioning the
baby, special mementos and clothing.
 It’s important to take an instant photo, 35mm pictures and a professional photo
such as First Foto.
 Some families choose to take an active role and use their own camera or to
videotape. Others may also wish to have photos taken of the family. Follow their
wishes.
 Some may be uncomfortable and refuse to have any additional pictures taken.
Always abide by their decision without forcing them.
3. …to be given as many mementos as possible.
Tips to staff for ensuring this right with sensitivity:
 Parents should receive at least as many mementos as they would if they took
home a healthy baby -- crib card, baby beads, ultrasound and/or other photos, a
lock of hair, feet and hand prints, the record of weight and length, the blanket
their baby was wrapped in or a photo prop – any item that their baby came in
contact with means a great deal to parents. These things are tangible evidence
that this baby did exist. (Research demonstrates that these small things play a big
part in the parents’ healing.)
 Explain that we give these mementos because other families who have lost their
babies have requested them.
 If parents refuse these items initially, let them know that the hospital will keep
them for a specific period of time and tell them whom to call if they change their
minds. (Make sure to designate a specific place for these mementos and label
them for each baby.)
 Parents have found great comfort in picking out an outfit that the hospital
provides or using one that they have brought from home for their baby to wear.
4. …to name their child and have the opportunity to bond with him or her.
Tips to staff for ensuring this right with sensitivity:
 Ask about naming the baby in an indirect rather than direct way. Instead of
asking, “Are you going to name the baby?” I gently ask, “Had you picked out
names for the baby? Can you share them with me if you feel comfortable naming
this baby?”
 Often says right away that they want to name their baby, but sometimes they
may be hesitant. Give them time to share the reason for their hesitance and
assure them that the choice is theirs.
 Parents are sometimes reluctant because they have chosen a special name for this
child and may now want to change the name. Give them time to think about it
and honor their decision if they simply want the baby to be “Baby (last name).”
Let them know that they can make the decision to name the baby later.
 If parents do decide to name their baby, honor that name immediately. Use the
name in all your conversations with the parents and on all records.
5. …to observe their own cultural and religious practices.
Tips to staff for ensuring this right with sensitivity:
 Even within families, individuals of the same faith or cultural may hold different
personal beliefs. Ask each parent or loved one to share their personal beliefs
about their loss if they wish.
 In the case of mixed-faith relationships, help parents find a middle ground.
Sometimes ministers from both parents’ religions can officiate the funeral
service together. Otherwise, the hospital chaplain is an appropriate person.
6. …to be cared for by an empathetic staff.
Tips to staff for ensuring this right with sensitivity:
 Many parents later report that their healing was easier because of the supportive
and sensitive people who cared for them in their darkest hours.
 On-going education regarding perinatal loss is essential for hospital staff. The
Resources section lists and describes current books and videotapes available.
7. …to be with each other.
Tips to staff for ensuring this right with sensitivity:
 A mother’s support person should be allowed to stay with her as long as possible
-- 24 hours a day and during any and all procedures.
 “Support” person is not limited to the baby’s father. In the case of a single
mother, it could be her mother, another relative or a good friend.
8. …to have time alone with their baby.
Tips to staff for ensuring this right with sensitivity:
 After having some time with the baby and a nurse, ask the parents if they would
like to be alone with their baby for a while.
 If parents want time alone, let them know specifically that they can use any of
the equipment or furniture in the room and tell them what other resources the
department has for their use:
- They can use the rocking chair in the room or the bassinet at the bedside.
- They can dress, undress or bathe their baby.
- Make music (tapes or CDs and players) available for them.
- Make an instant camera available to them if they would like to take personal
photos.
9. …to have time along with the baby.
Tips to staff for ensuring this right with sensitivity:
Parents & Families
Guidelines to Help a Child Deal with Loss
The mental health of dealing with grief is not denial of the tragedy, but the
frank acknowledgement of the painful separation.
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Enable the child to discuss the crisis before it strikes.
 Talk in a quiet, honest, straight forward way to encourage more dialogue.
 Begin at the child’s level of understanding and remember your attitude is more
important that your words.
 Never tell the child what he will later need to unlearn
Allow the child to vent his emotions of grief. Anger, tears, guilt, despair and
protest are all natural reactions to the family disorganization
Encourage the child to discuss his innermost fantasies, fears and feelings.
The child needs to talk, not be talked to.
 Give the child every opportunity to reminisce about the absent person; and, if
he desires, to express anger as well as affection.
Do not close the door on doubt, questioning and difference of opinion. The child’s
effort to find meaning in a time of acute stress can be very damaging.
 Supply the child with simple facts rather than have him figure it out on his
own.
 Be willing to struggle with the child as he tries to understand the disruption in
the family unit. After all, that is what living together involves.
Respect the child’s personality, for in the long run it is he who must find his own
answers to the problems of life and death.
Talking to a child about loss is often complex and disturbing. Seeking help is not
an admission of weakness but a demonstration of strength and love.
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The real challenge is not how to explain loss to your child, but how to
understand and make peace with it yourself.
Parents & Families
Helping Children Deal with Death
Don’t
 Attempt to hide your feelings.
 Fail to recognize behavior problems may be transferred emotion
 Tell half truths or fairy tales.
 Provide a theological lecture (Preach).
 Imply a temporary situation (He has gone away, she is sleeping).
 person) Blame God (It is God’s will, God wanted them because they were such a
good
 Leave explanations incomplete (He was sick…So am I, will I die?)
Do
 Share your own feelings.
 Encourage tears.
 Respond to the child’s feelings.
 Allow time to mourn (can be months).
 Be honest at all times.
 When explaining, identify with something familiar to the child.
 Answer the child’s questions candidly and rationally
 Allow the child to be involved. Look for the child’s needs and fulfill them if
possible.
 Discuss death with your children
 Explain in advance about the funeral rituals
 Discuss the funeral service (mortuary, church, grave side).
 Discuss the possible responses of others that they will see and hear (crying,
whispered talking, music…).
 Listen to what your child has to say.
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When appropriate let them decide if they with to attend the funeral.
Communicate by touch.
 Hold child in your lap, sit close with arms around them.
 Holds hands.
Children with Unmet Needs…
 Regress in behavior (bed wetting, tantrums, thumb sucking…)
 Develop somatic symptoms (stomachaches, headaches…)
 Fear impending death.
 Express anxiety in their behavior (server separation anxiety, nightmares, upsurge
of aggressiveness)
Parents & Families
Developmental Stages and Children’s Responses to Grief
Approximate
Developmental
Age
Infant to 2 years
2 to 5 years
5 to 8 years
8 to 12 years
Adolescents
Grief Reactions
Helpful Approaches
General distress, sleeplessness, shock,
despair, protest. Child responds to parental
grief.
A consistent nurturing figure to
take the place of the
mother/father. Include in funeral
rites.
Simple, honest words and
phrases. Reassurance. Secure,
loving environment. Draw, read
books, play together. Include in
funeral rituals
Simple, honest words and
phrases. Answer questions simply
and honestly. Look for confused
thinking. Offer physical outlets.
Reassurance about future. Draw,
read books, play together. Include
in funeral rituals.
Confusion, agitation at night, frightening
dreams, regression. Child often understands
that a profound event has occurred. May
seem unaffected. Repeated questioning.
Child’s understanding of death is limited.
Wants to understand about death in a
concrete way but thinks “it won’t happen to
them.” Denial, anger, sorrow. General
distress, disoriented, confused. May behave
as though nothing has happened. Desire to
conform with peers. May ask questions
repeatedly. May need physical activity on a
regular basis.
Shock, denial, anxiety, distress. Façade of
coping. Finality of death understood, phobic
behavior, morbid curiosity, peer conformity.
May need physical activity on a regular
basis.
Shock, anxiety, distress, denial, anger,
depression, withdrawn, aggression. May
react similar to adults but have less coping
mechanisms. May feel young, vulnerable
and need to talk. Uses humor
Answer questions directly and
honestly. Reassurance about
future. Create times to talk about
feelings. Offer physical outlets.
Reading. Include in funeral
rituals.
Allow and encourage ventilation
of feelings, encourage peer
support. Groups are helpful as are
appropriate readings. Invoke
other supportive adults. Maintain
consistent environment, Include
in funeral plans and rituals,
encourage involvement in family.
Parents & Families
Children’s Books about Dealing with Loss and Death
Talking with Children about Preinatal Loss
Bereavement services Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation, La Crosse,
Wisconsin
The fall of Freddie the Leaf
Leo Buscagle, Ph.D , Slack, 1982
Part of Me Died Too
Virginia Lynn Fry, Dutton Children’s Books
Remembering Our Baby A workbook for brothers or sisters whose baby dies before
birth
Patti Keough, Centering Corporation
No New Baby
Marilyn Gryte, A place to remember
Our Baby Died. Why?
Jake Erling, A place to remember
Parents & Families
Support Groups for Parents and Families
Chandler, Arizona -The Angel Connection Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group
St. Andrew the Apostle Church
3450 W. Ray Road
Chandler, AZ
Please call the church office for a meeting schedule: 480-899-1990
People of all faiths are welcome.
Mesa, Arizona -Bereavement Services/Resolve through Sharing (RTS): Pregnancy &
Infant Loss Support Group
7:00 pm
1st & 3rd Mondays of each month
Mesquite Room (1st floor off the cafeteria)
Banner Desert Medical Center
1400 S. Dobson Road
Mesa, AZ 85202
Call 602-230-2773 for information
The Compassionate Friends Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group
7:30 pm
2nd Thursday of each month
College View Baptist Church
1810 S. Longmore
Mesa, AZ 85202
Call Doreen Sexton for more information: 480-641-1941
Through Heartbreak to Healing
A four-week perinatal bereavement program held a variety of times
throughout each year. Call Diane Smaw at St. Timothy’s Catholic
Community for more information: 480-838-8844.
Bereavement Services/ RTS Moving Forward: Pregnancy After Loss
Support
We provide support literature and contacts for families that are considering
pregnancy after losing a child and for those who are already pregnant.
Please call 480-512-3595 for more information.
Tempe, Arizona –
M.I.S.S. East Valley Monthly Infant Death Meeting
6:30 pm
1st Thursday of each month
Dayspring United Methodist Church
1365 E. Elliot Road
Call Lee Ann Morlan, 480-963-9844, or visit the M.I.S.S. website:
http://www.misschildren.org
Tucson, Arizona –
Footprints: A Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group
7:30 – 9:00 pm
Second Monday of each month
The Carondelet Villa Annex
6627 E. Carpmdelet Drive
Tucson, Arizona
Call 520-873-6590
Parents & Families
Pregnancy Following a Loss -- Am I Ready to Try Again?
This decision can be difficult, you now know that pregnancies are lost and that
babies do die.
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Try to determine the cause of your loss and what the chances are of reoccurrence.
This can be discussed with your obstetrician and possibly a consultation with a
perinatologist.
Are you physically ready? This is a discussion to have with your obstetrician.
Factors include: how far into the pregnancy your loss was, how much time has
passed, how you delivered, and current health factors.
Are you psychologically ready? This is a question that only you can answer.
Researchers find this takes 6-12 months.
Have you reached a point where the loss does not occupy your every thought?
Have you returned to a normal routine?
Can you sleep through the night?
Has your appetite returned to normal?
Have you worked through your feelings of quilt or failure?
How would you handle another loss?
How strong is your desire for a new child- not a replacement or way to fix your
broken heart?
Are you able to be around other children?
Is your partner ready to try again?
What stress would a new pregnancy place on your marriage/relationship?
Is it likely that it will be a high risk pregnancy, possibly requiring bed rest? Can
you afford not to work?
Is this a good time in your life to plan a pregnancy?
To help you make your decision you may seek: spiritual support, a counselor
experienced with pregnancy loss or a support group.
Parents & Families
Now That You Are Pregnant Again -- Helpful Coping Tips
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Keep a journal; find a way to express your thoughts and emotions.
Talk with others who have suffered a loss and experienced a successful pregnancy
to remind yourself that most pregnancies do end happy.
Ask your medical provider what extra precautions you and he/she should take, and
what extra tests are available for your reassurance.
Feel free to get a second and third opinion if you have doubts or concerns.
Be honest with your feelings and aware that it is normal to have anxieties at this
time.
Taking things “one day at a time” may make the whole nine months seem less
overwhelming.
Pay special attention to your health. Eat a well balanced diet.
Have a group of supportive friends to call when you need to talk about hopes and
fears. Join a subsequent pregnancy support group if you have one in your area.
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If you have doubts or are worried during your pregnancy, call your medical
provider. A clinic visit might provide you with reassurance that things are
proceeding well. Ask what signs to watch for that might signal a problem.
Try to keep good communication with your partner and family during your
pregnancy. Talking about your feelings can be very helpful.
Education and awareness may help you feel more in control. Read about healthy
and problem pregnancies; understand more about your body and the miracle of
birth.
Remember that much is out of your control; you can only do your best. The rest is
out of your hands.
Have faith that your pregnancy will work out. Seek a spiritual advisor for comfort
and inspiration if needed.
Parents & Families
Labor
You are at the end of your pregnancy and anxiously anticipating the birth of your
baby. Many mixed emotions will happen as you go through the delivery process.
There are things that you can do to help make this new experience as wonderful as
possible.
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Visit the labor and delivery unit of the hospital you are planning to deliver at. If
you are returning to the same hospital where your previous loss occurred, you may
want to make several trips. Returning to a labor center and delivery unit will likely
bring back many memories.
Discuss your previous loss with the health care professionals taking care of you.
The more they know about the loss, the more they will be able to help you through
this labor.
Create a birth plan. This will allow the staff to know what your wishes are for your
labor and delivery and will help you prepare for the process. There are many
Internet sites with examples to help you prepare one.
Discuss the feelings that you experience through labor with family, friends, or the
staff. Just as emotions have been mixed throughout pregnancy, they will be
through labor. You may also experience flashbacks throughout the labor process.
Discussing these feelings with someone who understands will help you deal with
the emotions.
Have a second labor coach, if the father of your baby also experienced the your
previous loss. He will also be having many emotions and at times may have a
difficult time filling the role you need him in.
Ask questions throughout labor. No question is silly. Do not sit in bed and worry
about something needlessly. Call a nurse and ask. You will not be bothering her.
Pushing tends to be difficult for many women as it is the last stage of the delivery
process. It will also often bring back memories of your previous loss. If you are
getting very anxious, stop and try to relax.
Once the baby is born, mixed emotions don’t immediately go away. You may be
worried that something is wrong or will go wrong with your baby. You may still
have reluctance to bond—know that is normal and should pass. Also, if this is your
first successful pregnancy and delivery, your new baby will make you realize just
how much you lost with your previous pregnancy.
Resources
Internet Resources
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
www.aap.org
American Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Institute
www.sids.org
Anencephaly Support Foundation
www.asthelp.com
Arizona SIDS Alliance
www.azsids.org
Bereaved Families of Ontario (BFO)
www.inframp.net/~bfo/index.html
The Bereavement Education Center
www.bereavement.org
Bereavement Publishing Inc. (online catalog)
www.bereavementmag.com
The Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (CFSID)
www.sidscanada.org/sids.html (French and English)
Center for Infant and Child Loss
www.mdkids.ab.umb.edu/child-loss
Center for Loss in Multiple Births (CLIMB)
www.geocities.com/heartland/7479/climb/html
Centering Corporation
www.webhealing.com/centering
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
www.cdc.gov
Christian Pregnancy Loss Support (CPLS)
www.geocities.com/wellesley/2458
CJ Foundation
www.cjsids.com
Compassion Books
www.compassionbooks.com
Dealing with the Emotional Aspects of Miscarriage
CANNOT READ ADDRESS
For Teen Moms Only
www.forteenmonsonly.com
The Compassionate Friends
www.compassionatefriends.org
Georgia SIDS/OID information and counseling program
www.ph.dhr.state.ga.us/org/childadolescenthealth.sids.htm
Grief, Loss & Recovery
www.erichad.com/grief
Grief LTD.
www.conectec.com/grief
Grief Talk
www.grieftalk.com
Griefnet
http://rivendell.org
Growth House, INC.
www.growthhouse.org
Guild for infant survival, Los Angeles
http://home.earthlink.net/~awbeale/gisco.htm
Hand: Houston’s Aid in Neonatal Death
www.hern.org/~hand
Hand (Helping After Neonatal Death) of Santa Clara CA.
www.h-a-n-d.org
A Heartbreaking Choice
www.erichad.com/ahc/
Hygeia: An Online Journal for Pregnancy Loss and Neonatal Loss
www.connix.com/~hygeia
Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB)
www.dhhs.gov/hrsa/mchb
Medline
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed
Mothers in Sympathy and Support (MISS)
www.misschildren.org
National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health
www.ncemch.org
National Health Information Center (NHIC)
http://nhic-nt.health.org
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
www.nih.gov/nichd (Contains link back to sleep information)
National Kidney Foundation, INC./ National/Donor Family Council
www.kidney.org/donor
National Maternal and Child Health Clearinghouse (NMCHC)
www.circsol.com/mch
National SIDS council of Australia
www.sidsaustralia.org.au
National SIDS Resource Center (NSRC)
www.circsol.com/sids
Pediatrics (online journal)
www.pediatrics.org
http://intel.pediatrics.org (for faster access from Australia, Brazil, China, France,
Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, The Netherlands, Russia, Singapore, South
Korea, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom)
Pen-Parents
www.penparents.org
Perinatal Loss
www.teleport.com/~grieving
A Place to Remember
www.aplacetoremember.com
Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support, INC.
www.nationalshareoffice.com
SIDS Alliance
www.sidsalliance.org
SIDS Center of New Jersey
http://www2.umdnj.edu/sids/home.htm
SIDS Europe
www.wave.no/org/sids
SIDS Foundation of Washington
www.SIDSofWA.org
SIDS Network
http://sids-network.org (provides information on SIDS and other infant deaths)
SIDS Resources, INC.
www.crn.org/sids
St. Francis Center
www.moore.net/~sfcgrief
Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Support (SANDS)
http://home.vicnet.au/~sands/sands/htm
The Support Organization for Trisomy 18, 13 and Related Disorders (SOFT)
www.trisomy.org
Sudden Infant Death Research Foundation (SIDRF)
www.thetripleconnection.org
Twinless Twin Support Group
www.fwi.com/twinless
Twinless Twins Support Group International
www.twinlesstwins.org
Utah Department of Health/Sudden Infant Death Program
www.health.state.ut.us/cfhs/mch/RHP/sids.htm
Wisconsin Stillbirth Service Program
www.wisc.edu/wissp
Pamphlets/ Publishing Companies
Centering Corporation
1532 N. Saddle Creek Rd.
Omaha, NE. 68104
402-553-1200
Offers caring resources in books and pamphlets.
Compassion Book Service
479 Hannah Branch Rd.
Burnsville, C 28714
704-67-9670
FAX: 704-675-9687
Books on death, dying, comfort and hope.
Pineapple Press
Molly A. Minnick, MSW
PO Box 1531
East Lansing, MI 48826
517-332-1140
Resource for books and publications related to medical interruption and perinatal
loss.
Wisconsin Stillbirth Service Project
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Clinical Genetics Center
1500 Highland Ave.
Madison, WI 53705-2280
608-262-9722
The Rainbow Connection
477 Hannah Branch Rd.
Burnsville, NC 28714
704-675-5905
FAX: 704-675-9687
Networking organization offering publications, training, retreat and support to help
people grow through change.
SHARE
St. Joseph’s Health Center
300 First Capitol Drive
St. Charles, MO 63301
314-947-6164 or 1-800-821-6819
Offers worldwide network of support groups, newsletters, literature, and referrals
for parents.
Bereavement Services
Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center
1910 South Ave.
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-791-4747 or 1-800-362-9567, Ext 4747
Email: berservs@gundluth.org
RTS, and international perinatal bereavement program, provides training and
support materials for professionals. Parents receive written resources, and/or
referrals to local support resources.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Center
1421 E. Wayzata Boulevard, Ste. 70
Wayzata, MN 55391
Support, resources, and education on miscarriage, stillbirth and infant death.
Abiding Hearts
PO Box 5245
Bozeman, MT 59717
406-388-8001
Email: hearts@imt.net
Resources for parents who choose to continue a pregnancy following a diagnosis of
fetal anomalies.
Wintergreen Press
3630 Eileen St.
Maple Plain, MN 55359
612-476-1303
Internet Resources for Pregnancy After a Loss
Baby Center
www.babycenter.com/refcap/1422.html
Child Birthing.Org
www.childbirth.org
Hygeia Foundation
www.hygeia.org
Labor of Love-Pregnancy After a Loss
www.thelaboroflove.com/forum/loss.pregafterloss.html
Parenthood
www.parenthoodweb.com/parent_cfmfiles/pregnancy_labor.cfm
Parents Place- Pregnancy After a Loss
www.rainforest.parentplace.com/dialog/get/newaftermiscarriage37.html
Parentsoup at Ivillage
www.parentsoup.com
A Perspective of a Father
www.mcs.net/~upchurch/subpreg.html
Pregnancy After a Loss: Surviving a Subsequent Pregnancy
www.myria.com/relationships/parents/pregafterloss.html
Pregnancy Loss Home Page
www.geocities.com
Sidelines National Support Network
www.sidelines.org
SPALS
Subsequent Pregnancy After a Loss Support
www.informp.net/~bfo/spals
Vital Records Information
Guidelines
Important Guidelines to follow when writing for vital records and
documents.
Please remember, following these guidelines can greatly assist you in your search
for records!
 Make your letters concise and to the point. Do NOT include more than one or
two requests at once, and be careful not to write confusing details of your
family lines.
 Provide complete information on an individual and event for which you need
documents, Include all names that may have been used, include nicknames,
alternate spellings, etc. List dates and type of events as completely and
accurately as possible. If you don’t know the exact date, specify the span of
several years.
 Patients pays! Unless you already know the number of pages in a deed, or the
exact cost of a document, do not send a specific amount of money in cash or
check. It is appropriate to send a signed, BLANK check, however, with a
notation written, (preferably in red ink), UNDER the “$________” line of the
check which states, “Not to exceed $5.00”, or any amount you wish to
specify. If you don’t care to do that, you will need to make your first letter a
statement of what records you need and a request for them to send you a
statement of charges. You can send a check for the exact amount in a second
letter.
 Always provide S.A.S.E, (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope.)
 County offices have limited personnel and are often swamped with paper
work. Genealogical queries are done as a service which is outside of their
responsibility. They ask therefore that you exercise patients and courtesy in
your transactions with their offices
 When you write for a birth certificate be sure and include the following
information:
o Date of request
o Full name of person (last name in caps)
o Date of birth
o Place of birth
o Mother’s maiden name
o Father’s name
o Relationship to party
o The reason the record is needed
o Requestor’s name and address
 When you write for a death certificate be sure and include the following
information:
o Date of request
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Full name of person (last name in caps)
Date of birth (necessary in some states)
Date of death
Place of birth
Relationship to party
The reason the record is needed
Requestor’s name and address
Requestor’s driver’s license number & state (some counties require it)
Requestor’s signature
Vital Records Information
Arizona Counties
Apache County Vital Records Office
Clerk of the Court
Apache County
P.O. Box 365
St. Johns, AZ 85936
This office contains no birth or death records. You will need to contact the State
Department of Vital Records to obtain this information.
Related Links:
 Apache County USGen Web
Cochise County Vital Records Office
Related Links:
 Cochise County USGen Web
 Lookups- Bisbee city directories and mining history
Coconino County Vital Records Office
Coconino County Clerk
100 E. Birch
Flagstaff, AZ 86001-4625
Related Links:
 Coconino County USGen Web
 About.com from Flagstaff/Sedona, AZ lots of information about
Flagstaff/Sedona, AZ
 Lookups- cemetery records and/or photograph markers in cemeteries in
Williams and Flagstaff
Gila County Vital Records Office
Gila County Clerk
1400 East Ash Street
Globe, AZ 85501-1414
(520)425-3231
Northern Gila County Genealogical
Society
P.O. Box 952
Payson, AZ 85547
Related Links:

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Gila County USGen Web
About.com from Flagstaff/Sedona, AZ lots of information about Flagstaff/Sedona, AZ
Graham County Vital Records Office
Graham County Clerk
Graham County Historical Society
800 Main Street
Safford, AZ 85546-2828
(520) 428-3310
P.O. Box 127
Safford, AZ 85548
Related Links:

Graham County USGen Web
Greenlee County Vital Records Office
Greenlee County Clerk
Webster Street
Clifton, AZ 85533
(520) 865-3872
Related Links:

Greenlee County USGen Web
LaPaz County Vital Records Office
LaPaz County Clerk
P.O. Box 730
Parker, AZ 85344
(520) 669-6131
Related Links:

LaPaz County USGen Web
Maricopa County Vital Records Office
Maricopa County Clerk
201 West Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 506-3360
Related Links:

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
Maricopa County USGen Web
About.com for Phoenix, AZ lots of information about Phoenix, AZ
Miningco.com – Phoenix, AZ
Mohave County Vital Records Office
Mohave County Clerk
Mohave County Genealogical Society
401 East Spring Street
Kingman, AZ 86401-0003
(520) 753-9141
400 West Beala Street
Kingman, AZ 86401
Related Links:


Mohave County USGen Web
Lookups – Mohave Co. Courthouse records and more
Navajo County Vital Records Office
Navajo County Clerk
P.O. Box 668
Holbrook, AZ 86025
(520) 524-6161
Related Links:

Navajo County USGen Web
Pima County Vital Records Office
Pima County Clerk
150 West Congress St. Rm. 194
Tucson, AZ 85701-1707
Related Links:
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Pima County USGen Web
About.com for Tucson, AZ - lots of information about Tucson, AZ
Arizona Daily Star (Tucson), Obituaries, 1996-1999
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Tucson Online Magazine
Tucson Citizen, Obituaries, 1994-1999
Welcome to Tucson, Arizona
Pinal County Vital Records Office
Pinal County Clerk
P.O. Box 827
Florence, AZ 85232-0827
Related Links:

Pinal County USGen Web
Santa Cruz County Vital Records Office
Santa Cruz County Clerk
P.O. Box 1265
Nogales, AZ 85628-1265
Related Links:

Santa Cruz County USGen Web
Yavapai County Vital Records Office
Yavapai County Clerk
Clerk of Superior Court
Prescott, AZ 86301-3803
Related Links:
 Yavapai County USGen
 About.com from Flagstaff/Sedona, AZ lots of information about Flagstaff/Sedona, AZ
 Lookups – marriage, death, burial and hospital records
 Lookups- cemetery records and/or photograph markers in cemeteries in Ash Fork
Mohave County Vital Records Office
Clerk of the Court
198 S. Main Street
Yuma, AZ 85364
Related Links:
 Yuma County USGen Web
 About.com for Yuma, AZ lots of information about Yuma, AZ
Mementos & Miscellaneous
Beaded Name Bracelets,
Herda’s ABC Jewelry,
9910 Willow Cove Road,
Huntsville, AL 35802.
(205) 881-1955.
Care Notes, One Caring Place,
Abbey Press,
St. Meinard, IN 47577,
800) 325-2511
Grief Cards- Out of the Blu’, Joanne Osburn,
Certified Grief Counselor
P.O. Box 1211,
El Paso, TX 799121.
(915)581-9340
Personal Touch Portraits by, Diane Olson
107 South Commercial Street
Rockland, WI 54653
(608) 486-2842
Diane is an artist who does portraits from photographs and slides. All artwork done
in pencil. She has done beautiful work from single photographs parents have of their
baby.
Smocked Baby Gowns.
Instructions available from Sharon Maxwell
Santa Fe Train Chapter- EGZ,
5000 W. 70th Street
Prairie Village, KS 66208
Special Touch Ministries
Special designed gowns, hats, booties and blankets for tiny babies and stillborn.
Edna Ely, Clara Brown and Evelyn Farley work with volunteers in hospitals to share
their ministry by providing these mementos.
Route 1, Box, 162N
Vincent, OH 45784
(614) 678-2304
To Name A Star
International Star Registry
34523 Wilson Road
Ingleside, IL 60041
(800) 282-3333 FAX: (708) 446-4441
Wee Care
Sew and smock gowns (bishop design).
For more information send self addressed, stamped envelope to:
Stitches of Love, Dept. SN
19280 SW. Murphy
Aloho, OR 97007
A Loss Remembered
Line cards designed to acknowledge the anniversary of a child’s death.
Katherine Cole
2908 S. Clermont Dr.
Denver, CO 80222
(303) 692-9668
lossremembered@cs.com
When Words Don’t Come Easy
Birth announcements for special occasions. Perinatal loss
2116 N.E. 18th Ave.
Portland, OR 97212
(503) 284-7426
Musical Reflections
Musical productions, workshops, hospitals, hospice and bedside vigils
Musical Reflections Inc.
P.O. Box 62511
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Threads of Hope, Pieces of Joy
A pregnancy loss bible study,
Teale Fackler & Gwen Kik
Loving and Caring
1905 Olde Homestead Lane
Lancaster, PA 17601
(717) 293-3230
March of Dimes
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Grief Packets
From Hurt to Healing
March of Dimes
P.O. Box 1657
Irilkes-Barre, PA 18703
(800) 367-6630
Available in Spanish
Audio/Video Tapes
A child’s
Gift of Lullabies
1508 16th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 385-0026
Cassette, vocal, instrumental, sing-a-long. Illustrated book. One hour playing time.
Career Track Publishing
MS 20-13, 3085 Center Green Drive
Boulder, CO 80301-5408
(800) 334-1018
FAX: (303) 442-0392
Offers books and videos. Catalogs available.
Fanlight Productions
47 Halifax Street
Boston, MA 02130
(617) 524-0980
FAX: (617) 524-8838
Offers a film and video catalog
Kings College
Center for education about death and bereavement
266 Epworth Avenue
London, Ontario, Canada N6A 2M3
(519) 432-7946
FAX: (519) 433-0353
Offers learning audio tapes of interest to teachers, counselors, nurses, clergy, social
workers, funeral directors and others.
Music for the Griever and Healer
Paul Alexander
P.O. Box 125
Rockville Centre, NY 11571-0125
Resolve Through Sharing 1st and 2nd National Conference Tapes
These cassettes are available through
Teach’em, Inc.
160 E. Illinois
Chicago, IL 60611
The Anguish of Loss: For the Love of Justin
Julie Fritsch
607 Harriet Ave.
Aptos, CA 95003
(408) 688-7990
Slides of sculptures that portray anguish and loss. Optional audio cassettes
The Lost Babies
British Broadcasting Company
Television Center
London, England W12
(441) 743-8000
Children Only Die When We Forget Them
P. Schwiebert
Compassionate Friends
P.O. Box 12553
Portland, OR 97212
(503) 284-7426
A fourteen minute color film about grief for anyone interested in further
understanding a bereaved parent’s anguish.
For Rent or Purchase
Guiding a Child Through a Death in the Family
Carondelit Health Services
This is a 27 minute video. Ages discussed are preschool and school aged
Some Babies Die
A 54 minute moving and unforgettable color video for adult audiences and
especially for self-help and support groups of parents who know the anguish of
neonatal death. It is also essential viewing for all professionals and students in the
fields of: pediatrics, maternal/child nursing, counseling, death and dying, therapeutic
psychology, social work, women’s studies, related health and psychological fields.
Available for Rent or Purchase through:
University of California Extension Media Center
2176 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 642-0460
Still To Be Born
Schwiebert, P.
A newly released 20 minute color video describing the anxiety families face with the
subsequent pregnancies following the death of a child. There is also an interview
with Paul Kirk, MD, Chairman, Department of OB/GYN, Oregon Science
University.
Available for Rent or Purchase through:
Pat Schwiebert
Perinatal Loss
2116 NE 18th St.
Portland, OR 97212
(503) 284-7426
What Do I Tell My Children?
A video helping a child cope with the death of a loved one.
Produced by L.B. Kussman and narrated by Joanne Woodward
Lifecycle Productions, Inc.
P.O. Box 183, ABCDE,
Newton, MA 02165
When a Baby Dies
This 42 minute color video explores grief through the eyes of parents who have
experienced the loss of their baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth
or newborn death. This powerful portrayal of loss clearly illustrates the struggle
families endure during this painful experience. The video provides health care
professionals and others insight that is invaluable in meeting the needs of bereaved
families.
Available for Rent or Purchase through;
RTS Bereavement Services
1910 South Avenue
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 791-4747