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About UsWhen a woman discovers that she is pregnant, there's an instant connection; a bond is formed between a mother and child forever. Before you know it, the family is making plans for a nursery, thinking of names, and guessing gender of the baby. The child becomes a part of the family, even before they are born. Friends and family anticipate the arrival, and the parents are showered with gifts to prepare for the big day. For some parents, that day turns into a heartbreaking situation that will forever change their lives. The loss of a child is painfully unexpected, and the impact that is has on the mother, the father, and their loved ones is truly devastating-- a traumatic shockwave of pain and guilt that spreads through their entire family. Sadly, the majority of those affected, especially the mothers, often suffer silently.
In the United States, more than 26,000 families are forced to say goodbye to their child instead. Jessica Taylor, OB nurse and Certified Perinatal Loss Care Specialist, witnessed firsthand the physical, emotional and financial hardship families face and saw a need to help. After diligent research and the help of family and friends, Heaven Instead was officially named a 501c(3) non-profit organization in June of 2018. Heaven Instead offers financial assistance for end-of-life expenses to bereaved parents dealing with the loss of a child due to stillbirth or fetal death within the hospital stay. In addition to financial assistance, we offer our professional guidance and support to families facing this unimaginable experience. We aim to alleviate the financial burden that follows this devastating loss, and to remind bereaved parents that they are never alone on their journey to honor and grieve their children. Heaven Instead has provided over $120,000 in financial support for families needing assistance paying for funeral services. Heaven Instead is made up entirely of volunteers so every dollar donated goes directly to our mission. All donations received are tax deductible to the extent provided by the law. Heaven Instead protects the confidentiality of its donors and does not share donor information with any other organization. |
Stillbirth Facts
Stillbirth is the death of an infant before or during delivery at 20 or more completed gestational weeks. (ACOG, 2009)
More than 26,000 babies are stillborn in the United States each year – 71 per day. Worldwide there are over 4 million stillbirths each year. (MacDorman, Kirmeyer, & Wilson, 2012)
One in every 160 American pregnancies ends in stillbirth. (ACOG, 2009)
The stillbirth rate for African American women is double the stillbirth rate for women of other races. (MacDorman, Kirmeyer, & Wilson, 2012)
Almost 50 percent of stillbirths occur at or near full term and often seem to be otherwise healthy babies. (SCRN, 2011)
The majority of stillbirths (85%) occur before delivery with 15% occurring during labor and delivery. (SMFM, 2010)
Nearly 2/3 of all stillbirth deaths remain unexplained. (SCRN, 2011)
77% of families never worried their baby would die after the first trimester. (Pullen et al, 2012)
Stillbirth deaths cut across all socio-economic classes, races, religions and maternal age groups. (ACOG, 2009)
The stillbirth rate in the United States has not changed in the last 50 years(SCRN, 2011)
More babies are stillborn every year than die from prematurity and SIDS combined(SMFM, 2010)
The United States ranks 48th out of 49 developed nations in the world for annual rate of reduction of stillbirths. (Lawn, 2016)
“Stillbirth is the most under-studied issue in medicine today”. (Lancet, 2011)
Stillbirth is the death of an infant before or during delivery at 20 or more completed gestational weeks. (ACOG, 2009)
More than 26,000 babies are stillborn in the United States each year – 71 per day. Worldwide there are over 4 million stillbirths each year. (MacDorman, Kirmeyer, & Wilson, 2012)
One in every 160 American pregnancies ends in stillbirth. (ACOG, 2009)
The stillbirth rate for African American women is double the stillbirth rate for women of other races. (MacDorman, Kirmeyer, & Wilson, 2012)
Almost 50 percent of stillbirths occur at or near full term and often seem to be otherwise healthy babies. (SCRN, 2011)
The majority of stillbirths (85%) occur before delivery with 15% occurring during labor and delivery. (SMFM, 2010)
Nearly 2/3 of all stillbirth deaths remain unexplained. (SCRN, 2011)
77% of families never worried their baby would die after the first trimester. (Pullen et al, 2012)
Stillbirth deaths cut across all socio-economic classes, races, religions and maternal age groups. (ACOG, 2009)
The stillbirth rate in the United States has not changed in the last 50 years(SCRN, 2011)
More babies are stillborn every year than die from prematurity and SIDS combined(SMFM, 2010)
The United States ranks 48th out of 49 developed nations in the world for annual rate of reduction of stillbirths. (Lawn, 2016)
“Stillbirth is the most under-studied issue in medicine today”. (Lancet, 2011)
Contact number: (832)-226-5445
JESSICA TAYLOR, BSN RNC-OB C-EFM
Perinatal Loss Care Specialist
Founder, President
Perinatal Loss Care Specialist
Founder, President
