Welcome to America’s First Rainbow Clinic Focused on Reducing Stillbirths
The Mount Sinai Rainbow Clinic in New York is paving the way in providing comprehensive prenatal care for individuals who have faced maternal complications, particularly those who have experienced stillbirths. The emotional toll of a stillbirth, which impacts approximately 1 in 160 births, is difficult to articulate. Those who endure this loss are statistically at a higher risk of facing similar circumstances in future pregnancies, compounding their grief.
In March, Mount Sinai Health System joined forces with PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy to launch the nation’s first multidisciplinary clinic specifically tailored for women who have encountered stillbirth. This initiative aims to support individuals seeking to conceive after such a loss, also known as embarking on a “rainbow pregnancy.”
The Mount Sinai Rainbow Clinic is committed to offering care to anyone affected by stillbirth, regardless of their financial situation. “We provide services to all patients, regardless of their insurance coverage,” explains Dr. Sarah Johnson, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Since its opening, the Rainbow Clinic has seen 3 to 4 patients weekly, mainly focusing on preconception counseling for those who have suffered a stillbirth, as well as some who have experienced early pregnancy losses. Remote telehealth services are also available.
Inspired by the successful Rainbow Clinic model established in the United Kingdom by Dr. Emily Roberts, Regional Lead Obstetrician for NW England, the Mount Sinai Clinic aims to deliver the same level of specialized support for women and their families during subsequent pregnancies following a stillbirth. Currently, there are five Rainbow Clinics worldwide, and several other support groups influenced by this model are emerging across the U.S.
For those not residing in New York but looking to conceive, Dr. Johnson offers valuable advice: “It’s crucial to gather all medical records to identify any potential causes of the previous stillbirth, even though many cases remain unexplained.” Up to 60% of stillbirths have no identifiable cause, but understanding the known factors can be pivotal for a rainbow pregnancy. Furthermore, staff members are trained to cater to the emotional needs of families, ensuring a supportive environment to minimize psychological distress during this challenging time.
The journey to a subsequent pregnancy can be emotionally taxing, making a supportive healthcare team essential. For more insights on this topic, check out this engaging blog post here.
If you’re seeking additional resources on infertility and reproductive health, the CDC offers extensive information here. For personal stories and experiences, you can explore Jenna’s story.
Search Queries:
- How to prepare for a rainbow pregnancy
- Support for stillbirth recovery
- Understanding the emotional impact of stillbirth
- Prenatal care options for rainbow pregnancies
- Resources for pregnancy after loss
In summary, the Mount Sinai Rainbow Clinic serves as a beacon of hope for individuals navigating the complexities of subsequent pregnancies following a stillbirth. By providing compassionate care and essential resources, this clinic aims to foster healthier outcomes and emotional healing for families.