To Patients and Families Experiencing an Early Pregnancy Loss:
We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your family and that you may have some questions regarding the handling of your babies’ remains. It is our desire to care for your baby with dignity and respect; therefore, we would like you to take some time to consider two options available to you for final disposition.
Private Arrangements: You may make private arrangements for cremation or burial – regardless of the gestational age at the time of pregnancy loss. Although the cost associated with burial will vary by cemetery, many funeral homes do not charge for cremation or burial preparations for early pregnancy loss. Please make any private arrangements within two weeks and notify the funeral home of your choice. You also need to notify our staff here at the Elliot. You can email AMorneau@elliot-hs.org or RBelt@elliot-hs.org and we can help to ensure that your babies’ remains are prepared for release. Please be aware that if you do not desire a private arrangement, all remains will be placed in the Elliot Hospital Memory Garden.
Elliot Hospital Memory Garden: The Memory Garden is located on the Elliot Hospital campus and is the final resting place of stillborn and early loss babies. Remains are cremated collectively and interred in the Memory Garden at a yearly memorial service. The Memory Garden is home to the Angel of Hope Statue and is a place where families can come to remember and honor their babies privately. If you elect this option, the cremation is completed at no cost to you.
If you choose the Memory Garden, please know that we have an annual Angel of Hope Candlelight Vigil on December 6th at 7PM in the garden. The Memory Garden Interment Ceremony and Memorial Service is on the Sunday before Memorial Day at 2PM. We would love to have you join us. For more information click here: Elliot Memory Garden information.
If you have any questions about these options, please contact the bereavement line voicemail at (603)663-3396. Leave your name and number and we will return your call.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Amanda Morneau, BSN, RNC-EFM, CCE Perinatal Loss Coordinator Elliot Hospital AMorneau@elliot-hs.org DaNae Belt, BSN RNC-OB, RNC-MNN, C-EFM Clinical Nurse Manager Labor and Delivery Elliot Hospital RBelt@elliot-hs.org
The following is a list of area funeral homes that provide free or low cost cremation for infants, stillborn babies and early pregnancy loss. This is not a comprehensive list. Please contact the funeral home of your choice directly to discuss options.
- Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Cremation, Manchester NH (603) 625-5777
- Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester NH (603) 625-6951
- Cremation Society of New Hampshire, Manchester NH (603) 622-1800
- Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashua NH (603) 521-8424
- Petit-Ronan Funeral Home, Pembroke NH (603) 485-9573
- Still Oaks Funeral & Memorial Home, Epsom NH (603) 798-3050
- Anctil-Rochette & Son Funeral Home, Nashua NH (603) 883-3041