Sentara Obici Hospital Opens Infant Loss Support Room
The new private space provides grieving families with a specialized cooling bassinette for extra time with their babies.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Babies
Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk has opened a new private space in its maternity unit designed to support families experiencing infant loss. This dedicated area allows families additional time for bonding and grieving in a secluded setting.
Why it matters
The creation of this space provides a necessary resource for parents during an extremely difficult time, allowing for more extended, private time with their baby after a loss. It reflects a growing focus on the non-clinical, emotional needs of families in hospital maternity care settings.
Sentara Obici Hospital serves approximately 25 families per year experiencing infant loss, a demographic that the new facility aims to support. The clinical and emotional outcomes of using such dedicated spaces remain a subject of investigation for hospital administrators.
The players
Sentara Obici Hospital
A medical facility in Suffolk providing maternity services and integrated family support care.
Kennedy's Angel Gowns
A non-profit organization that donated $35,000 to fund the renovation of the maternity unit room.
Sentara Foundation
The philanthropic arm of the healthcare system that received the donation for hospital facility improvements.
The details
The facility, known as the Butterfly Room, is located within the Family Maternity Unit and was created by renovating a former exam room. A primary feature is a special bassinette that circulates cooled air, which allows parents to spend more time with their infant after birth. This dedicated, private environment is intended to offer seclusion for grieving families.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: The support room is officially established and open for use.
Health Landscape
The establishment of the Butterfly Room follows the broader integration of specialized cooling technology in perinatal bereavement care to extend parental time with infants. It aligns with modern clinical standards that prioritize dedicated space for emotional support during infant loss.
Families experiencing infant loss at this facility now have access to a dedicated space for private, extended bonding. If you are navigating loss or require maternity-related support, it is worth discussing available emotional resources and bereavement services with your care team.
The takeaway
The Butterfly Room provides a specialized, secluded space for families to grieve and spend time together following infant loss. Families currently receiving care at the hospital should consult with their healthcare providers to understand how to access these supportive services.
Further reading
For more information on family-centered maternity services, visit the Babies section.
