OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center Dedicates Cuddle Cot to Support Families Experiencing Pregnancy and Infant Loss
OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center recently hosted a dedication event to unveil a newly donated Cuddle Cot, a resource designed to provide comfort to families experiencing the loss of an infant or child. The Cuddle Cot, a specialized bassinet equipped with a cooling mat, enables parents to spend time with their baby in the hospital room, extending their moments together.
Josie Allen, manager of Southeastern Medical Center’s Childbirth Center, emphasized the significance of the Cuddle Cot. “Leaving the hospital without your baby is one of the hardest experiences for parents who have faced pregnancy loss. We are dedicated to ensuring that families have as much time with their babies as possible while they are here.”
“Cuddle Cots help support the emotional needs of families facing profound loss,” said Courtney Gray, bereavement coordinator for Southeastern Medical Center.
The Cuddle Cot was donated by Miles’ Mission, an organization founded by Dr. Michael Bullock and his daughter Jennifer Bullock-Moore in memory of her son, Miles Owen Moore. Miles’ Mission is committed to enhancing awareness about pregnancy and infant loss, providing resources for families and advocating for standardized care across hospitals.
“Miles’ Mission aims not only to provide Cuddle Cots but to offer comprehensive support to families and address the profound trauma experienced by mothers and families,” said Miles’ Mission president, Dr. Michael Bullock. “Our goal is to raise awareness and educate the public on the challenges faced by these families.”
In addition to the dedication of the Cuddle Cot, the event underscored OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center’s ongoing efforts to support impacted families following a pregnancy, infant or child loss.
“As health care workers, we know that these families’ needs don’t stop when they are discharged,” said Gray. “Southeastern Medical Center is committed to providing support for their difficult days ahead.”
Gray works to ensure families have information on counseling resources and community programs designed to support their unique grief. She also ensures that families have tangible items to help memorialize their babies. These items are often donated by organizations committed to supporting women and families through loss, such as Brook’s Bereavement Bears, which provides teddy bears matching the birth weight of the baby. Families are also provided with Dr. Bullock's book, Even Now I Know, which chronicles their family's journey from grief to gratitude, and helps other families in navigating their grief.
The hospital also supports the Walk to Remember, an annual event for families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. This year’s walk will be held on October 12. Additionally, each December, Southeastern Medical Center hosts the Tree of Angels remembrance event. Gray displays a tree at the hospital for families to place an ornament on in honor of their lost child. The event is scheduled for December 7.
Dr. Bullock expressed gratitude to the hospital staff. “We are thankful for the exceptional care provided by the staff at OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center. They are truly inspirational in their efforts to ensure families of loss receive the best possible care and support.”
For more information about Miles’ Mission and their initiatives, click here.
To learn more about the Walk to Remember or the Tree of Angels event, community members can reach out to Courtney Gray at (740) 510-0560.
