Services offered to families

The following services are provided for families affected by the death of an infant:

Bereavement support: Grief counseling and support services are provided over the telephone by center staff. Public health nurses and center staff collaborate to ensure the best quality of care possible. In addition, information on services available locally can be provided.

Memorial programs: Memorial programs are held throughout the state. They vary based on need and interest.  

Family bereavement conferences: A family conference, held for parents across the state, provides an opportunity for families to connect and network with other bereaved families. Family conferences are planned by a parent planning committee in collaboration with center staff. 

Newsletters: Newsletters are published by the Infant Death Center three times a year. The newsletter provides recent research information on sudden infant deaths, personal perspectives and articles on grief and loss. Get the latest Wisconsin Perspectives newsletter.

Literature: The program provides information as needed to families on grief and loss, explaining death to children, and children and grief. We encourage you to explore this site and the links to other sites. If you need further information, contact the Infant Death Center office in your area.

Research: The Infant Death Center and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin work together with other programs and services to research and understand possible risk factors for SIDS and to fund research.

Education about SIDS, grief and loss issues: The Infant Death Center staff work together with public health agencies and community health agencies to provide up-to-date information on infant death.

Consultation with a pediatric pathologist: The Infant Death Center can connect families with a pathologist at Children's Hospital to assist with questions related to SIDS or other causes of death.

Outreach activities: Infant Death Center staff work to educate parents and professionals about reducing the risk of infant death. Outreach activities include communication of risk reduction information and working with other organizations to develop strategies.


Read about how children view death and some personal viewpoints about grief.