Sentara Obici Hospital Opens New Infant Loss Support Room
The private space in the maternity unit provides families a place to grieve and spend time with their baby.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Babies
Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk has opened the Butterfly Room, a private space in the Family Maternity Unit designed for families experiencing infant loss. This dedicated area aims to provide a secluded environment where parents can spend time with their babies.
Why it matters
The room offers a specialized, private area for grieving families to process their loss. It addresses the emotional needs of approximately 25 families who experience infant loss at the hospital each year.
The hospital facility serves approximately 25 families experiencing infant loss annually. The renovation project was supported by a $35,000 donation to the Sentara Foundation provided by Kennedy's Angel Gowns.
The players
Sentara Obici Hospital
A medical facility in Suffolk serving families through its Family Maternity Unit.
Kennedy's Angel Gowns
A charitable organization that donated funds for the renovation of the bereavement room.
Sentara Foundation
The charitable arm of the health system that received the donation for the hospital project.
The details
Sentara Obici Hospital converted a former exam room into the private Butterfly Room. The space features a specialized bassinette that circulates cooled air, which allows parents to extend the time they can spend with their babies in a comfortable, secluded setting.
Timeline
October 21, 2026
The Home Front
This project aligns with a broader trend in hospital maternity design that prioritizes specialized, private spaces for families during bereavement. It follows a growing standard of care for medical facilities to provide dedicated environments for perinatal loss.
Families receiving care at the Family Maternity Unit can now access this dedicated space if they experience the loss of an infant. For those navigating this situation, speak with hospital staff to coordinate use of the room and its specialized equipment.
The takeaway
The Butterfly Room provides a compassionate, private environment equipped to support families through difficult moments. Families seeking support during their stay can inquire about the facility directly at the Family Maternity Unit.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services at Babies.
