Heidi Ciepielinski, RN
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Heidi Ciepielinski, RN |
Heidi is the bereaved mother of Natalie, who died in June of 2000, following open heart surgery to repair a severe congenital heart defect. After finding little support in her community, she found solace and comfort in the safe haven of the MISS Foundation (Mother's In Sympathy and Support). She now offers education, empathy and support to others as a Certified MISS Foundation Support Group Facilitator, a volunteer for the MISS Foundation, and as a chat moderator for the MISS Online Support Forums. Heidi co-authored the book, When A Child Dies...A Resource for Families; a gentle guide that offers bereaved families, and the professionals who care for them, early bereavement information and resources following the death of an infant or child. She is a Registered Nurse who has worked in a wide variety of settings, caring for patients from 1 day to 105 years old, in the past 22 years. Her nursing experiences have brought great insight into the importance of compassionate communication and care. She and her husband live near Alexandria, MN, along with their two wonderful boys, Austin & Adam, who fill their home with fun and laughter.
E2
Session Descriptions:
E2
Born Too Soon: Recognizing the Impact a Dream Lost: Encouraging caregiver sensitivity for parents of premature babies and babies born with birth defects, Joyce Baughman, RN, NICU nurse for more than 20 years, addresses ways the health professional team can provide continuity of care while being in-tune to the needs of the family for both the good and bad outcome. Panelists share what was helpful and how their care providers could have been more effective: Heidi Ciepielinski, bereaved mother and author; Representative Kurt Zellers and wife, Kim, parents of 3 babies, 2 of whom were born at 23 and 28 weeks; Representative Karen Klinzing and husband, Bill, parents of 2 babies with birth defects/congenital anomalies and 3 healthy children