New bereavement suite offers a space for love and grief
Nebraska Medical Center has opened a special place for families facing the loss of a pregnancy or infant. The new Birthing and Bereavement Suite offers parents a quiet, private space to spend precious time with their babies.
Years in the making
“This new suite is the result of nearly six years of planning – a true labor of love,” says Mel Buman, EdD, director, Women and Children’s Services. “Although the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily paused our plans, it never diminished our commitment to bringing this space to fruition.”
The suite, located on level four of University Tower in Labor and Delivery, came to life through a partnership with No Foot Too Small. The Iowa-based nonprofit organization supports families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.
“Their financial support and operational guidance, including design input, in creating this suite has been the driving force in making it a reality,” says Rick Blum, administrator, UNMC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
A personal mission
For Blum, creating this space was personal. “I have been impacted by the loss of a child, as have some in my extended family,” he says. “When one considers how difficult it must be to go through such a loss while in the hospital and being surrounded by the sounds of happy families celebrating life, a quiet environment where one can grieve in peace just seems like the right thing to do.”
The suite includes two caring cradles that help preserve babies and give families more time together. These special cradles were donated through the Parker Payne Williams Memorial Fund, created to honor a baby girl who died one day before her scheduled birth.
Parker’s story
Haley Rust Williams, PharmD, a pharmacist at Nebraska Medical Center, and her husband, Nick Williams, were expecting their first child in January 2025. Every appointment showed a healthy, active baby who kicked and responded to her parents’ voices.
On Jan. 10, the day before Haley’s scheduled induction, something felt wrong. “Around 4:30 or 5 a.m., she usually would kick – it was like a routine,” Haley says. “And she didn’t do that the day before we were due to be induced.”
A quick checkup revealed devastating news. Their daughter, Parker Payne Williams, had passed away. “We were just devastated,” Haley says. “Absolutely not the news we expected going into that checkup.”
The couple opted to deliver Parker that same day. “We decided we wanted to meet her in her purest form,” Haley says.
Supportive care during tragedy
Despite their grief, the Williams family found comfort in the care they received at Nebraska Medical Center. Their nurse, Lena Tan, RN, BSN, had helped Haley during a previous visit and remembered the couple.
“When she came in the room, I noticed her and said her name, and we locked eyes and she recognized us,” Haley says. “And you could tell she just hurt with us. She gave us big hugs and wept in sadness with us.”
Tan and the night nurse, April Kelley, RN, BSN, helped guide the family through the difficult process. They created memory items, coordinated with photographers and handled many other details for the grieving parents.
“She was able to make us laugh during this hard time,” Nick says. “It really helped us out a lot having great nurses.”
Parker was born on Jan. 11 at 1:13 p.m., weighing 6 pounds, 1.7 ounces. Tests later revealed her umbilical cord had twisted where it connected to her body, cutting off blood flow.
The gift of time
The caring cradles purchased in Parker’s memory for the new suite will help other families have more precious time together.
“In those times, seconds count,” Haley says. “Every bit of time you get to spend with your babies is a memory that these parents will hold on to for the rest of their lives.”
The memorial fund was organized by Haley’s coworker and friend, Kealy Marth, PharmD, and raised more than $10,000 from colleagues across Nebraska Medical Center.
A legacy of love
The new Birthing and Bereavement Suite represents more than just a physical space. It’s a promise to families that their grief matters, and their babies will be honored and remembered.
“This suite was created with our grieving families at its heart,” Buman says. “In moments of unimaginable loss, we hope this space offers a quiet refuge – a place where parents and loved ones can find comfort, dignity and the first steps toward healing.”
For the Williams family, knowing that Parker’s memory will help other families brings comfort. “We’re proud of Parker and all she has accomplished,” Haley says.
