Testimonials

“My labor and delivery unit (at MGH) recently had a professional training seminar with Carol McMurrich of Empty Arms. It was an absolutely invaluable learning experience. I’ve been a labor and delivery nurse for 18 years and this was by the far the most detailed and all-encompassing program related to perinatal loss and bereaved families. Although the program was moved from a classroom atmosphere to a zoom call, it was as equally impactful. The parent panel was fabulous and very moving. Carol was incredibly knowledgeable and really guided us to improve the language we use with patients and their families during such a difficult time. We all agreed it could have been a 2 day course and truly hope this can become a annual conference for our unit!”

— Juliet Pollander, Massachusetts General Hospital

“This January, 2022 Carol McMurrich from Empty Arms Bereavement Support presented a program for our L&D staff nurses here at Massachusetts General hospital. Our audience, we knew, would span a lifetime of experience as staff nurses, from 3 months to 34 years.  We needed a personalized program that would fit the needs of our staff, within our education budget and one that could capture and hold the attention of staff over 4-5 hours.  Carol over delivered on all three fronts.  From the outset of planning the program Carol was accommodating and informative and helped us to understand her process.  Further, and more importantly she helped us to better understand what we needed and wanted to provide for our staff.  When we first met Carol, we honestly were not sure where to focus our educational energies. She guided us, talked about programs that she had presented in the past and encouraged us to complete a needs assessment with our staff.  Over the course of many weeks, during which Carol was incredibly generous with her time, we discussed and planned our program.  Then, after all of our advertising, with every seat full and just 5 days before the event we had to switch to an online platform.  Personally, I was so disappointed and worried that the program just wouldn’t be successful.  Carol was the consummate professional, calmed our concerns and she pulled off what was one of the most engaging education days that I have ever been involved in.  What was planned to last 4 hours (abbreviated because we thought an online platform would dictate this) stretched to five hours with all the active participation and questions. We could see staff leaning into their screens, raising their virtual hands, and using the chat to ask many questions.  Staff rated the offering with high marks and are asking for Carol to come back to provide more education which we are planning on doing.”

— Elizabeth P. West, RNC MSN, Massachusetts General Hospital, Nursing Practice Specialist

Anonymous testimonials from a collection of staff, nurses, and directors from hospitals and birthing centers across Massachusetts…

“Thank you Carol for a truly wonderful presentation. You are a gifted speaker and you helped me view the loss through the eyes of the bereaved family. I read over your attached outline and will use it to help educate others – although I have encouraged everyone to attend one of your classes.”

“I was engaged at every moment of the presentation. I cannot express just how helpful the information was. Some things that especially stood out were how meaningful the mementos/blankets/photos are, especially regarding outfits/blankets the baby was photographed in and to leave them dressed in a new outfit. I also found it extremely helpful hoe to word to families the important and options regarding holding their baby and being more specific about how long they can be with their baby.”

“The dialect used when dealing with a loss was extremely helpful. Helpful tips on what not to say, body language, and tone of voice are all important roles during this time of mourning. It was a great presentation and very helpful to have this knowledge prior to dealing with a loss. I believe this course should be mandated as part of birthing centers’ orientation instead of optional!” 

“The patient panel was incredibly powerful and complemented the insight and info and tips that Carol shared during the first portion of the panel. This truly was an incredible presentation. Moving, powerful, informative, and so important. Thank you all!!” 

“The panel was amazing. I really think we will use a lot of the information to improve our practice. There is always room for improvement in our nursing care and always more to learn. I honestly cannot give any suggestions for Carol and future presentations; even with the presentation being over Zoom. The whole day was excellent.” 

“I really enjoyed the presentation. Carol was a great speaker. She gave us things to say to families experiencing anything. I would love to take another class with Carol.” 

“Hearing the parent panel was beyond meaningful. Hearing their positives and negatives was so helpful. I now understand the value of letting them have their babies as long as they want and to really push them to do things they may have otherwise declined. I learned better language to use with parents. Also it was nice to know how valuable it is for parents to bring blankets/clothing home. I felt like there is so much info it could be a two-day conference!!” 

“I thought this was an excellent quick overview, emphasizing practical things we can do as care providers. I took a longer training last year and learned a lot, but this was a very helpful refresher.”

“It was helpful to hear examples of specific wording to use to help guide grieving parents though options available to them. The importance of modeling how to hold/handle/talk to/about their baby. Take photos!” 

“Learning ways to use supportive language that helps parents feel supported. Hearing some specific phrases that may help guide them through their grief makes me feel more confident in giving them care. The entire parent panel was amazing in hearing from their perspective.”