Every year in the United States about 23,000 babies do not live to their first birthday due to issues like sudden infant death and birth defects. Across the country there are groups that are working to prevent infant deaths and help families that have lost an infant. One such group in Oakland County is FIMR – Fetal and Infant Mortality Review.

What is Oakland County Health Division doing about Fetal and Infant Loss?

Oakland County has one of 13 Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) teams in the state. Across the country there are groups that are working to prevent infant deaths and help families that have lost an infant. FIMR identifies strengths and areas for improvements in overall service systems and community resources for women, children, and families.  During 2018-2022, an average of 60 babies died before their first birthday each year in Oakland County.

Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) is a group of people who review infant deaths to discover what can be done to prevent more deaths. The review includes medical records, but often the most helpful information comes from the voices of the people impacted by loss––the families. Understanding the personal stories of families offers a different view than records alone. An Oakland County nurse meets with the parents or family impacted by loss and learns about their experiences before and during pregnancy as well as after birth. No names or personal information is shared.

Sharing the story of your infant’s loss may be helpful in your grieving process to validate your experience, provide an emotional release and allow for you to be linked to support you may need. Sharing your story may also help improve outcomes for other babies.  Please consider participating in a FIMR review.