Month: March 2023

Angel gowns are a gift that can be given to grieving families who have lost an infant. Originally started in Texas in 2013, these gowns are made from old wedding dresses and donated by people who want to support grieving parents. It’s a beautiful gesture that can help ease the pain of parents who have lost an infant and bring a little light to their darkest days. But these gowns are not only a symbol of love, they also raise awareness about pregnancy and infant loss. Whether it’s through donations of wedding gowns or monetary donations, the movement is spreading across the country. The Angel Gown Project, in its fourth year of operation, has a warehouse full of wedding dresses and about 500 volunteers who work to create them. The goal is to create at least 10 gowns from every donated dress. These are then distributed to hospitals that provide specialized services for babies who die before or after birth. Judi Neal, president of the organization, says that donating these gowns helps shed light on the difficult subject of pregnancy and infant loss. It’s often a taboo topic, she said, and it can be hard for bereaved families to share their experiences with others. “It’s not something you want to think about, but it’s really a way to bring a little bit of dignity to the child,” she said. She said she’s seen the effect the gowns can have on parents who have lost a child and how much they can bring comfort to their hearts. She adds that the gowns can even make end-of-life preparation easier for grieving parents because they’re custom-made to fit their newborns. She’s received requests from families who have lost a baby at less than 20 weeks and who were not able to continue with their pregnancy, or from women whose children had severe fetal abnormalities that caused their babies to die. The Angel Gown Project’s mission is to ensure that all babies who die at birth, or while still in the womb, are able to be dressed in a gown that reflects their unique beauty and personality. Currently, there are many organizations around the world that make these gowns, and they’re available free of charge to families who qualify. One of the main reasons that a baby’s death is so painful for a family is that they can’t bring their little one home with them. In a situation like this, these gowns can give grieving parents a little piece of their beloved child to remember them by and keep with them for a lifetime. For example, Tom and Deanna Williamson of Akron, Ohio, are incredibly grateful that Levine Children’s Hospital gave them an angel gown to wear at the funeral of their son, Eli. The gown was handmade by a seamstress who had never heard of the program, but the Williamssons were so moved by the gesture that they quickly signed up to volunteer.

A child funeral is one of the most difficult and overwhelming experiences you will ever face as a parent. It’s no surprise that grieving parents often turn to friends and family for help and support during the days, weeks and months that follow their loss. A funeral is a sacred ceremony that can be both painful and uplifting. It offers the opportunity for bereaved children to say goodbye in a way that is meaningful to them. The decision about whether or not to let a child attend a funeral service is always up to the parents. However, if your child is too young or too frightened to go, it may be best to leave them at home. Explaining what will happen at the funeral in a way that your child understands is important for them to feel safe and comfortable. This includes letting them know what they will see and hear. Ask the person in charge of the funeral to discuss with your child what to expect, such as the music or readings that will be part of the ceremony. If they have a specific idea of what they would like, you can work with them to make the ceremony more meaningful. In addition, it can be a good idea to bring toys or activities with you to keep your child occupied during the funeral ceremony. You can also take them to the crematorium or cemetery beforehand so they can familiarize themselves with the place and the ceremony. If your child is old enough to participate in the ceremony, you can invite them to contribute something to the service, such as a prayer or poem. Or they might be able to offer a special remembrance card for the deceased’s loved ones. You can also ask them to help decorate the venue or give out sympathy cards to guests. Involving your child in the planning of a funeral ceremony can be an especially comforting experience for them, and it will allow them to be more present during the actual event. Consider a funeral buddy for your child to accompany them during the services and help with any of their needs. Choose someone who you trust, who won’t mind leaving the funeral ceremony, and who can be available for a few hours to support your child. It’s important for the child’s safety that you select a buddy who can stay with them throughout the service and be available if they need to leave to go home or be picked up. This will provide the support they need during this time of grief while you can focus on attending to your own needs. Another helpful strategy for supporting children who are grieving a sibling’s death is to prepare a memory box for them to put their sibling’s things in. This will give them a place to store their memories, and it will help them feel like they have something to hold onto in the years ahead.

Baby clothing is a great way to make your newborn look adorable, but it’s also essential to keep them comfortable. The clothes you choose should be soft and made from skin-friendly fabrics, so your little one can play and sleep comfortably. Newborn clothing should be easy to put on and take off, which means avoiding outfits that require buttons, zippers, or snaps. Select garments that open on the shoulders or have a pullover style so that they can be quickly slipped on and off. Consider buying in more than one size New babies can grow rapidly, so it’s important to buy clothing items in different sizes. The first few months of your baby’s life will be hectic and they’ll be a lot of diaper changes, so it’s a good idea to have extra sizes on hand. Stock up on onesies and bodysuits A variety of baby onesies are essential, as they provide the necessary support your baby needs to grow. They’ll also help you save time when changing your baby’s diaper. You can also find bodysuits with envelope-style necks, which let you pull the bodysuit down over your baby’s torso instead of up over their head for more sanitary outfit changes. Bibs and burp cloths are also key pieces of your newborn’s wardrobe, since you’ll need them for frequent diaper changes. For maximum convenience, opt for bibs with double-zipper closures to eliminate the need to remove your baby’s clothing during diaper changes. Stay on top of laundry You’ll be washing a lot of your baby’s clothing as she grows, so it’s a good idea make sure to wash them frequently so they don’t shrink. For best results, use cold water and tumble dry on low. Check labels for sizing information When shopping for baby clothing, it’s important to understand the difference between brand sizes and the standard infant sizing chart. While some brands run a little smaller or larger than others, most are generally in a similar range. Always purchase a few outfits in each size so you can mix and match for maximum comfort. It’s also a good idea to buy a few outfits in each color to ensure your baby’s wardrobe is diverse. Don’t forget to buy hats, socks, and gloves. These accessories will protect your baby’s delicate skin from the cold, wind, and sun. A swaddle and gown are another essential item of baby clothing, as they help your child get the most out of her naps in the early months. They’ll also be handy during daytime stroller or car rides. If you’re looking for more sustainable options, H&M recently launched a collection of baby clothing certified by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. The collection includes items made of organic cotton, which is a more eco-friendly alternative to conventional fabric. The collection also uses recycled materials and is produced with 100% renewable energy and water.

Funeral clothes are one of the most important aspects of planning a funeral. They are a crucial part of the grieving process, and they also play an important role in the deceased’s final farewell. Clothes are a major expression of individuality and personality, which is why they’ve become such an important element of death-related ceremonies and rituals. They can bring comfort to loved ones, ease grief and help the person who dies look their best. Burial gowns are a type of funeral dress typically worn by women during a funeral service or burial. These dresses are usually made of easily adjustable materials and come in a variety of colors. When choosing a funeral gown, it is helpful to consider what the deceased wore when they were alive. This is especially true for younger people or children who may have only worn a certain kind of clothing in their lifetime. For example, a teenager who has been involved in sports will likely want to wear their favorite jersey or uniform during a service. This is an ideal way to honor their memory and pay tribute to the person they are in a meaningful manner. In the past, burial clothes were on the traditional side but now, they’re becoming more personalized. Family members of the deceased have even been known to pick out funeral outfits that reflect their loved one’s interests and personalities. Some people choose to bury their loved one in a dress or suit that they wore while alive. However, this can be a sensitive decision for many families. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but generally speaking, most religions require the deceased to be dressed in their daily clothes. For Muslims, this includes a sleeveless gown and head veil, while Jewish people often have shrouds or tallit-like shawls to cover their bodies. If you are unsure of the exact burial clothes that your loved one would like to wear, it is usually best to ask them in advance. This will allow the funeral director to make sure that you are not purchasing something that your loved one would not like or approve of. In some cultures, the body is wrapped in a cloth shroud before it is buried. This helps the deceased to be more comfortable during a funeral service and allows for family members to spend time with their loved one prior to the ceremony. The shroud is also a good option for when the deceased no longer fits in their regular clothes, due to illness or weight loss. These garments are adjustable and have slits and drawstrings across the back, making it easy to find a size that works for the body. Aside from burial gowns, there are a few other types of burial apparel that can be chosen for a funeral. These include a funeral shroud, a sash and a casket cover. These items are generally made of natural fabrics and are designed to keep the deceased warm. They can also be used to add additional color and texture to the casket.

Donating a wedding dress is a great way to declutter your closet and help a cause at the same time. It’s also a more environmentally friendly choice than selling your dress online or in a consignment shop. You can donate your wedding dress to an organization that helps women, like Brides Against Breast Cancer. The organization has been helping women since 1997 and is currently running breast cancer awareness campaigns and early detection programs. This organization also accepts bridal accessories and shoes. You can either drop your donation off in person or mail it in. They’ll send you a receipt for tax purposes. Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring is a nonprofit that provides wedding gowns and accessories to women in need. They also provide opportunities for local high school students to learn about the fashion industry and gain retail work experience. Another great nonprofit that accepts wedding dresses is Brides Across America, which offers free dresses to US military brides and grooms. The organization is a huge help to US military families. You can also donate a dress to Wish Upon A Wedding, which provides dresses to couples who are facing terminal illness or other health issues. The organization will send you a receipt for tax purposes and help them celebrate their dream wedding or vow renewal. The Emma and Evan Foundation is an amazing organization that repurposes your wedding dress into infant burial gowns, or “angel gowns.” They also have bonnets and other keepsake items available for grieving families to use. These dresses are donated by strangers who know that their child is suffering from a life-threatening medical condition or has passed away. It’s a heartwarming gesture and provides comfort to grieving families who have suffered a loss. There are many ways that you can donate your wedding dress, but it’s important to consider whether or not the charity has a specific need for the garment. For example, some organizations only accept dresses that are in good shape, while others require them to be five years old or older. You’ll also want to make sure that the organization you choose will be able to use your dress in their programs. Most charities have a limit on the number of dresses they can accept, so check out their website or contact them directly to see if yours is eligible for their services. NICU Helping Hands is another nonprofit that uses wedding dresses to create custom-made gowns for families who have lost their children. The organization has around 180 seamstresses who painstakingly convert donated wedding gowns into beautiful baby funeral attire that can be used by the family to memorialize their beloved infant. The NICU Helping Hands program also works with a variety of other non-profits, including the Wedding Wishing Well Foundation and the KEMP Wyre Fors Hospice in Devon. They accept a range of clothes, from bridesmaid and flower girl dresses to prom and formal gowns, for those who are facing a life-limiting illness or have experienced a bereavement.

Angel gowns, also known as angel outfits, are tiny custom-made baby burial dresses made from donated wedding dresses for families who experience a late miscarriage, a stillbirth, or an infant loss soon after birth. They are distributed to hospitals and to bereaved families by organizations that make them throughout the country, including in New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Maine, Florida, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, California, Alaska, and Indiana. The organization makes gowns free of charge and gives them away to hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes, and directly to grieving families for the babies who die before they are born or who die during pregnancy. The gowns provide a sense of comfort and reassurance to families who are struggling with the grief of losing their child. Many people who volunteer to help make these gowns are mothers themselves and are very familiar with what the family goes through after a miscarriage or stillbirth. Some are also nurses, or other medical professionals who understand the pain of losing a child. Others are friends and neighbors who have lost a child, or are a friend or relative of someone who has died. For these people, the thought of having to make a burial gown for a child that they haven’t been able to hold or see is painful, and it often makes them feel guilty. Some of these gowns are even blessed by priests. They go to hospitals and funeral homes, and are given to bereaved parents to keep as a special memento. In Brevard County, there’s a volunteer who takes bridesmaid dresses that are no longer needed and turns them into infant burial gowns for families in need. The nonprofit Cherishing the Journey, which is run by Jennifer Harden, collects the gowns and packs them into memory boxes to give to bereaved families. When Deanna Williamson and Tom Williamson lost their son, Eli, at 20 weeks pregnant, they were given an angel gown by Levine Children’s Hospital. The gown was so meaningful to them that they decided to pay it forward and donate the gown to other families who had suffered a miscarriage or stillbirth, like they did. This project is a labor of love, and it helps grieving parents remember their precious little one, but it’s also an opportunity to raise awareness about a sensitive subject that is still taboo in many circles. Neal says her work has sparked discussions with people from all over the country and sheds light on this difficult topic. She and her team are hoping to reach more of the community by expanding their efforts to other counties in Florida and beyond. They have a team of volunteers who meet monthly to sew the gowns, but they are always looking for more helpers. The team also makes a few outfits to be delivered to local hospitals, and they are working on making more of these outfits for boys as well. They’re especially fond of designing boy’s outfits because of their own son, Wyatt, who’s now 4 years old.

Funerals and memorial services are a special way to honor a child’s life. Often, they also serve as an opportunity to bring families and friends together for the first time. A child’s funeral service can be held at a church or cemetery, or it may take place at a private home. Whatever the case, it’s important that you prepare your children in advance to understand and feel comfortable with their participation in the event. If your child is young, explain that their sibling’s body will be in a casket and explain the different ways it might look: full-length, with the arms folded and eyes closed; or with the head uncovered. Let them know that they can ask questions and that it’s up to them if they would like to see their sibling’s body or not. They may need more than one opportunity to ask questions or make their feelings known, so give them plenty of time to process what they see. Be prepared to support them as they talk through their feelings with you, as well as with other family members and friends. It’s not uncommon for children to cry or feel overwhelmed at funeral services. If you notice that your child is struggling, take them outside for a short break. You (or a trusted adult) can sit with them until they calm down, or you can allow them to walk around the funeral home as they need. You can help your child to think about how they would like to remember their sibling and to express their thoughts and feelings about their loss at the funeral. They may want to share a favorite story or memory, or they may wish to sign a message board, write their name on an urn or decorate a photo board. Depending on the age of your child, they might want to help you plan and carry out the funeral. They might want to play a part in choosing music or flowers, preparing the food for the family or helping you to prepare the urn or a special gift. If you have an older child, it’s often easier to give them a role in planning the service. They might even be able to sing or play their own song, or share a favorite story or memory. Your child may be surprised by what they can contribute to a funeral. They might like to offer a poem or reading, or they might wish to pass the microphone and have other people share memories or stories. A funeral is a difficult experience for anyone, but it’s especially hard for children. You can find more information about involving children in a funeral on Child Bereavement UK’s website. The most important thing is to listen to your child and support them in their grief. They are still learning to cope with the death of a loved one, and you need to be there for them during this difficult time.

Baby clothing can be expensive and you don’t want to have to buy more than your baby needs. Fortunately, there are a few things to look for when shopping for baby clothes that will save you money in the long run. The first thing to look for is clothes that are comfortable and safe. You should avoid buying baby clothes that are made from fabrics that contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin or cause allergies. Instead, you should focus on finding organic clothes that are hypoallergenic and do not have any chemicals in them at all. Choose breathable fabrics that help keep your baby’s body cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Cotton is a great choice for this because it is a natural fiber that helps regulate your baby’s temperature, whether they’re inside or out. Moreover, cotton is a good fabric for infants because it does not absorb or emit any odor. Additionally, it is easy to wash and dry. Another important element of a healthy baby wardrobe is onesie-style clothing, which can be found in many different styles and are often called “bodysuits.” These onesies have snaps at the front or side and between the legs. They’re easy to slip on and off, and can be layered under other baby outfits if it gets too chilly. These onesies come in both short and long sleeves, so you can choose the right style for your little one. You’ll also want to find a pair of cotton pants to match the onesies you’ve chosen. A hat is essential during the warmer months to protect your baby’s head from the sun’s harmful rays. You can purchase a hat with a wide brim or get an adjustable toggle that can grow with your baby as they mature. Don’t forget to purchase shoes, which can be an essential part of your baby’s wardrobe until they start walking. You can also buy a few pairs of booties to add extra warmth to their feet in colder weather. When choosing a baby clothing brand, you should choose one that is family owned and operated. This means that they have a reputation for treating their employees well and making sure that the manufacturing process is environmentally friendly. You’ll also want to choose a brand that makes high-quality, comfortable baby clothing that is made from durable materials and can easily be washed in a washing machine. This will mean less trips to the laundry and more time for you. It’s best to choose baby clothes that can be washed several times in order to save you time and effort. Since babies often spit up, you can quickly accumulate lots of clothing that you need to launder. Newborn (NB or 1M) size clothes will fit most newborns; however, they may be too small for some babies after a month of wear. You’ll also want to consider purchasing a few items in sizes that you’ll be able to use for longer, such as 6 months or 1-year sizes.

The funeral outfit you select for a loved one should reflect their personality. It should also be appropriate for the funeral service and a fitting tribute to their life. When making this decision, you need to consider the age of the person, their lifestyle and religion, as well as any special requirements or preferences they may have had in regard to their final disposition. The final wishes of a deceased individual are the most important thing to keep in mind when choosing burial clothes for them. They may have left a statement in their will about how they want to be dressed when they die, or they might have told a family member about what they wanted for their final outfit. If your loved one did not leave any instructions, you will need to rely on your own feelings and the thoughts of other people who know them well to guide you in this task. Taking into consideration their lifestyle, affiliations, and hobbies will help you to determine what they would have wanted in their final clothing. Depending on your loved one’s age, you can choose between traditional burial attire or more modern options. For instance, a child who has died of an illness or injury might prefer a more casual look with t-shirts or work uniforms as their final outfit. You can also bury someone in their favorite sports jersey or military uniform. These can be a way to honor the person and their accomplishments, especially for young children. For older people, burial gowns are a common choice for the deceased. These are easy for the funeral director to dress the body in, and can be made from soft or satin-like materials. They can be tailored specifically for men or women and are available in a range of colors and sizes to accommodate different weights and bodies. These are often a great option for those who have lost or gained a significant amount of weight, as they allow the body to be buried in comfortable and easily adaptable clothing. If you are going to bury your loved one in their funeral outfit, it is best to purchase the items you need from a funeral clothing supplier or even from non-funeral clothing suppliers that offer these types of apparel. This will ensure that your loved one’s final disposition is carried out in the manner they had intended. The clothing that is selected for your loved one’s burial will be placed inside the casket after the body has been embalmed and prepared for a funeral. This is a process that can take a few days, and the body should not be moved until it has been fully embalmed and prepared for viewings and burial. After the embalming, the body is dried and a dressing table is set up for the professional to place the funeral outfit on the body. It is recommended that you provide the professional with some undergarments to put on first, which will protect the outer garments and provide modesty for the person being buried.

Donating a wedding dress can be a great way to give someone else the chance to wear it on their special day, while also helping the environment. When clothing sits in a landfill, it releases carbon dioxide and other toxins into the air. You may be able to take advantage of new tax laws by donating your wedding dress to a charitable organization. There are many charities that accept bridal gowns, so do your research before making your donation. Among the most notable donations are those made by Brides Against Breast Cancer. This nonprofit collects used bridal dresses and resells them at a low price to help fund breast cancer awareness and prevention efforts. Another example is Adorned in Grace, which resells gently-used wedding dresses to raise money for women and children in the United States who have been victims of human trafficking. Their mission is to “create awareness, prevention and restoration” for survivors of exploitation. In addition to assisting those who have been victims of sexual assault, BAA donates 2,000 gowns each year and helps cover the cost of weddings for military members and first responders. To get started, you can fill out a form online or call the charity for more information. Then, you can mail or deliver your wedding dress to their address. Once your donation is received, you will receive a receipt that can be claimed as an itemized deduction on your taxes. Donating your wedding dress to a local thrift store is another option, although you should always follow the charity’s guidelines when delivering or shipping your donation. These guidelines will help ensure that the dress is delivered to a woman in need and that it’s in good condition. Some charitable organizations require that the gowns they accept be in good shape and are not more than five years old. In some cases, they may ask you to pay an additional fee to have the dress cleaned before donating it. One of the most popular ways to donate your wedding dress is through a local thrift store, like Goodwill Industries. These stores use the proceeds from their donations to support programs for job training and housing, veterans and other charities. You can find many of these thrift stores around the country by doing a quick online search. Some of them will even pick up your donated dress and deliver it to a local charity. Other ways to donate your wedding dress include donating it to a charitable foundation or other non-profit organization. These types of donations are also tax deductible, which can be helpful for those who are in need and have limited financial resources. If you’re looking to donate your wedding dress in the UK, there are several charities that will appreciate the donation. A few of these include St Ann’s Hospice in Stockport, which runs a bridal department. Others are local nonprofits that make a difference in the lives of those who have been diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses. This is a worthwhile cause that provides a sense of comfort and joy to those who are in the last stages of their lives.