Month: August 2024

Children can find a funeral difficult, even if they choose to attend. It is important to help them understand what will happen. It is also important to make sure they have an alternative if they do not wish to attend the funeral. It is important to give them choice and let them know there are other ways to remember their baby brother or sister and say goodbye besides attending the funeral. Whether the child funeral is at home, at a crematorium or a graveside service it is important to explain the logistics of the event. This includes where it will take place, who will be there and what they will see. This can be quite a lot of information for them to absorb, so it may be best to break it down into smaller chunks. Children often take in only as much information as they can cope with, so be patient and allow them to ask questions as needed. If a casket is being used, it is important to tell the child that their sibling will be in the coffin and that it will be closed. Some families decide to use a portrait, an urn on a memorial table or other items instead of a casket. If this is the case, it is important to let the child know what they will see and that it is their choice if they would like to touch their sibling’s body or not. It is also important to explain that their sibling’s body may look different and that it is not a sign of illness. A funeral or memorial is a very emotional time for everyone and this can be difficult for a child. It is important to make sure they have the option to leave if they feel overwhelmed. During the ceremony, it can be helpful to have a friend or support person on hand to comfort them and help them manage their emotions. It is also important to be honest with them about the fact that people cry at funerals and it is ok for them to do so too. Some parents find it helpful to write a poem or story for their baby, this can be read at the funeral or buried with the child. Other parents also find it soothing to have a song or piece of music played at the service. Some children enjoy taking part in the services by reading a favorite poem or prayer or writing and drawing their own tributes which can be added to slideshows and programs. It is not unusual for a child to feel they want to be somewhere else, this can often be a sign that their sibling’s death has hit them very hard and they are struggling to cope with it. It is not a sign that they do not love them and it is very important to respect their feelings. It is a good idea to talk to them about this before the funeral and try to reassure them that there are lots of other things they can do or see to remember their baby brother or sister.

Baby clothing isn’t just cute—it’s also essential for your little one’s comfort, safety and wellbeing. From simple basics to special outfits for family photos or a meet-and-greet with friends and relatives, there’s a lot to keep in mind when shopping for newborn baby clothes. This guide offers helpful tips and tricks for choosing the best baby clothing for your growing bundle of joy. How Many Newborn Baby Clothes Do I Need? Most parents decide to have a few newborn baby clothes on hand, but the exact number of pieces is really up to you. The key is to make sure you have enough of the essentials, including the right size and the right mix-and-match items that allow for easy changing and outfit changes during those early weeks. Consider factors like weather, how often you plan to wash laundry, and any specific needs you may have, such as whether your little one is allergic to certain fabrics. When it comes to newborn baby clothes, it’s always a good idea to purchase slightly larger sizes than your baby is currently wearing. Babies grow quickly, and you want to ensure that the clothes fit comfortably and give plenty of room for future growth. Typically, babies wear size 000 or 0-3 months as their first few months at home, but you might find that your baby is ready for a bigger size much sooner than expected. That’s why it’s important to shop with a flexible mindset, and purchase larger sizes that will last until your baby is outgrowing them. The type of clothing you choose is also a personal preference, but most parents choose to dress their newborns in simple separates and bodysuits with snap or zipper closures that make diapering and nappy changes easier. Footies and gowns are also great choices, as they can be worn during daytime hours and work well paired with a swaddle for nighttime sleep. In addition to these separates, it’s also a good idea to have some cotton leggings on hand, as these are perfect for pairing with a bodysuit and can be worn as long pants in warmer seasons. Hats and mittens should be available, too, as your baby will need to protect their heads and ears from the sun and cold. Look for hats with wide brims that will help prevent sunburn and a soft and cozy pair of mittens for your infant. Finally, a warm jacket is a must for any outdoor activities in winter. Look for a fleece jacket that’s easy to zip up and has a hood to keep your child’s head and ears warm.

Choosing attire for your loved one’s final journey is an important, but often overlooked, detail. Burial gowns, formerly known as shrouds, provide a unique opportunity to say goodbye in a style that is both meaningful and respectful. Some families choose to select outfits worn during life, while others prefer a gown made specially for the occasion. Regardless of your choice, it’s a good idea to consult your funeral professional for guidance. This person will be able to give you the best recommendations for your loved one’s unique situation. Generally speaking, most people are not buried in the clothing they wear for their viewing or funeral. However, there are times when this is appropriate, such as with some religious customs. In other cases, clothing may be selected that reflects their personality, style preferences, or career choice. For example, if your loved one was a professional singer or actor, they might be dressed in their costume for the final performance. Most of the time, the garments chosen will be discarded after the service, and will decompose naturally with the body. However, if the person who died was going to be cremated after the service, their clothes might need to be removed for storage or donation. It’s also important to note that if your loved one is buried in an eco-friendly cemetery, the outfit must be made of natural materials. The earliest burial garments were called “burial clothes” or “burial shrouds.” These were akin to the clothes that a living person would wear. They could have elaborate details like embroidery or lace and were usually designed with a front opening for ease of dressing the corpse. Some antebellum garments even resembled wedding dresses! Today, you can purchase ready-made burial gowns or make your own. There are plenty of resources online that can help you with the design process, as well as tips and tricks for making a clean stitch. But, remember that a homemade shroud doesn’t need the finest seams or stitching, just enough to be neat and tidy. Those who wrapped a friend in leaves and mosses did not need the best sewing skills, either. Many people who sew have found a way to use their talents in the service of others. For instance, a member of Grandview United Methodist Church in Springfield, Ill., sewed angel gowns for the infants of her congregation who were stillborn or who died shortly after birth. Her efforts speak to the fact that every human life, no matter how short, is sacred and deserves special care in its last days. She has since expanded her effort to include sewing garments for babies in the NICU and to knit caps and blankets for premature babies. She’s also begun to work with local hospice nurses to provide clothes for children who die at home or in their sleep. She calls it her “calling.” For more information, contact Vaughn Greene Funeral Services. Their caring and compassionate staff can help you understand your options for viewing and burial apparel.

Choosing your wedding gown is one of the most emotional and expensive parts of a bride’s big day. Sadly, many wedding dresses only get worn once and then end up boxed away in a closet never to be seen again. However, there are plenty of ways to give a new lease of life to your special dress. Whether you want to give it to a daughter or niece, use it as a backdrop for an art project or simply transform it into something entirely different, there are plenty of ways to put your beautiful bridal gown to good use. There are several charities that accept donated wedding dresses. Some charities resell them for profit and the proceeds go to a specific cause, while others donate the dresses directly to someone who needs it. Typically, charity shops will only accept wedding dresses that are less than five years old and will ask you to have them professionally cleaned before donating. The Wishing Well Foundation and Gift of a Wedding are two examples of charities that will take your dress and give it to a terminally ill bride so they can have the wedding of their dreams. These charities are based in the United States and have a number of stores across the country where you can drop off your dress for donation. You can also contact the individual charities directly for more information on how to donate your wedding dress. Another option for a bride is to donate her dress to an angel gown sewing group that will turn it into a final photo and burial gown for infants who are sadly lost. These special gowns are given to families who have suffered the unimaginable loss and they can be a small comfort in their time of grief. Angel Gowns for Angel Babies, a non-profit organisation based in the US, is just one of many groups that will make a angel gown from your wedding dress. Thrift stores are another great place to donate your wedding dress, as they usually sell them and the profits help support job programs, housing, veterans and much more. There are numerous thrift stores across the US that will accept your wedding dress, so be sure to check online for a list of locations and their specific donation instructions. You can also try selling your wedding dress at a consignment shop to recoup some of the money you spent on it. This option is more time consuming and requires you to find a reputable seller and get the gown professionally cleaned and photographed before putting it on display. However, it’s a great way to get some extra cash for your dress and help a bride who needs it at the same time. Another benefit of donating your wedding dress is that it will help to reduce your carbon footprint. The production of new clothing uses hundreds of gallons of water and creates 10% of global carbon emissions, so donating your wedding dress is a great way to help the environment.

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – Across the country, a network of seamstresses is making wedding gowns into garments for babies who die before they leave the hospital. These small dresses are donated to be used in final photos and buried in. They are given to families in need who do not have access to a special funeral gown. The dresses are created for boys and girls in sizes that fit the tiniest of preemies or full-term infants. The dresses are made from donated wedding gowns and donated fabric. They are sewn by volunteers for a non-profit that supports grieving parents who have lost a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or who died before leaving the hospital. The gowns are distributed at no cost to hospitals, infant loss organizations and funeral homes. Judi Lee was a labor and delivery nurse for 46 years, and she never forgot the heartbroken parents who had to leave without their precious little ones. After her own loss, she started her own group of seamstresses, and in just a few months they have made 450 gowns for families who need them. They have also been a source of comfort for families like Joshlyn and Jeff Bjornstad from Langdon, who lost their baby boy last year. “I really didn’t think that it would be a gift, but it’s such a beautiful thing,” said Bjornstad. “We really appreciate it.” Mayo nurse Lynn Gaber knows about the need for these delicate gowns. She works in the cardiovascular surgery ICU at Mayo Clinic and sees firsthand the grief that surrounds parents who lose their baby during or shortly after birth. Gaber says the gowns are a way to honor a life that was taken too soon and let families know they’re not alone. “When someone is going through such a difficult time, they don’t want to be reminded that their child won’t be there with them,” she said. “But I think that when they look at these beautiful angel gowns, they know that this little child will be remembered.” Bauer is a volunteer seamstress who sews the dresses for several different organizations in Ohio and beyond. She says each dress can produce up to 20 angel gowns. She adds that the greatest need is for more fabrics, ribbon and sewing supplies. She is currently working to make gowns for four organizations: Columbus Christ Child Society; Touching Little Lives, in Groveport; NICU Helping Hands, in Fort Worth, Texas; and Rest in His Arms, in Chicago. The group is always looking for more people to join their ranks of volunteers, especially in rural areas where there are no programs. Anyone interested in donating a dress or volunteering can contact them online. KFYR is proud to support the mission of this group and its donors by bringing their story to you. Please share this article on your social media so others can join in their efforts to serve those in need. Copyright 2020 KFYR. All rights reserved.

Inviting children to the funeral can be a deeply meaningful experience, and may help them feel connected to their lost loved one. However, deciding whether or not to include children in the service can be difficult. You should consider what will be most comfortable for you and your child, and work to create a ceremony that feels right. Children can be very honest about what they want to do, and you should always listen to them. They might be tempted to hide from the situation, but you must encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings. This can be hard for parents, but it is vital that you support their wishes and decisions. Some children may feel they want to view their sibling’s body. It is important to explain what will happen at the funeral home and other venues, and allow them to ask questions. They may be apprehensive about what they will see and imagine that their sibling will be cold or scared, but you must reassure them that their sibling is no longer in pain and is not dead. You should also note that the decision to touch their sibling’s body is a personal one, and they can choose not to do so if they wish. Many families will include special photos, teddy bears or other items that the baby enjoyed in their coffin during the ceremony. This can be a beautiful way for siblings to feel connected and close to their sibling, while also honouring them during the service. Some siblings might even choose to write a letter or poem for their brother or sister, and this can be a lovely keepsake to remember them by. You should discuss the funeral services with your children and explain who will be there, what they might see and hear and when it will take place. You should also talk about the funeral service itself, and let them know that if they are feeling overwhelmed, it is OK to leave. You can also appoint a trusted adult as their “funeral buddy” and allow them to take this person outside or into the hallway for a break, if needed. While it is important for children to be included in a funeral service, some families prefer not to have a public ceremony for their deceased child. This is perfectly fine, and should be respected by those who attend. You might like to consider holding a gathering after the funeral where family and friends can share memories and photographs, or you could choose a more private memorial. It is important for parents to take care of themselves during this difficult time. It is a very emotional and intense event, and it is easy to become overwhelmed. Be sure to stay nourished and hydrated, wear comfortable clothes and take breaks regularly. It is also a good idea to designate someone else to communicate with your friends and family on your behalf, so that you can focus on your grief.

When choosing clothes for your little one, the comfort factor is paramount. After all, babies go through multiple outfits a day due to spit-ups and blowouts (not to mention their constant movement). As a result, it’s important to pick soft fabrics that can stretch with your baby’s growth. Aim for breathable styles that are made with natural fibers like cotton and Tencel. These materials are also easy to wash, which is vital for newborns and infants. Additionally, be sure to look for soft and roomy clothing. Babies have sensitive skin, so rough seams and fabrics can cause irritation. You’ll want to choose clothing that is well made and durable, but remember that more durable fabrics may be pricier than less expensive ones. However, they will hold up to everyday wear and tear and will last longer, which is worth the investment. In addition to choosing the right fabric, make sure your baby’s clothing is appropriate for each season. This will help you avoid making costly mistakes by buying clothes too soon or exposing your child to harsh weather conditions. For example, a hat is essential to protect your baby’s head and eyes from the sun during the summer. And when the temperature starts to drop, you’ll need a hat and mittens for your little one to stay warm. It’s also a good idea to stock up on winter jackets and outerwear so your baby stays cozy and warm. You should also invest in a few pairs of socks and shoes, especially when your baby is ready to start walking. The size of your baby’s clothes should also be taken into consideration. Newborns and infants grow extremely quickly, so it’s wise to buy slightly bigger sizes than the recommended size. For instance, a newborn t-shirt is designed to fit infants up to 8 pounds, but many babies enter the world larger than that. So, a size 0-3 months is a better option, since your baby will be able to wear it for several months. Finally, you’ll need a few wardrobe staples, like onesies and footie pajamas. These are ideal for newborns and infants, as they can be worn as a onesie or paired with pants and shorts. You can even opt for a onesie with snaps across the front, which makes it easier to put on and take off. Lastly, it’s also helpful to have a few sets of comfort sets and all-in-one rompers for comfortable, convenient, and stylish outfits that are perfect for any occasion. The Kim and Joe collection includes a variety of these essentials, from evolutive t-shirts to comfy pants and overalls.

When it comes to dressing your loved one for a funeral or memorial service, the details are important. You’ll want to provide a comfortable, clean, and respectful look for your loved one. Choosing clothes that reflect their personality and style is an important way to honor them. Many people choose to outfit their loved ones in their own clothes for the service. This can be a very personal touch, and can also help keep your loved one’s clothing intact for future generations to see. Alternatively, you may opt to provide a gown or wrap for your loved one. This allows you to be more precise in your choice of color, fabric, and style. The general standard for attire at funerals and memorial services has been historically more conservative, favoring darker colors that symbolize mourning. For men, this usually means a dark suit or button-down shirt paired with a jacket and tie. For women, a dress or skirt at or below the knee paired with a blouse and polished dress shoes are typically considered appropriate attire. If your loved one was a member of a religion with specific customs, be sure to respect those traditions in terms of their burial clothes as well. These can add a layer of depth and meaning to the ceremony that you may not otherwise be able to express in words or gestures alone. Even though the style of clothing for a funeral has been more relaxed over time, it’s still wise to avoid very brightly colored clothes or flashy accessories. The goal is to make an impression of dignity and respect, which you can’t accomplish with a brightly colored shirt or pants that show too much skin. You should also be mindful of the weather, especially if you’re planning to hold a graveside service or visitation in an outdoor space. Many families who choose cremation are concerned about what their loved one will wear in a casket after the funeral or memorial service. If you’re planning on a cremation in Fieldston, NY, there are plenty of options for what to outfit your loved one in. While some families like to choose simple, basic gowns for their loved ones, others prefer more elaborate garments, similar to what they would wear to a hospital visit. Whatever your preference, you can rest assured that the staff at your local funeral home will be able to assist you with the process of selecting an appropriate outfit for your loved one. If you are interested in sewing your own garments for use as funeral attire, the Sew & Tell Group at MOV is a wonderful resource to connect with other people who are interested in creating their own memorial garments. The group meets twice a year to cut, design, and sew gowns for infants, toddlers, and children up to age eight. Gowns and wraps are then donated to hospitals, funeral homes, and midwives to aid in the care of these small angels.

The dress you wore to say “I do” was a beautiful addition to your special day, but what do you do with it once the big event is over? Instead of packing up your gown and putting it in storage, consider donating it to a charity or thrift store. The proceeds from these donations can help the community, and they can also be used as a tax deduction for you. Donating your dress is a great way to clear out your closet and help others at the same time, but be sure to do your research before sending it off to a place that will use it for good. Some charities or shops require you to have your gown professionally cleaned before donating it, and some may have specific requirements for the design. If you have a designer gown that’s no more than five years old, for instance, you can send it to Cherie Sustainable Bridal in Maryland. This company resells the dresses and donates a portion of the sales to a number of charities that focus on helping women, including Success in Style, Girls Who Code and Every Mother Counts. Another dress option is to send it to Brides Across America, an organization that outfits military and first responder brides for free. The nonprofit holds Operation Wedding Gown events twice a year and has outfitted 26,000 women to date. You can fill out an online form to see if your gown meets the organization’s acceptance criteria. For other gowns, you can contact your local Salvation Army or Goodwill stores to see what they accept. Oxfam has a bridal charity outlet in both Dublin and Bangor, Barnardos Bridal is located in both Dun Laoghaire and Wexford, and St Vincent de Paul is available countrywide. Then there are the unexpected options, like donating your dress to an organization that repurposes it. The nonprofit Shared Dream Dresses, for example, transforms donated gowns into infant burial gowns and other keepsake items that are available to grieving families. Another unique option is the Emma and Evan Foundation, a program that repurposes donated wedding dresses into bereavement gowns for babies. The nonprofit has stitched more than 50 dresses into angel gowns, bonnets and other keepsake pieces. A volunteer at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison says the work helps her feel good about giving back to the community. Drew Edwards, a former celebrity stylist and wedding planner, agrees that it’s important to check out the donation process for an individual charity before sending your dress off to be used for good. He recommends asking what kind of condition the dress needs to be in, as well as whether or not alterations are needed. You can even make your own wedding dress donation with a DIY approach, though Edwards cautions that this can be difficult and time-consuming. He suggests taking your gown to a professional cleaner before donating it, because mold can develop in a dress that’s been sitting around for too long.

NICU Helping Hands is a program that makes angel gowns for babies who never get to go home from the hospital. They are made from donated wedding dresses, and volunteer seamstresses make them for hospitals around the country. One woman who does this in Lansing is Bonnie Kalahar. Kalahar says she doesn’t meet the families, but she knows their loss. She’s been making the gowns for Sparrow Hospital for three years. The dresses are tiny works of art. They are made from silks and satins, beads, lace and embroidery. The gowns are designed to fit the smallest of babies, from preemies to micro-preemies. They are embroidered with the baby’s name and birth date. They also have little hats and bow ties to match. They are given to parents free of charge, to honor their child and give them something to hold. Kalahar says it’s important to give the parents a memory of their child to share with family and friends. She says a lot of parents never get to see their child’s birthday or other special moments, so these gowns allow them to at least have something to remember the moment by. Kalahar has been doing this work quietly for years. She doesn’t want recognition, but she wants to help families who are struggling. Her husband Mike says he is proud of his wife and the work she does. The gowns have been well received at Sparrow, and she’s even had a $500 donation from the local branch of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union for her work. She says her work is about more than just sewing. It’s about giving hope to the parents who desperately need it. She hopes she can inspire others to do what they can as well. Several people have reached out to her since the article was published, including a man from Puyallup who read the story. He said his late wife had a similar experience and would have wanted him to donate their dress. Kalahar says she’s been amazed by the response. “It’s really a beautiful thing,” she said. Mayo nurse says the gowns are a way to honor their baby’s life Lynn Gaber works in the cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. She’s one of the nurses who helps make the gowns for the tiny lives that are lost during pregnancy or at birth. The gowns are embroidered with the baby’s name, birth date and a heart. Then they are given to the parents to wrap their baby for a final photo or to bury. These are just a few examples of the amazing work done by volunteers like these. If you’d like to learn more about how you can help, visit the NICU Helping Hands website. Dignity Health – St Mary Medical Center is committed to providing high quality, compassionate care for patients and their families. Located at 1050 Linden Ave in Long Beach, California, this hospital is one of the best in the state.