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.
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