Category: Our Blog

When a baby passes away during or shortly after birth, the grieving family needs something to dress the child in. The outfit can be a dress, a shirt and pants or a blanket. It can include a keepsake charm, a heart or cross and a Bible verse. Then the little one can rest in peace. Across the country, volunteer seamstresses are transforming donated wedding dresses into these outfits for infants who never get to go home. The volunteers are part of an international organization called Angel Gowns. They meet in places like the basement of All Saints Lutheran Church in Darwin, Minn., or the home of Edith Hauer, 69. Her group has been working on angel gowns for three years now. Each gown is sewn with love. The group has more than 100 volunteers who work around the country and the world. Each dress makes about 10 burial outfits. The women use beads, ribbons, lace and other embellishments. They sometimes stitch phrases like “heaven’s angel” or add tiny pillows or hats. Hauer and her crew also sew gold bells onto the garments. It’s a reference to the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, where Jimmy Stewart’s character rings a bell when he gets his wings. The group recently donated a box of the gowns to hospitals, including NICUs. NICU Helping Hands oversees the distribution of the gowns. The volunteers hope to give each family a moment of beauty as they say goodbye to their baby. Several women who work on the project have lost children or young family members. The volunteers say it’s a way for them to honor their loved ones and give back to families going through this terrible loss. In addition to gowns, the group also makes outfits for babies who die at other times in life, such as after an accident or during a medical procedure. The organization distributes the outfits free to families who might otherwise not have anything to bury their babies in. The gowns come with a knitted hat and blanket, a keepsake charm and heart or cross and a Bible verse. As a former labor and delivery nurse, Lee Marsters understands how difficult it can be for a family to lose their baby. That’s why she started an Angel Gown of South Bay sewing group in 2016. She says she’s gathered 44 seamstresses who take wedding dresses and prom dresses and turn them into what are called angel gowns for newborns who pass away during or soon after birth. Each outfit is sewn with so much love to honor a little life that was taken far too soon. Marsters hopes that every family who receives a gown will feel the comfort of knowing their baby was dressed with so much care and compassion. To learn more about the group or donate your wedding dress, visit Angel Gowns of South Bay on Facebook. You can even follow your dress’s journey to a developing country (Guatemala is the current destination), and virtually meet your seamstress through social media.

A child funeral is a ceremony held to honour the life of your child who has died. It can take many forms. It may be a full service with your child present, or it could be a memorial ceremony where your child does not attend. It can also be a graveside or other location ceremony where you simply plant flowers and light candles in memory of your child. Many parents worry that their children will be upset by attending a funeral but this is not always the case. If a child is well prepared and understands what to expect from a funeral, most find it a comforting experience. If your child will be attending a funeral, it is a good idea to give them a job at the ceremony so they feel included and important. They can help collect photos for a slideshow, assist with passing out funeral programs or they can offer to read a short tribute at the ceremony. This will make them feel special and will help them deal with the emotions they will be feeling. It is a good idea to have someone who your children trust, such as a favorite aunt or uncle, sit with them during the ceremony to support and care for them. This way if the service becomes too emotional for your child to handle they will have someone they can leave with until they are ready to rejoin the rest of the ceremony. Explain to your child that their sibling’s body may look different than when they were alive and note any marks or scars that might be visible. If your child chooses to touch their sibling’s arm or hair, this is a personal choice and should be left up to them. Consider asking other family members, friends or neighbours to come along and hold up signs with messages for your child. This can be a very moving experience for everyone involved and it can help to ease the burden on you as a parent. If you are unable to afford the costs of your child’s funeral, there are charities that can help. One such charity is Final Farewell, a nonprofit organisation that provides emergency funeral funds for families with children who have passed away. If your child decides not to attend a funeral, it is not unusual for them to later regret this. They may still ask questions about their sibling and a funeral can help to answer those questions. It is a difficult decision to make but it is up to each family and how they want to honour their life. If you need further advice on arranging a child funeral, Child Bereavement UK and Winston’s Wish have useful information.

A new baby requires a lot of clothing. It’s important to have a variety of fabrics and styles, but more than anything else, it’s vital that your infant is comfortable in the clothes you put on them. Rough seams and fabrics that are too tight or scratchy can cause irritation to your newborn’s sensitive skin. Also, you’ll likely need to wash your little one a lot (babies are notorious for dribbles and milk spills) so look for fabric that will sustain frequent washing without becoming discoloured or losing its shape. A soft and stretchy knit fabric is ideal for babies, as it can stretch with your baby’s growth and provides a flexible fit. Look for these features when shopping for shirts and dresses, pajamas, swimsuits, sleeper gowns and bodysuits. You can also find a wide range of options from brands that use organic and sustainable materials. Organic cotton is grown without any harmful chemicals, which means it’s healthier for your little one and better for the environment. Claude & Co, for example, offers gender neutral and eco-friendly clothing in an array of earthy tones and prints. In addition to choosing soft and breathable fabrics, you’ll want to make sure your baby’s clothes meet safety standards and aren’t made with small parts that could pose a choking hazard or toxic chemicals. You can check for these properties by checking the garment label or the website of the brand you’re considering. While you’re shopping for baby clothing, don’t be afraid to size up. It’s common for little ones to grow faster than you might expect, and it’s always better to have an extra-large garment that you can roll up their sleeves or pants on and let them grow into. Once your newborn is home, you’ll need plenty of outfits for day and night, and you may even want to invest in a few outerwear items such as a raincoat or zip-up down snowsuit. And, of course, you’ll need a few blankets to keep your baby warm and cosy. One of our favourite brands for baby clothing is Kissy Kissy, which uses the comfiest Peruvian pima cotton to craft its layette sets and sleeper gowns. The result is a line of clothing that feels like a gentle hug against your little one’s skin. The collection includes neutral-coloured bodysuits with lap shoulders, footie pajamas with easy snap fasteners from top to toe and sleeper gowns featuring peek-a-paw cuffs to prevent self-scratching.

Burial gowns are a special kind of garment that is worn for a loved one who has died. They are designed to look like normal clothing, and they help to preserve the person’s body while keeping them comfortable. They are typically made of a light, soft material and come in a variety of colors. The deceased may have specified in their will or funeral arrangements how they want to be dressed, but if not, a funeral director can usually recommend an outfit that would honor the individual. There are a few things to consider when choosing burial clothes for a loved one who has passed away, including their religious beliefs and the method of their final disposition. Some religions have specific dress and hairstyle requirements that must be followed, so it is important to check with religious leaders to make sure that the clothing you choose will comply. Some people prefer to dress their deceased loved ones in clothes that they wore when they were alive. If the person had a special suit or dress that they liked to wear, this is an excellent option. However, it is also common to dress the deceased in their nightgown or other comfortable clothing. The choice of clothing for the deceased can also be influenced by their age and lifestyle. For example, younger people tend to dress more casually than older adults, so a suit or dress might be inappropriate for them. In these cases, a casual dress or shirt and trousers might be a better choice. It’s a good idea to keep the person’s personal style and personality in mind when selecting their burial clothing, as this will make them feel more at peace with their last moments. For example, a man who preferred to wear dark suits and a hat during his life might wish to be buried in one of his own outfits. Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for burial attire is that many items are sized differently than normal clothing. This is because of the fact that the body will shrink after death, and the fabric of most garments will be tighter than it was when the person was alive. Also, rigor mortis will cause the legs and arms to stiffen up, so some adjustments may need to be made when purchasing clothing for the deceased. Several organizations and charities have created burial clothes to help families who are dealing with the loss of an infant. These include baby bereavement gowns that are crocheted or knitted white dresses that resemble Baptismal or Christening attire. These gowns are available for both boys and girls, and they are made in a wide range of sizes. They can be adorned with embroidery or lace and are often embellished with flowers. There are even bereavement gowns for micro-premature babies, who are born before reaching full gestational age. Another type of funeral gown is a shroud, which is traditionally used by Orthodox Christians and other Christian sects. These are typically made of white cotton or linen, and they can be embroidered with symbols of faith or adorned with crosses. Some companies manufacture funeral robes and shrouds that are made of different materials, including bamboo, hemp, and silk. These are generally suitable for green funerals and natural burial grounds, as they are biodegradable.

Most little girls dream of growing up and having the perfect storybook wedding in a beautiful gown. However, not all brides are able to afford the wedding of their dreams. Those who choose to donate their dresses can help other women who may be going through financial hardships have the dress of their dreams and have a special memory to look back on. In addition, those who don’t want to keep their wedding dresses can benefit the environment by avoiding the production of new clothing and accessories. In fact, producing new clothes and textiles creates toxic chemicals and a large amount of carbon dioxide and water waste. According to Green Drop, when you donate your wedding gown, it helps to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and prevents new dresses from being manufactured. Before donating your dress, make sure it is in good condition. Most charities have specific guidelines regarding dress condition, age and style. It is also a good idea to have your gown professionally cleaned before donating it to avoid any possible stains or damage. This can also save you some time as many charities and shops offer this service for an additional fee. Besides dresses, there are some charities that accept other wedding-related items such as shoes, tiaras, veils and other bridal accessories. It is also a great idea to donate any other decorations, invitations and favors that you no longer need or use. Before deciding to donate your wedding dress, it is important to research the organization to ensure that it is a reputable one with a good reputation and mission. Many charities focus on different areas including supporting women, aiding cancer victims, helping the military and more. It’s best to select a charity that aligns with your desired impact and will make the most difference in people’s lives. Some of the more popular charities that accept wedding dress donations include Brides Across America, Wishing Well Foundation and Gift of a Wedding. These organizations help to fund and organize weddings for terminally ill brides, first responders and others in need. Angel Gowns for Angel Babies is another wonderful charity that utilizes donated wedding gowns to create tiny baby gowns for newborn babies who have died. This beautiful charity has given away over 26,000 wedding dresses since 2008. When you donate your wedding dress, you can feel good about making a positive impact on someone else’s life. You can also feel good about freeing up storage space in your closet and having a clean, organized home! Donating your wedding gown to a charity is a great way to have it find a happy and lasting home. Before you do, however, make sure that the charity is accepting gowns during this pandemic and that they have the appropriate guidelines in place. In addition, make sure to have your dress professionally cleaned before donating it and don’t hesitate to ask for any additional guidance from the organization’s staff if you have any questions.

In the grand tapestry of life, there are moments of immense joy and heartbreaking sorrow. And when those incredibly sad moments involve losing a baby, special garments known as angel gowns can give families a small comfort in their loss. One woman in Hot Springs Village, Arkansan has turned the first floor of her home into a workshop where she crafts tiny angel gowns for babies and gives them to hospitals across the country. She started the project after her cousin lost a premature infant and found that hospitals everywhere had a need for these special gowns. Each gown is made from a donated wedding dress, so each has its own story of love and loss. The first time Judi Lee, a labor and delivery nurse at Baylor All Saints Medical Center in Dallas, saw an angel gown for babies who don’t survive birth, she knew she wanted to be part of the group that makes them. Her sister-in-law and mother had both experienced the loss of a child, and she knows that grieving parents often have to dig through the hospital’s lost and found tub to find something small to dress their baby in. So when she saw a Facebook post seeking more bridal dresses to use to make the gowns, she was thrilled to learn that NICU Helping Hands, a group of seamstresses across the country, had an urgent need for more wedding dresses. She quickly began coordinating local sewing parties, and now her network of 44 seamstresses has made more than 450 angel gowns that she delivers to local hospitals. Each gown costs about $50 to make. It’s a cost that Judi Lee pays out of her own pocket, but she says the money is well worth the effort, as each gown helps families in their time of grief and loss. “It’s a way of saying that I care about this person and their family,” she said. Judi Lee also says that it’s important to her that the dresses are made by people who have lost a child, because they know what a parent goes through. They want to ensure the family of each baby that receives a gown has the best possible experience. ND Angel Gowns distributes their creations to hospitals, including the NICU at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital in Long Beach, Calif. Pictured here are NICU Manager Martina Ruiz and Silvia Noriega from Angel Gowns of South Bay delivering the hospital’s initial box of angel gowns. Dignity Health – St Mary Medical Center is proud to be part of the NICU Helping Hands program and has many resources that can be helpful for families. To learn more, visit our website today. We are committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that is accessible to our communities. We offer state-of-the-art technologies, access to innovative therapies and specialized emotional support services to provide a nurturing environment. We serve patients from our communities in Pomona, Chino Hills and throughout San Bernardino County.

A child funeral is a special way to say goodbye to your baby or child who has died. A child funeral can also be a healing experience for the parents. However, it is important to consider the child’s feelings and wishes as well. Children are often able to tell you what they want and need. Forcing a child to attend a funeral is often unsuccessful, so it’s important to let the child decide whether or not they want to go. Explaining the funeral process and what they will see can help them feel more comfortable making this decision. Many children have a lot of questions about funerals and what will happen. It is important to answer their questions as calmly and truthfully as possible. They may have many questions at once and it is okay to give them a moment to think before responding. It is often helpful to have a designated friend or family member to be available to answer their questions throughout the day. Explain that the body of their loved one will be present at the ceremony. This can be comforting to some children, as it allows them to connect with the deceased in a more personal way. If you have a casket, it’s a good idea to show the child their sibling in it before the funeral so that they are familiar with what they will see at the ceremony. A funeral can be a very emotional and tense time for a child, as well as adults. If your child is feeling overwhelmed or fidgety, it can be a good idea to give them something to hold – a book, their favourite teddy or toy, a quiet game etc. It’s also a good idea to take a break if your child is feeling overtired or restless, even if you are still in the middle of a service. Some children will be afraid that they will die as well or that they have somehow caused the death of their loved one. It’s important to reassure them that this is not the case and that it is normal for them to feel this way. If you are unsure how to respond, it may be helpful to talk with a grief counselor or psychologist who can provide you with further information and guidance. In addition to attending a funeral service, some children will choose to pay their respects in other ways. For example, some will choose to have a memorial celebration at home or another venue with friends and family. They can share stories, play games and reminisce about the person who died. They can also write a message on a matted picture frame or create a memory book with photos of the person and a short story about them. They can light candles with close adult supervision. They can also have a balloon release. Depending on the age of your child, they may wish to be present at the burial site as well, although this is not always a necessity.

New babies are adorable, but they require a lot of gear. From all-in-one pieces and sleep sacks to bodysuits and rompers, there are a ton of options for newborns and infants—and that’s not even counting shoes! The best part about baby clothing is that it’s a lot of fun to shop for. You can pick up pieces as you go or stock up ahead of time to have everything ready for your new arrival. If you do decide to get some pieces ahead of time, it’s always good to keep in mind that babies grow quickly, so plan accordingly and size up. Baby clothing should be comfortable and breathable. Organic fabrics are the way to go, as they’re free from chemicals that may irritate delicate skin. Babies also tend to put their hands in their mouths, so they can easily ingest any toxins that might be in a piece of fabric or yarn. Organic materials are also better for the planet because they don’t contain any pesticides, chemical fertilizers or GMOs. Plus, they’re more sustainable and biodegradable than synthetic materials, which take up to 20 years to break down. You’ll want to have a variety of clothes to wear for your baby, depending on the season. Wintertime means having warm jackets and outerwear, while summertime calls for lighter jackets or hoodies to keep them cool. Carter’s Baby is a well-loved brand that offers all the basics, including onesies, pajamas and formal outfits in sizes from preemie to 24 months. The retailer has a great selection of holiday styles and licensed sports team apparel, too. Kissy Kissy is another parent-approved brand that specializes in soft and durable layette sets. Their scrumptious Peruvian Pima cotton is incredibly smooth and gentle against your baby’s delicate skin. The collection includes a range of neutral bodysuits with lap shoulders, footie pajamas that feature easy snap fasteners from head to toe and beautiful rompers with peek-a-paw cuffs to prevent self-scratching. They also offer luxurious “Mommy + Mini” matching sets so you can have the cutest family photos. Janie + Jack is the place to go if you’re looking for special occasion clothing or a sophisticated look. The line is made with the highest-quality textiles and the most modern patterns, so you can create a cohesive wardrobe without breaking your bank account. The company’s capsule collections are especially popular, so you can dress your baby in coordinating looks for any occasion. Another great option is BabyGap, which has a ton of everyday essentials and some dressier pieces, as well. Their signature denim is high-quality and super soft, and the company has a ton of prints and colors to choose from, too. The label also has a ton of accessories, so you can get your baby ready for any occasion. The only downside is that their clothes can be pricey, but they’re worth the splurge when you’re shopping for a little one.

When it comes to selecting burial clothes for your loved one, you want to choose something that reflects their style and personality. Traditionally, this is accomplished with a suit or dress. But there are other factors to consider as well, including their religion and the method of their final disposition. It’s also important to keep in mind that different faith traditions have varying clothing requirements. Before making any purchases, you should always consult with clergy or other religious leaders to determine the most appropriate attire for your loved one. The first thing to think about is whether your loved one left instructions regarding what they wanted to be dressed in for their funeral or if they have a favorite outfit that they want to be buried in. If your loved one did leave instructions, you should try to follow those directions as best you can. If your loved one’s final wishes are not specified, you can select a outfit that they would have worn regularly. If your loved one was an active person, you can choose a casual outfit that reflects their lifestyle like jeans and a polo shirt or button-down dress shirt with tailored dress pants. It’s best to stick to neutral or subdued colors for this type of wardrobe, and avoid flamboyant clothing that could make your loved one stand out too much. Infants and babies can be dressed in burial gowns that are similar to Baptismal or Christening dresses. They are usually white and are available in a wide range of sizes to fit tiny infants. Some charities and companies create handmade baby funeral clothes to help families of lost babies find peace during this difficult time. For adults, a classic suit is the most popular choice for men and women. You can pair a well-fitting dress shirt with tailored dress pants in a neutral or light pastel color. Opt for closed-toe shoes to complete the look. A dress or skirt and blouse with a vest can be suitable for women who wish to be buried in their regular wardrobe. You can opt for a blouse or dress in a subtle pastel shade such as pink, lavender, or light blue. The color symbolizes serenity and peace, so this is a good choice for your loved one’s final outfit. If your loved one was a person who was fond of a particular hobby, you can choose a special outfit that represents that passion. For example, if your loved one enjoyed painting, you can select a beautiful painting or a painting-themed scarf that can be used for their casket viewing or graveside service. Many people also wear a traditional outfit for their open casket viewing and visitation. If you prefer to stick with a traditional look, a simple suit or dress is the way to go. You can opt for a tailored suit or a dress in a neutral or subdued color such as gray, white, or blue. Opt for closed-toe shoes and understated jewelry to finish the look.

A wedding dress is a treasured memento from one of the most special days in a bride’s life. While many brides choose to keep their dresses and pass them on to future generations, others prefer to donate their gowns to give them a second life. This allows them to declutter their closets and can help other brides find the perfect dress for their big day without spending as much money. It also benefits a charity or other cause that’s important to the bride or donor. While some women choose to sell their dresses, this can be a lengthy and stressful process that involves listing the gowns on different websites and interacting with potential buyers for months. Instead, a bride may want to consider donating her wedding dress, which can be a simpler option that saves time and provides a tax deduction, according to Zola. Choosing the right dress donation organization is crucial. Some organizations resell the dresses, while others offer them to brides in need for free or at a discounted price. Before donating your dress, research the organization’s mission, values, and reputation to ensure that they align with your own. You can also check if the organization is a registered non-profit or has a track record of transparent operations. If you’re planning to donate your gown, it’s important to have it professionally cleaned beforehand. This will ensure that your dress is in good condition for its new owner and can help avoid stains and other problems. It’s also a good idea to make any necessary repairs before you hand it over. Many thrift stores are happy to accept wedding gown donations, as they’re a great way for them to support low-income individuals in the community. These organizations can often provide the dresses to brides for free or at a reduced price, which is helpful for those who can’t afford to purchase a dress from high-end bridal boutiques. Some of these organizations have specific criteria for the type of dress they’re willing to accept, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with these requirements before donating your dress. For example, some organizations will only accept wedding gowns with lace and embroidered details, while others may not be able to use a dress that’s too long. In addition to reselling the gowns, some of these organizations repurpose them into infant burial gowns, known as Angel Gowns, for families who have lost their little ones. This program can help comfort grieving parents and support the cause that’s close to their hearts. If you’re interested in donating your dress, look for local buy/sell/trade groups on social media or online forums to see if they’re accepting gown donations at the moment. You can also contact bridal or wedding expo organizers to inquire about their donation policies. The Salvation Army, for instance, has a number of locations that accept wedding dress donations and offers free pickup services to donors.