Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep - non profit photography service

[CatherineDiane]

http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/

There is a local family who have grim reports on having a live birth this coming week. The baby has had very low amniotic fluid throughout the pregnancy and there is just no way to know what to expect.

While reading her journal she mentioned that the volunteer photographer (through the organization named above) will be there to capture the delivery and photographs of the baby for the family.

I think this is beautiful and, when the families are ready to view them, will cherish those pictures, find closure with them, and forever be grateful to the photographer for doing so.

We have had several reports of tragic situations on the boards lately and I just thought I would share this. Perhaps a moderator will make it a sticky for new comers to see and know is possible in that unfortunate situation.

There is a lot of information there, not just about photography but also about donating wedding dresses that others volunteer to alter into burial gowns for infants, and other ways to contribute in this most worthy and heartbreaking world of infant death.

There are links from that site to others, and you can search for photographers who participate in the program by state.

[SherryT]

Okay, I am just sitting here in tears right now. What a wonderful service for photographers to offer.

[FaithoftheHeart]

That is a beautiful idea! I know I cherish all my photographs of Elyse alive. I do however regret not having one of her before she was buried. As morbid as that sounds, she looked beautiful in her dress, without tubes and wires all over her. I wish I had a memory of the last time I saw her,

Sarah

[mom2four]

I am so sad. What a beautful tribute to a baby and the family.

[clayco]

This site is heartbreaking........what an absolutely awsome organization to provide this kind of service. I can't even begin to imagine having to go through something like this, but it sure is nice to know that there are special people in this world that help in our time of need.

Christine

[saintpauli]

This is a local mom who started this organization and I think it is wonderful. I'm so happy to see it growing to other states and more photographers providing this service. If you think it is a good thing as well - please email them/her and thank them for all the hard work that is involved!

[sisnmike]

I think this is a fabulous organization! What a wonderful service to offer grieving families.
Denise

[txgs2005]

What a great way to cherish memories

[Sugersnaps]

Okay, I am just sitting here in tears right now. What a wonderful service for photographers to offer.

i am right there with you

[wanting2help]

I have been sitting here crying for hours just reading all of the stories. My heart just breaks for all of these families. But yet I am so thankful that they had the opportunity to have their dearly loved baby and their family photographed to have from now on. It is a beautiful site and I also think it would be a great place to donate $$ to.
Take care to all,
Tiffany

[kats_mom]

ok now I am crying, I am so glad that there is photographers out there willing to help families remeber thier angel babies

[CatherineDiane]

I wanted to post a short update about the family that originally led me to NILMDTS. He lived about 45 minutes after delivery.

They are so grateful for those pictures. They are incredibly beautiful! They have now pictures of the baby, each parent with the baby, their daughter with the baby. Each picture is so tasteful and beautiful. He just looks like he is sweetly sleeping. Just beyond words how this family and their story have touched me.

Below is the latest journal entry:

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2006 11:13 AM, CDT


Well its been about 24 hours since Nikolas went home. Heather and I are holding up pretty well but we have our moments. This morning about 4 AM it hit us pretty hard and we sobbed for about an hour, but it was a good sob. We miss our little boy terribly but we know that he is with our Lord.

Yesterday was a day we will cherish forever. Nikolas was with us until about 6:15 PM when we called them to come take his body. During that time we were able to create so many memories. Haleigh got spend time with her baby brother and even tried to give him a Nemo Pacifier.

Many people have asked what they can do for us and Heather and I agree that what we desire most is that you support the people and organizations that have made our journey so memorable. First is "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep". They are the ones who put us in touch with Andrea Hillis who took the amazing photos yesterday. Andrea donated her time and talents and spent the entire day with us. There is a link to her website under "Links". The second is caring bridge who has made this website possible. I am so gratefull that it is here.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and know that Heather and I got our miracle. We were able to embrace our son as he went to Heaven. That was our prayer and it was answered. Our prayer now is that Nikolas and his story will spread and people will see God at work and it will bring glory to our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ.

This organization is one of the most touching and beautiful services I have seen in a long time. Praise the Lord for those who are willing to experience heartache to the nth degree and turn it in to something beautiful and meaningful for others!

[photog mom]

I just wanted to say their organization is truly beautiful. I am a childrens photographer and have submitted my application w/ them. I am also a member of ACPCG. They do the same thing.

It's wonderful, beautiful, and life changing.

[Ann Hamilton]

Wow, that site is powerful. I had such a lump in my throat that I felt that I would never swallow again. It brought back so many memories....
Sincerely Ann

[maggie]

I just saw this thread. My chest wants to just cave in. I do not know how anyone that loses a child can go on. I would absolutely die if my son died. I cannot live without him. He is my next breath.

[MNGSx1]

Here in Minneapolis, I contacted a NILMDTS photographer and she took gorgeous, beautiful pictures for us. I'll attach a few. For those who have followed my journey, you know how much these pictures mean to me.

She took hundreds of pictures. They are breathtaking. Plus, Heather is a really wonderful person. She coordinates about 30 volunteer photographers here in the twin cities and trains them all.

I could kiss every person who thought of, brought to fruition and continues this work. What a mitzvah they perform.

These pics are 1) me having a contraction, 2) me right after delivery with the twins 3) the six people to whom I've given birth

Aren't they lovely?

[want2basurro]

What an awe some service! See...there are a few good ppl left in this world!!

[kimeaker]

That was beautiful. Thanks. I love when I watch or read something so touching. It reminds of why I am doing this.

[Kathleen]

My best friend lost a baby at 20 weeks. NILMDTS sent a photographer to the hospital for her induction, and I know the pictures of her little boy really helped her in the healing process.

PLEASE keep this group in mind, and REMEMBER to tell friends experiencing natal loss about the service. Having just a little piece of that experienced preserved can mean everything.

-Kathleen

[auschick81]

there is another place in australia that does these beautiful pictures also
im not sure if they take pictures but i know the lady she does restore them and make the pictures just so beautiful for a small fee she lost her son to a uterine rapture it is so sad but an amazing person the link is

http://www.angelsimages.com.au/

auschick81