How my heart breaks for these mothers.
And the how many times did the scenes of these mothers and their children play over and over in my mind as I sewed?
I felt so unworthy to make something that will hold something so precious. As I worked I realized that it is impossible to make anything perfect enough to house these tiny babies and I wished for a way to stitch comfort for their mothers into the seams.
This project affected me. And while I usually can’t stop talking there isn’t a lot I’m willing to share so I will end this post with two last items:
I’ll pray for the mothers who receive these garments…pray for them to receive strength and my love along with them.
and
I am so thankful for this experience…it has given me a chance to reflect on something I’ve really wanted to do. Something Elizabeth and I are planning for July that everyone will be able to take part in. Helping other mothers, other women, to be strong—is important.
“We can do no great things—only small things with great love.”
—Mother Teresa
Enjoy your day.
Wow, what a special thing for you to do! Today is our 5 year anniversary of losing a baby early. I don’t remember if she was dressed or not, but she was wrapped in a beautifully knit, tiny blanket that we got to keep. I am so grateful for the person that made it. It’s awesome to have such a special reminder. You did a very good thing.
When I belonged to a smocking guild, I made bereavement gowns. I understand perfectly what you felt as you stitched love and prayers into those gowns. (((HUGS))) to you for sharing your heart.
What a sweet gift for someone going through so much pain.
What a lovely gesture for those who have lost their wee ones….your work outstanding
Beautiful! What a meaningful gift. And I suspect each mother will feel the love stitched into these precious gowns. Very touching outreach. Thank you for sharing.
I am speechless. Something came across my ears yesterday that I haven’t been able to stop thinking of, it was something the knitting community is doing called ‘knit. pray. love’. And I kept thinking, why cant I do something like that in the sewing community? This definitely gives me more to chew on. I really am in awe of this post.
I was one of those mothers four years ago and I must thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing this. These gowns will always be so special to the families that had to go home without their babies. The one my son wore is my most cherished possession. xo
I couldn’t helped, but be touched by your service. When I read your blog this morning I had just gotten of the phone with my husband, we had been talking about how there weren’t people in the world anymore that seemed to have compassion for others going through trials. I am so glad I was proven wrong this morning, with your words. Thank you for reminding me that there is still charity.
I was also one of these mothers. We received a knit bonnet for my dear daughter, and it is a treasured item. Bless you for doing what you’re doing. Know that it is appreciated.
I just had to comment, I think what you are doing is a beautiful thing and the post brought me to tears.
Our son was stillborn 4 years ago at 27 weeks and he was beautifully outfitted with a gown, knit hat and knit blanket. They are the only clothes he ever wore and they are precious to me. I’ve often thought of making similar clothes for the hospital to have on hand. Thank you for the reminder.
Another amazing organization is Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, a group of professional photographers that donate their time and skills to photograph our babies. They capture the most beautiful images.
I wish I didn’t have to lose my son to see just how many wonderful people there are in this world.
What a beautiful project. I can only imagine the pain those mothers must feel, and I’m sure a simple gift made with love like these gowns helps ease the hurt.
Absolutely beautiful.
My wife and I have had 2 Miscarriages which are a terrible thing to live though and I know a few that have had full term baby’s that have died. It is a wonderful thing that you are doing these.
Richard Healey
I’m a mother who has gone through this myself, as well as an RN who worked as an L&D nurse for years. This ministry is so very important, and cherished, as you can see by the comments above. On a practical note for those who might be moved to do something similar…My experience as well as the many I watched going through this was that I wanted to see my undressed childen, to touch all of their little bodies, to drink in the only chance I would have to know them. Because of this, the gowns that are given should be easy to open or lift away so that the mother can see her baby without struggling to take the outfit off and put it on again. Many stillborn and premature babies have very delicate skin, and the last thing anyone would want is to create a situation where the mother feels she has harmed her child in the process of saying goodbye. I hope that isn’t too harsh, to read, but it’s a reality that is good to keep in mind while doing this loving, kind thing. Bless your work, and the mothers that benefit from it.
I have often wondered what could be done for those mothers and babies. I am glad to know that there are ways to help. Thanks for showing the way.
A friend recently lost her little girl, I will never forget the beautiful pictures that someone took of her husband holding their tiny little daughter in his two hands, or the photo of mother and daughter looking at each other for the brief time she lived. They will be treasured always. I know there are a lot of us who sew or knit, this is something we could easily do and I know that local hospitals would be so happy to recieve these items for these special babies.
We also received a gown like this for our daughter as well as a blanket and knit hat when she was stillborn at 26 weeks. This was such a gift for us at the hardest time in our life. It meant so much to us that someone made this for someone they didn’t know. It also gave us something tangible to keep that she wore. I don’t know who made ours, but I can say thank you to you from the bottom of my heart!!! And that doesn’t even seem like enough. I know that whoever does receive it will wish they could thank you as well.
I also appreciated the comment regarding Now I Lay me Down to Sleep. I didn’t know about it when our daughter was born, but our friends were able to have photos taken of their son, and it is amazing how beautiful they are. I hope that people will be able to pass that along so others can use them at these difficult times.
Thank you again!
What a blessing this is to parents. I’ve had two miscarriages and can only imagine how much harder it would be closer to full term. Thanks for taking time to help someone else and posting this.
this is such a good thing.
did you make the pattern up yourself or do they provide patterns? they must be teeny tiny…
Ladies…you are all so wonderful. I wish there was a way to get us all together. (But how glad I am that our paths have crossed if only in cyber space.) How nice it is to feel the love and support of other women.
Nest full of eggs—I just used the pattern that I was given from the organization and copied it exactly. It was very simple. However, as I said I worried about each stitch (as I’m sure you would to) wanting to offer up my best work.
Lisa C—Thank you for such practical advice. These gowns simply tie closed with a ribbon in the back (like a backwards robe) so that they are easy to slide off and on. I hope it is the best design for their purpose.
Comments regarding “Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep”—I’d never heard of them before, but it sounds like a wonderful, service. Thank you for sharing the information with us.
—liZ
Ladies…you are all so wonderful. I wish there was a way to get us all together. (But how glad I am that our paths have crossed if only in cyber space.) How nice it is to feel the love and support of other women.
Nest full of eggs—I just used the pattern that I was given from the organization and copied it exactly. It was very simple. However, as I said I worried about each stitch (as I’m sure you would to) wanting to offer up my best work.
Lisa C—Thank you for such practical advice. These gowns simply tie closed with a ribbon in the back (like a backwards robe) so that they are easy to slide off and on. I hope it is the best design for their purpose.
Comments regarding “Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep”—I’d never heard of them before, but it sounds like a wonderful, service. Thank you for sharing the information with us.
—liZ
Thank you. I have had to pick out a dress, also. It is very wonderful to have a gown that will fit and is easy to dress. No one wants their baby to be “cold and naked”. It is a huge benefit to the one saying “I will see you in the morning with Jesus.” Love to you……
I also received a gown for my first daughter from Angel Watch (10 years ago) and I remember thinking of the woman who took the time to make it for me, a complete stranger. I was so touched by her act of kindness. Your service will undoubtably touch the hearts those who receive your gowns. Thank you!
I’m another mother who has received a beautiful infant bereavement gown and I can tell you how much they mean to us. My daughter was stillborn due to a cord accident almost 3 years ago. I didn’t have time or presence of mind to make her a beautiful dress to be buried in, it really meant a lot to me to have her in one that someone had made with love. We were also touched by NILMDtS and thanks to the kind and professional photographer who shared his talents with us I will forever have pictures of my daughter,
This cause is close to my heart too. I have had a few friends lose children this way. I can’t help but cry seeing those beautiful gowns. You did a magnificent job very worthy of such a special, solemn moment.
Wow…What an honor for you to be able to give a gift like that. The little gowns are beautiful! What an awesome way to bless others who are hurting, especially when words cannnot be used to comfort them. Thanks for the post!
Wow. What a treasure. Thank you for being a blessing & an extension of the Lord’s heart & hands. I wish more people opened their hearts & eyes to the depth of this world. Sometimes it feels too heavy & it’s easier not to think about such things, but really this is why we are here…to be an inspiration & blessing to someone, or in your case, many. xo
I’m choked up just reading the comments above and looking on those beautiful outfits you made. I can’t even imagine the pain those parents are in at their time of loss, and I admire you for creating something so special for those families, Liz. I’m not sure I could make something like that without crying so hard I couldn’t see my sewing! Hugs to you.
Beautiful… and precious, and so very sweet…
With tears the mother will hold her baby in your pretty gowns. Thank you for your love and God Bless You.
What a fantastic and beautiful way to share your talent! I would love to be able to do something like this 🙂 Do you think you could post a really easy tutorial on how to make a simple gown? I am pretty new to sewing, but this looks like such a beautiful way to comfort those going through something so hard.
Jenna
callherhappy.com
I do this once a month with my friend Heidi (a nurse, an angle mom, and a NILMDTS photog). It is truly the highlight of my month.
Wow – it is so wonderful of you to do this!! I would probably cry the whole time I was making one! I can’t imagine the loss that these families experience, and what a wonderful way to help! Bless you! 🙂
Liz, this is such a beautiful thing you are doing! I’m going to call up our church to see if we do this in the sewing group. I would love to work with the group to make some, if not. Bless you!
big hugs to you and what an amazing thing to do for some one in so much pain. I thank God every single day that my babies are both here to terrorize me daily as they both had very real chances of not being here. God bless you for all of your hard work and I think I am going to contact our local hospital to investigate doing this for them…big hugs
Holy buckets, seeing 34 comments on this post made my day! Making clothing for angels, and photographing them, is truly the most rewarding volunteer work I have ever done. The need is constant, and we would be delighted to have help.
I have been meaning to comment on this post for a while now. I think this is amazing and a really wonderful thing. I also fully support Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. In May my daughter was born with several severe CHDs. We did not know if we would ever get to bring her home. Thankfully, she is a little miracle that is THRIVING. In 9 months she has had two surgeries, two caths and many many more tests. We have spent close to 3 months in the hospital. We have another cath in June/July and a minimum of one more surgery. Luckily, I did not have to use anything like what you are doing. But, I will tell you that I treasure every blanket we get during her hospital stays. It makes her little beds looks so much prettier and is just a comfort. There was even a group who came around and made little scrap books for the infants in ICU. We were there a long time and have 5 🙂 I love them and was not in a state of mind myself to get that done. One of the blankets we received, my 3 year old son was able to “give” her as a gift when he got to visit her. All of these things are so special. It is very difficult to have a child with a terminal condition and all of these groups provide more comfort then they could possibly know.
Thanks – the gowns are beautiful.