I wonder if you were like me. I had never heard of the term “Angel Gowns” or “Baby Gowns”, especially in the context of infant child death loss. Writing this I can feel the heaviness of this topic. Perhaps, you feel it too.

I went searching for more information; which I am now sharing with you.

Individuals who do not know what to do with their wedding dresses are donating them to people who transform the elegant material into beautiful gowns. Small, lovely gowns for babies to be dressed.  These are babies who have died prematurely or close to full term.

Due to increased awareness, more people in different parts of the world are offering this gift. Some hospitals and funeral homes already have these dresses. If this is not something that is available in your area, perhaps it is a project worth starting.

I know not everyone who has experienced a child loss would want this, but what a beautiful gesture of compassion and caring given to help a grieving family in some way.

I came across different websites when looking up the words Baby Gowns, Angel Gowns and Forever Love Angels to mention a few. In addition to “Angel Gowns” there are people who make small blankets and bonnets that are donated to hospitals or funeral homes. Can you picture how small some of the items are?

Have I cause you to think differently about the wedding dress that hangs in your closet? Oh, the one you are saving for someone else to wear and when the time comes the size is wrong and there you are with the wedding dress still unused.  Maybe the person you hoped would wear it, doesn’t like it.  Hmmm so sad.

Have I changed your mind? In the future will you be able to contribute to an “Angel Gown” or make some to donate to the hospital or funeral home?

I have heard people explain how much the package, with a note of love and understanding meant to them during their sudden and traumatic loss experience. A time when making decisions is almost impossible.  Clothing, pictures…WHAT are you talking about?

You might say “Taking pictures!!!” Yes, pictures are often taken in the hospital after a baby dies. In some cases, these pictures are the only tangible memory a parent will have of this child.  For some, this may be the only pregnancy they have or only child they have.

Memories and pictures might be all that is left.

When we care we share in many ways.

All the best,

Barbara Gillett Saunders

Grief Counsellor/Thanatologist