**sensitive topic** Stillborn photography

[klee]

Its such a wonderful gift to parents of stillborn children, we don't get to see our children grow up and the images we receive are all that we have of them, and something I cherish of my daughter Phoebe. We were lucky enough to have a midwife on staff who was a photographer the evening after we gave birth, she wasn't happy with how the midwives during the day had taken photos so she took Phoebe for about an hour, redressed her and put her in "sleeping" poses, you wouldn't know any different, she also made up a book with footprints and handprints, again she wasn't happy with how the earlier one was done, its something I am forever grateful for because you can see the difference between the two.
at the time we were not told of any organisations that did this.

[melham74]

When my freinds bub died 3 weeks ago from sids aged 4 weeks old the funeral lady gave them the name of a photograhper as she was upset they hadnt done any family photos, they had them done but the lady that did them was horrible charged them a $300 fee with no photos and they still havent got the photos which are another $600.

[Kitt3n]

Humbling, beautiful thread. Thankyou.

[Lisa]

Such a beautiful idea.

[DoubleK]

i think thats a beautiful idea..

my mum had a stillborn baby when i was 5 (she would have been 18 this year!) we often talk about her and say 'imagine if...' i think that has helped my mum and dad over the years.

they had some photos taken of themselves and Rebecca after she was delivered, they used their own camera, dad went straight away to develop the film.. just in case they didnt work out, and guess what, they didnt, the film hadnt been wound on properly. he actually called the hosp from the phot place and said he will be back asap and they need to take more photos.
they eventually got their photos.

i think the idea of a professional doing the photography is great, i think the people doing this are very thoughtful. i also hope anyone needs to use this service is pleased with the results.

[feeb]

What a lovely idea its something that is really needed as it is very hard for midwifes to be creative and take fantastic photos as it is not there specialised area, they are amazing at helping the woman and family but unless creative doesnt help with the pics.

Would be great if companys like this contacted all hospitals and could be available to do pictures at any time of the day.

[Trish]

Feeb, we are in the process of doing just that atm. Also wanting to leave our details at various OB's, ante natal clinics/labour wards and also funeral homes.

The shame of it all is that all too often nothing is mentioned to these poor families until its too late. We are hoping to be well known enough that when the unfortunate does happen someone will tell these familes that there are services like us to give them beautiful photographic memories of their angel babies.

[Jo+3]

What a beautiful thing to do. Instead of feeling sad I actually feel quite uplifted that there are people out there who really care. Life is to be cherished no matter how long it lasts.

[DrGirl72]

I also sat in tears when I looked at the nilmdts website.. it is truly beautiful and lovely to know that such a service exists. thank you for telling us about it.