Angel Care Packs.
Angel Care Packs are a small comfort to parents of still born babies, or babies who die shortly after birth. The packs will be given to Musgrove Park Hospital Rowan Suite, in Taunton, Somerset, United Kingdom.
When our son Finley was still born at 41 weeks we were fortunate to be able to spend 3 very wonderful days with him in hospital, before we had to say goodbye. The ideas for the contents of the packs are personal. They come directly from our personal experience of things that helped us spend time with Finley creating memories that have to last us a lifetime. We were lucky to have had 3 days in hospital, so we had time to come gently to terms with what had happened, and to make some decisions about things we wanted to do. Many parents will not have this time, and will be so shocked by what has happened, they may not be able to think of ways to make their memories, or even feel able to at that time.
If the care packs are already in place, the ideas are provided and items can be used by midwives, or parents. The contents can be taken home and explored at times in the future when comfort is needed.
Fluffy blanket – It helped me so much to hold Finley wrapped in a soft blanket. It is tactile, and encouraged me to pick him up, and hold him. This was so important to me, though at the time I did not realise how much it would help me.
Teddy bear – It sounds funny but at the time I was so upset that Finley would have no presents in hospital, I sent my husband home to collect a teddy bear which we gave to him, and photographed him with. We have kept his bear, and it is comforting to know that he held it.
Disposable camera – Sometimes babies are born unexpectedly too early, or parents may not consider taking a camera with them if they know their baby will be still born. It was very clear to us that we had a limited time to make our memories. The photos we took will be treasured forever.
Memorial card – Each card is different, and can be kept by the parents, put into the coffin with the baby, or placed on a grave as it is water proof.
Mother and baby bracelet set – These unique bracelets have been provided as a physical representation of the connection mother and baby share, which I believe is present even after death. The bracelet can be worn by mum and baby, photographed, can be buried with baby, or kept in a memory box.
Outfit and hat - Again, we had time for my husband to return home to collect different outfits, which Finley wore and we photographed him in. They are now in his memory box, and are so important as he actually wore them. Sometimes if babies arrive early, parents do not have outfits prepared, or babies are very small. These outfits are provided in different sizes (1.5lb, 1.5 – 3.5lb, up to 6lb, and newborn). We have provided angels pockets to the hospital, to be used with babies smaller than 1.5lb.
Hand print cast set – My Mum was given a photoframe and hand/footprint cast set which we used. I have provided these with packs, which parents can use if they wish.
Keepsake pot – Can be used for lock of hair, or other items from hospital to keep them safe.
To help us provide an angel care pack free of charge to a bereaved parent, please donate below. Each pack costs up to £30 to provide:-
