Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

The birth of a child is a joyous and celebrated occasion, but sometimes the unexpected happens and the child dies, resulting in heart-break and confusion. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep volunteers provide remembrance photography for these families.

“The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation is there for parents and families to help aid them in their healing, bring hope to their future, and honor their child. It is through remembrance that a family can truly begin to heal.”

Professional photographer and recent volunteer Stacy Young shares her experience volunteering as a NILMDTS photographer:

“As a new volunteer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, I am still adjusting, mostly to the emotional stresses & the feelings of inadequacy. The few times I have gone, I am reminded how important my role is in their lives. We provide them with images that will be the last keepsake of their baby and it is something they will cherish for years to come.

“Sometimes the families are really struggling with the loss of their baby and the emotion in the room is overpowering. It’s not uncommon for me to shed a few tears while there. Without an exception, the families have been so grateful and humbled that I would take the time to photograph their child completely as a volunteer.

“There is such a need for more photographers to get involved. I have been shocked when sometimes we have 3 babies in a day who will not be able to go home with their parents. There is never any pressure to agree to a job, you simply take the ones you are able to. The only thing you need to be a NILMDTS photographer is love, and knowing I am giving back in some way is rewarding.”

This is a wonderful opportunity to extend compassion to those in need of healing. Please visit the NILMDTS web site to learn more about it, and should you feel so inspired, volunteer for the cause.