This section is to provide ideas, websites, and organizations to help you make memories, and the most of your time, with your baby during pregnancy. We hope that these will be helpful to you during your pregnancy, and while planning for the birth of your baby. If you have any suggestions that are not listed, please let us know so that we may share them with others.

 

Memory Boxes

Memory boxes contain items that can be used to remember your baby by, such as photo albums, hand and footprint kits, disposable camera, books, pamphlets, candles, flower seeds, and more. Cherishing the Journey donates these boxes to mothers during pregnancy, and also supplies them to local hospitals to provide to mothers. Please call us or send us an email through our contact page to arrange for  one of these boxes. The memories created with these will last a lifetime. Additional information can be found on our Services page.

 

Blogging

Starting a blog to document your journey through pregnancy and after your child's birth is a great outlet for many mothers. You will have those day-by-day or week-by-week details that may otherwise escape your mind. There are so many pregnancy blogs out there that have been started by moms just like us, so you will find a world of support and wonderful friendships along the way. Some similar blogs are listed on the Resources page.

 

Special Clothing

At the end of your pregnancy, you may want to consider looking at clothing that your baby can be buried in, and/or be baptised in if you choose to do so. Perhaps you would also like a special blanket for your baby to be resting with.  Below is a link that will provide you with numerous resources for purchasing a burial outfit, as well as patterns for making your own. You may also find something in a children/baby specialty boutique, and though they are not often inexpensive, the shop owner may work with you on the price.

http://dying.lovetoknow.com/Baby_Bereavement_Gowns

One website that is not on their list is Little Things Mean a Lot. This specialty store has gowns for boys and girls, as well as little suits for the boys. Some of them come with little crib shoes and a blanket. You can view their store at http://www.littlethingsmeanalot.com. They are a wholesaler, but you can find their resellers on the website. Some parents like to purchase both a baptism and a burial outfit. That way, they have an outfit to take home that was worn by their baby.

 

Birth Plan

A birth plan is a great way to communicate with the doctors and nurses, so that they have in writing what your wishes are when your baby is delivered. Maybe there are only certain people that you wish to have in the room with you, you would like to stay in a labor and delivery room instead of being transferred to mother and baby, or you want a private room away from the the main halls. This is the day for you and your baby, so make it as memorable and as comfortable as possible.

Bring 4 copies with you to the hospital:
- Nursery (if your baby's prognosis is better than expected)
- Nurse(s)
- Birthing Room
- Extra copy for the doctor (This is especially important if your regular OB is not on call.)

Be sure to give your OB a copy of the birth plan well in advance of due date so that it can be approved and discussed between you and your OB.

 

Build a Bear

Visit your local Build-a-Bear and create a stuffed animal in memory of your baby. You can purchase a sound piece

to go inside of the bear, and record your baby's heartbeat on it at your next appointment. It's just a simple,

sweet way to keep a part of your baby with you whenever you need the comfort.

 

 

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