In August 2024, my husband and I were so excited to find out we were expecting what we thought would be the last baby to complete our family. My first pregnancy had been difficult because I was sick most of the time, so I was relieved when my second pregnancy did not come with the same challenges.

For our last baby, we decided we wanted to wait until birth to find out whether we were having a boy or a girl. Throughout the pregnancy, I went back and forth, wondering if we would be welcoming another girl into our family or our first boy.

             Maddie West by NILMDTS Affiliated Photographer Lindsey Richards

An Unexpected Loss

On April 10, 2025, at almost 39 weeks pregnant, I went into labor at home. My husband and I headed to the hospital, excited to finally meet our baby.

Unfortunately, when we arrived and I was hooked up to the monitors, the staff was unable to locate a heartbeat. After an ultrasound, it was confirmed that our baby girl had passed away unexpectedly just a few hours before we arrived.

Later, we learned that her death was caused by a very rare and random partial placental abruption.

I gave birth to Maddie that evening, and we were able to spend that night and the following day with her. Even in the midst of our heartbreak, we were shown tremendous love and compassion.

We were offered the opportunity to have remembrance photos taken of our sweet girl through Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, including photos of Maddie with us as her parents.

Finding Comfort in Remembrance Photos

Through our grief, I have found immense comfort in having these photos.

Even though we were not able to bring our baby home, we have precious memories from that day with her. The photos allow us to remember Maddie exactly as she was and to hold onto the moments we shared together.

Because of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep and the photos they blessed us with, Maddie’s memory lives on not only in our hearts, but also in the hearts of our family and her sisters, who know about her through her pictures.

These photographs are a part of Maddie’s story. They give us something tangible to hold onto and help us share her memory with the people who love her.

Keeping Maddie’s Memory Alive

Losing a baby is a heartbreak that no family should have to experience. While nothing can take away the pain of losing Maddie, having professional remembrance photography has given our family a way to preserve the memories of the time we had with her.

Those photographs are more than pictures. They are memories of our daughter, reminders of how deeply she was loved, and a way for her sisters to know that she will always be a part of our family.

“Thank you” cannot begin to express the gratitude we have for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, but truly, thank you.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, a dedicated 501(c)(3) non-profit, offers families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss with complimentary remembrance portraits, capturing precious moments with their babies. Your generous donation can help us extend this heartfelt service to more families in need. Please consider supporting us here.