Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is a non-profit organization based in the United States that provides the gift of professional portraiture to parents experiencing the death of a baby. This organization connects families with volunteer photographers who are skilled in the sensitive nature of this type of photography, offering a comforting presence and a means to honor and remember their child. The services of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep are offered to parents dealing with stillbirth, neonatal death, or the death of an infant.

History

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep was founded in 2005 by Cheryl Haggard, a mother who lost her son Maddux Achilles Haggard only six days after he was born due to a condition called myotubular myopathy. Cheryl wanted to have professional photographs of her son, which led her to contact photographer Sandy Puc. The experience was so meaningful for Cheryl and her family that she and Sandy co-founded the organization to offer similar support to other families going through the loss of a baby.

Mission and Services

The mission of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is to introduce remembrance photography to parents suffering the loss of a baby with the free gift of professional portraiture. These photographs serve as an important step in the family’s healing process, allowing them to honor and cherish their child’s memory.

The organization's services include:

• Providing a network of volunteer photographers around the world.
• Training photographers in the delicate nature of remembrance photography.
• Offering guidance to hospitals and other birthing centers on how to introduce their services to grieving families.

Impact

The impact of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is profound. For many families, the photographs are among the few tangible memories they have of their child. These images help families in their grieving process, providing comfort and a way to share the existence and importance of their child with others. The organization has grown significantly since its inception, with thousands of volunteer photographers worldwide and has helped countless families through their darkest times.

Volunteerism

Volunteer photographers are crucial to the success of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. These individuals are trained to handle sensitive situations with compassion and professionalism. Becoming a volunteer requires a commitment to the organization's mission and a willingness to provide a service that can have a lasting impact on bereaved families.

Criticism and Challenges

While the services of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep are widely appreciated, the organization faces challenges, including managing a large network of volunteers and ensuring consistent service quality across different regions. Additionally, the concept of remembrance photography can be difficult for some people to understand or accept, which sometimes leads to criticism of the organization's work.

Conclusion

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep plays a vital role in supporting families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. Through the compassionate work of volunteer photographers, the organization provides a service that goes beyond photography, offering comfort, healing, and a way to remember and honor lost children.

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