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I came across an article that made me cry… A Utah woman sews baby burial gowns and donates them to hospitals so that parents have something to put on their babies that die shortly after birth.
The project is called, “Tender Mercies,” and it was founded by Melody Penrod of Springville, UT. She wants those sweet little babies to be respected and knows that her burial gowns provide a small amount of comfort to the grieving parents.
The Tender Mercies Project
Penrod asked hospital personnel in a NICU what they normally do to dress a baby who has passed. She was told that they wrap the baby in a washcloth because that’s all they have. Penrod wanted that to change, which is why she founded Tender Mercies. Similar organizations exist across the United States.
Tender Mercies creates beautiful baby burial gowns. The outfits are similar to baby blessing outfits, but small enough to accommodate premature babies. They range in size from 8-23 inches. This size outfit is practically impossible to find at a store.
Penrod doesn’t work alone. A group of four seamstresses design and sew the baby burial outfits and then distribute them to hospitals in Utah Valley. She also encourages others to get involved.
One surprising thing about Tender Mercies is that all its baby burial outfits are made from wedding dresses that are donated to the cause. If you want to donate your wedding dress or make a monetary donation, you can send them to:
Tender Mercy Angels
221 East 2475 South
Springville, UT 84663
Want to Sew Baby Burial Gowns, Too?
According to the March of Dimes, 4 in 1,000 babies dies in the United States each year. The most common reasons are premature birth and birth defects. These little babies deserve to wear something when they are buried, but this is only possible if people make baby burial outfits.
Penrod’s Tender Mercies project touched my heart because I delivered a baby at 26 weeks’ gestation. My baby did not die, but I witnessed the grief of other parents during my baby’s four-month stay in the NICU. I constantly wondered if my baby would make it, especially during the first month of his life.
Baby burial gowns are a major need in NICUs across the United States. If you want to do something that truly makes a difference to a grieving parent, you can get involved and sew some baby burial gowns to donate yourself. You’ll need to contact your local children’s hospital to see if they accept donations or contact an Angel Gowns organization in your area. You can find them in almost every state.
If you want to help the cause but don’t have time to sew, you can buy baby burial gowns to donate or make a monetary donation. Many organizations collect wedding dresses and monetary donations to cover the shipping costs. I plan to make a few baby burial gowns to donate myself. Who’s with me?
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do you have a preferred pattern?
I don’t have a preferred pattern, but I like it when burial gowns have embellishment, like beading or embroidery. I think it makes them more special.
I have two beautiful wedding gowns that we would like to donate to your wonderful cause. One is white lace and the other is champagne lace. Would you be interested?
Hi Janette, SewingSociety.com does not collect wedding gowns, but you can send them to:
Tender Mercy Angels
221 East 2475 South
Springville, UT 84663
I also have two wedding dresses that I would love to donate. One is white chiffon fabric and one is champagne fabric. Both have some lace. I am local. Can these be hand-delivered to the Tender Mercy Angels Springville address or must they be sent? Thanks for your wonderful work.
I don’t know if you can drop off wedding gowns in person or not. Send a message to Tender Mercy Angels on Facebook.
Is there a comparable project in South TX? I live in San Antonio & have a gown to donate
I’m not sure. Check with your closest children’s hospital or NICU.
I just had my wedding gown cleaned…are you taking donations? I would love to donate it.
Hi Gloria. I do not personally take wedding gown donations. You’ll have to do a search in your area. Good luck!
If it’s a up to date gown take it to a church run thrift store for them to sell. A lot of brides are buying resale now days.
Do you share patterns? My granddaughter is anticipated to be born this week prematurely with severe complications; she likely not live long. I would love to make a burial dress, but have not yet found a suitable pattern. (2-3 lbs, maybe 17″) If you share burial dress patterns or could direct me to where they may be found I would be very appreciative. Thanks!
Also, thank you for providing this service. As a mom of a preemie that passed, I know your work is much needed & very much appreciated.
I have a wedding Gown I would like to donate for your program.
Just wondering if you are taking donations.
Thank you
Kathy
Thank you for your sweet offer Kathy! However I am not affiliated with any program – I was only looking for a pattern to sew a dress for a stillborn baby. (She passed on Christmas day.)
I’m sure whomever it is that actually runs the program would love to hear from you – sorry I can’t help.
Best wishes,
Cindie
I am so sorry for your family. GOD bless all of you
are you still taking dress donations?
Are you still taking dress donations?
I am so sorry for your family. GOD bless all of you
Good afternoon, I have 3 christening and 3 confirmation outfits for boy and girls to donate. Where do I send them to?
I would like to sew burial gowns for my local Nicu, I used to work there, now retired. How can I get a pattern?
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