Now I lay me down to sleep (NILMDTS) stillborn baby photos Hoag Hospital - Newport Beach, CA

WARNING - These are very sensitive photos. Please skip this post if you wish.

This past week was one of the most emotional weeks for me. Last Sunday I got a call that my brother's friends had gone into the hospital because the wife was having pre-term labor on Saturday - 20 weeks pregnant. Sunday they came to the conclusion that the baby would have to be delivered - and would not survive. They had originally asked if I would take their maternity photos and newborn pictures. When the nurse asked them if they would like someone from NILMDTS to come take photos - they immediately thought of me. They did not know at the time that I was a member of this group.
I went to the hospital with my brother at 8 - and hung out for awhile with them. The feeling in the room was more relaxing than I thought. Watching this couple was one of the most life impacting things I have ever seen. They were leaning on each other - and something that could break a couple - only made them stronger. Their strength they had during such a time of grief was amazing.
At 12:30 a.m. I went home because she had decreased her dilation to a 3 - and at 2 a.m. I got a call that their little boy had been born. When I got to the hospital - it was very emotional. But - again - this couple was amazing. Instead of grieving in the loss of their stillborn child, they thanked him for the opportunity to bring them closer as a couple, and helping them learn things in life that they needed to learn. Throughout the next few days I got some prints for them - and they have the funeral service on Saturday. I have never been so touched by a couple and their love for each other. They are both amazing people and I feel honored to be a part of their family's life.