Do-Over Wish List

We can't go back and undo the loss. As much as we pray, beg, and plead, we can't change the road we traveled when we heard those words - "There is no heartbeat". But we can make a difference for all of the families who we know will unfortunately be the 1 in 4 who endure the loss of a child in pregnancy - and Wings of Hope needs your help!
Unfortunately, we too often hear of stories from moms and dads who said they wish they would have known... The information often comes too late, if at all, for what to expect and how to do things such as collect the remains of your child, arrange for the remains to go to the mortuary if chosen, collect keepsake information of your child, and more.
We are in the preliminary stages of putting together care packages for these families, hopefully to be distributed by medical staff, midwives, and caregivers. Examples of items we are considering adding to these packages include:

• A hat for over the toilet - used to help collect remains especially during early miscarriages
• Sanitary pads - moms who are expecting a child are not expecting to need these items for many more months
• Chux pads for moms who prefer to lie down during the miscarriage process and deliver while lying down
• A container for remains - families who want to keep the remains after delivering at home (before 20 weeks) need a moisture-proof container for transport to the mortuary
• Rubber gloves to assist in the process and collect remains
• A soft cloth for swaddling the remains
• Items for collecting keepsake information, including a tape measure and camera
• A detailed list of things such as how to contact Mankato Mortuary for families who want to participate in the common burial for losses before 20 weeks
• A list of books and resources for families

What in this list would have helped you?
Every situation is different, and not all moms will have remains, want to consider this option, or feel comfortable doing things such as take measurements. What we want to do is let moms know that they can if they want to take these steps. We don't want to keep hearing stories of I wish I would have known... 
Please help us by sharing what you wish you would have known... what resources you wish were available in a do-over.
We can't turn back the clocks on our own losses, but we can help make sure that the next mom who endures this loss has the tools and resources she needs.
Comment here on our blog, on Facebook, or email us at wingsofhopemankato@gmail.com