Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is an organization which connects volunteer photographers to parents suffering the loss of a baby, giving the gift of professional portraiture.

“We believe these images serve as an important step in the family’s healing process
by honoring their child’s legacy.” NILMDTS

Founders of NILMDTS, Sandy Puc and Cheryl Haggard, met when Sandy photographed Cheryl with her son Maddux, 6 days old, at the hospital when he was removed from life support and passed away from a condition called myotubular myopathy.

On NILMDTS’s website, Cheryl said “That night was the worst night of my life. But when I look at the images, that’s not what I’m reminded of. I’m reminded of the beauty and blessings he brought.”

Photo from nowilaymedowntosleep.org

The non-profit organization which was founded in April 2005, has since recruited 7,000 volunteer photographers spread out in 19 countries.

Photo from nowilaymedowntosleep.org

Parents can find NILMDTS volunteer photographers through their website, to locate one based near their location if they anticipate that they may be needing their services.

The name Now I lay Me Down to Sleep is from a classic children’s prayer from the 18th century.

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray for God my soul to keep;
Or if I die before I wake,
I pray for God my soul to take.

Source: Wikipedia