My parents and I were watching Family Plots the other day and saw where a preemie had died and a charitable organization donated a burial blankets, clothing AND a handmade coffin. My father was interested in how he could help out with something like that? He is a master carpenter and was crying over how touched the family was that someone donated a handmade coffin for their baby. I have googled just about every term I can come up with but can't find any information on how he might get involved, anyone know anything? I was thinking maybe he could go and talk to the people that run the NICU at the hospital or even a funeral home?

I'd start with a funeral home. Most take extra special care of infants and offer free basic caskets for infants, but some of the smaller ones might not be able to afford to. Otherwise maybe look for a local SIDS or Trisomy support group and ask there. It's so nice that your dad wants to help out.

I'd start with a funeral home. Most take extra special care of infants and offer free basic caskets for infants, but some of the smaller ones might not be able to afford to. Otherwise maybe look for a local SIDS or Trisomy support group and ask there. It's so nice that your dad wants to help out.

thank you, what a good idea about the SIDS, etc groups! they do live in a really really small town and i know that they (the local funeral home) only had a small tupperware bowl to offer to my friend that lost her preemie.

my daddy is paranoid that people will think he is some sort of freak for offering but i told him that i thought he was wonderfully caring and if anyone thought he was a freak, it would be people that weren't sensitive enough to the situation. i mean he makes toys for the local childrens homes and does free work for other people thru his church (free lawncare, house maintenance, etc) i do not hink there will be rumors that my father is a total freak for making preemie caskets. at least i hope not, i don't want to have to kick anyones ass :D

I would contact the social worker or grief counselor at the NICU - they'll be able to point him in the right direction.

And bless your dad for wanting to do this!!

What a caring Dad yoiu have, anyone who thinks he's wierd has a problem with themselves. I would recommend looking up the local "parent-to-parent" organization. It works with families of preemies and with families that lose a little one. If your dad would be interested in making boxes the NICU I work in need of some small deep boxes to put the plaster castings of hands and feet that we do when a baby passes away. These are treasured by the parents and are so important. Feel free to PM me and good luck to your Dad. Sarah

No ideas here, but BIG PROPS TO YOUR PAPA cuz that's awesome that he can and wants to use his talent like that!

i do not hink there will be rumors that my father is a total freak for making preemie caskets. at least i hope not, i don't want to have to kick anyones ass :D

I got yer back sistah!!!! Anyone gives him any lip you just call me ok??? :D

I got yer back sistah!!!! Anyone gives him any lip you just call me ok??? :D

tee hee, i will put ya on my speed dial :D