SAD! Cradled in their parents’ arms, the dying babies whose brief but love-filled lives are preserved forever in these poignant photographs

Cradling their newborns with their faces filled with love, these pictures capture heartbroken parents' final moments with their babies.
The images were taken by the organisation Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, who say they create the treasured memories by sending photographers to meet devastated parents and their terminally ill babies in hospital.
The service has boomed in popularity since launching in the USA ten years ago and boasts 1,650 volunteers in 40 countries across the globe, who offer their services via the organisation's website. 

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Cheryl said: 'That night was the worst night of my life. But when I look at the images, I am not reminded of my worst night. I’m reminded of the beauty and blessings he brought.' 

She realised that those tender photographs documented Maddux's 'eternal connnection' with his parents and inspired her to launch a non-profit organisation to give other grieving parents the same experience.

Named after the children's bedtime prayer, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep provides families of babies who are stillborn or extremely ill newborns with free professional portraits.

They said about the service: 'Photographs are one of the most precious and tangible mementos that a parent can have, showing the love and bond that was given and shared with their baby.

'These portraits will last for generations, and will honor and remember a tiny life that is forever loved and cherished.'

In one testimonial on their website, a couple explained how their final family portrait helped them grieve.

'On Saturday March 17, 2012 around 10:45 am, we said hello and good-bye to our beloved son.

'It is shocking to know that he is physically no longer with us. Yet we are glad that your organization exists and was able to provide us a lifetime of memories through the baby pictures taken of him. 

'We are so grateful and thank God that we have these pictures to forever treasure our baby angel. May God continue to bless you as you bless and help families through their difficult time.'

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