Dying babies
(01 of09)
'Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep' is a project documenting the last moments parents have with their terminally ill infants. (credit:Mercury Press)
(02 of09)
Since its launch in 2005, the organisation has gained 1,650 volunteers in 40 countries. (credit:Mercury Press)
(03 of09)
The group's intention is to provide free professional portraiture to parents with dying babies, so they can grieve with remembrance photography. (credit:Mercury Press)
(04 of09)
"We believe these images serve as an important step in the family’s healing process by honoring the child’s legacy," they say. (credit:Mercury Press)
(05 of09)
The project began with Maddux Achilles Haggard, a child born with myotubular myopathy. The condition left him unable to breathe on his own. Maddux's parents called photographer Sandy Puc to take some black and white portraits so they could remember their son.
This inspired Puc and one of the boy's parents to start NILMDTS. (credit:Mercury Press)
This inspired Puc and one of the boy's parents to start NILMDTS. (credit:Mercury Press)
(06 of09)
The stunning images offer condolence and positive memories for bereaved parents. (credit:Mercury Press)
(07 of09)
"I just cannot express how fortunate I feel to be able to look back on pictures of my daughter and not feel like the past is completely lost," one mother said. (credit:Mercury Press)
(08 of09)
The charity also offers training to photographers on dealing with sensitive situations and conducting themselves in the right way so the parents can feel comfortable and at ease during their difficult time. (credit:Mercury Press)
(09 of09)
You can donate, volunteer, or find a photographer here. (credit:Mercury Press)