A PSA: The Vital Work of NILMDTS – Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
At Elizabeth Lang Photography, I specialize in capturing the fleeting moments of life, from joyful newborn sessions to the many milestones in between. But today, I want to take a moment to discuss something very different: a powerful, deeply meaningful organization that provides a priceless service to grieving families—NILMDTS (Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep).
NILMDTS is a volunteer-run organization that offers professional newborn photography to families who have tragically lost their babies. Their mission is simple yet profound: to provide families with cherished memories of their newborns through photography, giving them a tangible reminder of their little ones who were taken too soon. The organization calls on volunteer photographers like myself when a baby passes away, is born too early to survive, or when complications arise and a baby’s life is tragically cut short.
These photographers are called to the hospital to capture the only photos a family will ever have of their baby. They create timeless memories—photos of babies in their parents’ arms, their first moments together, and their brief but impactful lives. For grieving families, these photographs become some of the most treasured mementos, offering healing and comfort during an unimaginable time of sorrow.
A Personal Experience That Changed Me
Though I have not yet volunteered for this organization, I’ve learned about the vital work NILMDTS does and have a personal connection to the mission. Several years ago, a family member of mine tragically lost their full-term baby. They asked me to come and capture the day for them—an experience that is forever etched in my heart.
I took newborn portraits, documented the birth, and captured the first moments between parent and baby. I’m incredibly grateful I was able to do this for them. Those photos are a source of comfort for them, holding on to the brief time they had with their child. But this experience, though meaningful, was also deeply shattering for me. It was the hardest day I have ever experienced and the greatest sadness I have ever witnessed.
The trauma of that day affected me in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. It left a lasting mark on my heart and profoundly impacted my own pregnancies in the years that followed. While the experience helped me understand the deep value of these photographs, it also made me aware of the emotional toll it could take. As a photographer who was still in my childbearing years, I knew it would be too traumatic for me to volunteer in this capacity while planning to conceive or carry a baby. That’s why, until now, I haven’t taken the step to volunteer with NILMDTS.
A Call to Action: Why We Need NILMDTS
Nine years have passed since that time, and while my children are no longer babies, the emotional weight of that day still lingers. I can now look at this experience from a distance, but I know that many people may not be ready or able to take on such a role while they’re still in their childbearing years or have young children of their own. Every person’s journey with grief, trauma, and healing is different. That’s why it’s so important for people to carefully consider the impact of this work before jumping into it, as it’s not just a job—it’s a deeply emotional and personal responsibility.
Now, as the years have passed, I’ve begun to revisit the idea of volunteering with NILMDTS. It’s an organization that offers an invaluable service to families who are grieving, and I want to help spread the word about this important service. Although I have not volunteered yet, I know how meaningful it would be to offer this kind of support to families in need.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the loss of a child, or if you have connections to anyone who might benefit from this service, I encourage you to share information about NILMDTS. Let’s make sure that grieving families in our community have access to the care and support they need in the form of these irreplaceable photographs.
To learn more about the incredible work NILMDTS does and to explore how you can support this organization, visit their website or reach out to local photographers who are already volunteering with them. The work they do is transformative, and it offers families the chance to hold on to the memories of their babies forever.
Let’s continue to support families who are going through the unimaginable and ensure that they have the resources they need to heal through the art of photography.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you’re considering becoming a NILMDTS volunteer, please take a moment to reflect on the emotional weight this work carries and how it may impact you. It’s an incredibly important service, but it’s also one that can leave a lasting emotional imprint. It’s essential to approach it with thoughtfulness and care.
If you know someone who may benefit from NILMDTS, or if you’re interested in learning more about the organization, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this message and to raise awareness for an organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of grieving families.