Burial Resources for Miscarriage, Stillbirth & Infant Loss

A Corporal Work of Mercy

The Church understands that burying the dead is one of the corporal works of mercy (CCC 2447). The Church also affirms, “As regards children who have died without Baptism, the Church can only entrust them to the mercy of God, as she does in her funeral rites” (CCC 1261).

Miscarried and stillborn babies are children who have died before Baptism. This may also be the case with children who die soon after birth. Please know that you have a right to bury your miscarried child like any other family member.

We pray that these resources will help you in navigating this truly unthinkable loss. 

Miscarriage Delivery Aids

What is a Miscarriage Delivery Aid?

A Miscarriage Delivery Aid (sometimes called a Miscarriage Collection Kit) is a package containing a few ordinary items that assist families in recovering and preserving their miscarried child’s remains, when a miscarriage is both anticipated and occurs at home.

How can I obtain a Miscarriage Delivery Aid?

These kits are available at no cost to families in the Diocese of Colorado Springs. If you do not live within the Diocese of Colorado Springs, you can still obtain a delivery aid kit through one of several different ministries such as HeavensGain.org

 For instructions for using a Diocese-provided kit or for ideas to make your own please reference Caring for Your Child’s Remains.

Why do I need one?

Because we believe in the sanctity of life, including pre-born life, the opportunity presents itself for us to carry out the Corporal Work of Mercy of burying the dead (CCC 2447, 2300).

Miscarriage Delivery Aids may allow families to bury or cremate their child’s remains in accordance with their Catholic faith, when the opportunity has presented itself.

 

Baby Resting Gowns & Pouches

What is a Baby Resting Gown and Pouch?

Baby resting gowns are handmade by a local volunteer seamstress. They are tiny gowns to bury a miscarried or stillborn child in, with all of the love and reverance they deserve.

Baby Resting Pouches are also available for burial of the tiniest and earliest miscarriage losses – when a child may not yet “look like a baby” but still has all of the worthiness of a life made in the image and likeness of God.

How do I obtain one?

Just contact Heart Of My Heart. These gowns and pouches, like all of our resources, are available at no cost to families. Every effort is made to get a gown or pouch to families requesting them quickly and in time for burial arrangements underway. 

I don't live in the area. Can I still receive a gown?

Yes! Our seamstress is a part of the national NICU Helping Hands: Angel Gown Program. While neither she, or Heart Of My Heart can ship gowns at this time, you can make an Urgent Request for a gown to this organization HERE. They have fast processing times, and can ship a gown to you as per their website instructions.

Can I donate my wedding gown for this cause?

Absolutely! To learn more about wedding gown donations to the ministry that partners with Heart Of My Heart to make these resting gowns, just contact us directly. 

Caskets, Vessels & Preparation of Remains

What is a miscarriage casket & vessel?

If you live within the Diocese of Colorado Springs, CO Heart Of My Heart can provide you with a casket specifically sized for your miscarried child (see the one pictured from Elizabeth Ministry) at no cost. Please simply Contact Us. 

This casket can serve as a vault as well, if your preferred cemetery requires one.

If you would like other options to purchase your own casket consider these from Heaven’s Gain. 

My baby was beyond 20 weeks. Can Heart Of My Heart still help?

Praise God, yes we can! While Heart Of My Heart does not have caskets available at this time for later losses and infant losses, the ministry Trappist Caskets does. 

Trappist Caskets lovingly creates handmade wooden caskets for infant losses, and they are available to families at no cost. Please visit their website to learn more.

Do I need a death certificate to bury or cremate my baby's remains?

Yes, you do. It is called a Fetal Death Certificate and is ordinarily only available through funeral homes. It is different than a typical death certificate form, but can be filled out by the mother of the preborn child. This form is required by Colorado law, for the funeral home to obtain a permit to handle your child’s remains. There is no cost to complete this form or fee to obtain the necessary permit. Your funeral home can help walk you through this process. 

Colorado Certificate of Fetal Death

This is a PDF of the Colorado required Certificate of Fetal Death . Please discuss with your funeral home if you have any questions in completing it. Later losses such as stillbirths will require a doctor to complete the 2nd page. 

FAQs about Miscarriage, Cremation and Columbaria

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Miscarriage, Cremation and Columbaria see our article HERE

Miscarriage Burial Vessel from Elizabeth Ministry

Cemeteries & Columbaria Gallery

Please know that you have a right to bury your miscarried or stillborn child, just as you would any other member of your family. Cemeteries and columbaria are available to serve you in this need.