Each relevant maternity provider that ISLA grief & loss has visited was donated one free copy of 6 different books to lend out to parents while still in hospital as well as several imprint kits to help create precious memories. To date over 30 different maternity services around Australia have gratefully received such donations and we will continue to provide these items to new services we visit.

1. We Were Gonna Have a Baby, But We Had an Angel Instead by Pat Schwiebert

This children’s book addresses the issues that children may face over the loss of an unborn child while also providing parents with practical and sensitive advice to help their children cope with the death.

2. The invisible string by Patricia Karst

For reassurance of the transcendent power of love, to bind, connect and comfort us through those inevitable times when life challenges us.

3. Water Bugs & Drangonflies: Explaining Death to Young Children by Doris Stickney

A graceful fable about a water bug that leaves friends and family to change into a dragonfly.

4. Lifetimes – The beautiful way to explain death to children by Bryan Mellonie

A book for children of all ages telling us about beginnings, endings and about living in between.

5. Life is like the wind by Shona Innes

Introduces the concept of death to young readers by likening life to the ever-moving wind. When the wind is present, things move and fly and flutter about. When the wind goes away, things become very still.

6. Wherever you are: My love will find you by Nancy Tillman

Love is the greatest gift we have to give our children. It’s the one thing they can carry with them each and every day, no matter how near or far.

Impression Imprint Kits

Create a lasting impression of child’s hand or feet using this special impression material (not plaster or clay). Non-toxic air-drying material which comes in a keep sake tin. Suitable from 20 weeks gestation onward. https://www.babymade.com.au/product/baby-imprint-kit/