UPDATES IN 2026!

At this time, the two larger area hospitals have asked that we pause donations of angel gowns made with wedding gowns.  They received a large number of wedding-dress angel gowns and currently have more than they can use. Some families still choose them, but they are requested less often than anticipated, as families often prefer items made from flannel, knit, or fleece. 

They have made the following suggestions:

• For early losses (less than 20 weeks of gestation)—i.e., items that are easier to place on/around an infant’s body whose skin may be fragile
  • Hooded wraps (flannel or fleece)
  • Very simple gowns (shorter/three-quarter sleeves, able to open with velcro or snaps in the front or back, down the length of the gown)
  • Blankets (knit, flannel, or fleece)
  • Soft flexible hats (knit, T-shirt-type material
• For later losses (20 weeks of gestation or more)
  • Very simple gowns (shorter/three quarter sleeves, able to open with velcro or snaps in the front or back, down the length of the gown)
  • Blankets (knit or flannel or fleece)
  • Soft flexible hats (knit, Tshirt-type material)
• Generally speaking
  • Items with long sleeves (sweaters) and long pants typically are more challenging for nurses and families to pull on/off around arms/legs that may not be straight, may have stiffened, skin may be fragile, etc
  • Sizing is generally easier with clothing that is “looser” (e.g., a gown vs a button-up shirt or jacket) and can accommodate limbs that sometimes are not straight (i.e., from in utero positioning, etc.)
  • “Soft” or “pastel” (vs neon bright or darker) gender neutral colors, without too much printed characters or applied lace/beads, etc. are appreciated (e.g., yellow, green, cream, lilac, peach), as white often does not look very good against skin that may be or is starting to be discolored.  When the loss is earlier than 18 weeks, gender may not yet be visibly distinguishable.  We aim for a selection that is roughly 50% gender neutral colors, and 25% each of the “traditional” colors for boys (blue) and girls (pink).  While we keep a selection of white gowns and/or ”Angel Gowns” (made from wedding dresses) on hand for families who request them, those items don’t tend to be requested as often.
• Wedding dress mementos
  • Small mementos made from wedding-dress or special fabrics. One example is a small angel wing ornament or small keepsake bag that families could receive at memorial services or keep as a holiday remembrance (see photos). 
  • This would be a great way to re-purpose wedding gown fabric since the hospitals are preferring limited wedding dress material for gowns at this time. 

Mikayla’s Grace
PO Box 145
McFarland, WI 53558