Saline Bath Preservation Method
Saline Bath Preservation Vessels
“Grief is a Journey” Care Box
Heaven’s Gain Ministries is blessed to be able to offer for purchase a Care Box for those experiencing the tragic loss of a child through miscarriage or stillbirth. It is difficult to determine the best way to support a loved one through such grief. This Care Box gives you a way to offer comfort and support. The helpful items included in the care box were carefully chosen by parents who have also carried the heavy cross of miscarriage and stillbirth. Items are labeled with shared words of comfort to guide your loved one through difficult aspects of the grief journey.
Send the box to a friend or loved one to comfort and support them and to remind them of your love and prayers through this very difficult time. See below for an itemized list of gifts included in the Care Box. The pictures will show the words of comfort that accompany the items included. Many more resources are available to you through the Heaven’s Gain Ministries website, our You Tube Channel, and our podcasts that you can use to guide you in supporting the grieving parent.
Note: The items in the care box may vary slightly due to availability.
Packing List Care Boxes
Box with Grief is a journey label inside lid which can be kept as a keepsake box
- Journal with guided meditations and Treasures in Heaven Pen
- Epsom salt with “grief” label
- Eye mask
- lotion, Chapstick, HGM hand sanitizer
- Butterfly hairclip and scrunchy
- Socks
- Tissues with “tears” label
- Heart warmer/ label
- HGM Water bottle
- Hydration powder
- Candy bag with “sweet” label
- Post-its with “never forgotten” label
- Candle with “flame” label
- Ultrasound picture frame
- Nightlight
- Inserts:
- Care card/Calm breathing card
- Quote cards/Grief pamphlets pack/HGM Support Services brochure
“Grief is a Journey” Care Box
Heaven’s Gain Ministries is blessed to be able to offer for purchase a Care Box for those experiencing the tragic loss of a child through miscarriage or stillbirth. It is difficult to determine the best way to support a loved one through such grief. This Care Box gives you a way to offer comfort and support. The helpful items included in the care box were carefully chosen by parents who have also carried the heavy cross of miscarriage and stillbirth. Items are labeled with shared words of comfort to guide your loved one through difficult aspects of the grief journey.
Send the box to a friend or loved one to comfort and support them and to remind them of your love and prayers through this very difficult time. See below for an itemized list of gifts included in the Care Box. The pictures will show the words of comfort that accompany the items included. Many more resources are available to you through the Heaven’s Gain Ministries website, our You Tube Channel, and our podcasts that you can use to guide you in supporting the grieving parent.
Note: The items in the care box may vary slightly due to availability.
Packing List Care Boxes
Box with Grief is a journey label inside lid which can be kept as a keepsake box
- Journal with guided meditations and Treasures in Heaven Pen
- Epsom salt with “grief” label
- Eye mask
- lotion, Chapstick, HGM hand sanitizer
- Butterfly hairclip and scrunchy
- Socks
- Tissues with “tears” label
- Heart warmer/ label
- HGM Water bottle
- Hydration powder
- Candy bag with “sweet” label
- Post-its with “never forgotten” label
- Candle with “flame” label
- Ultrasound picture frame
- Nightlight
- Inserts:
- Care card/Calm breathing card
- Quote cards/Grief pamphlets pack/HGM Support Services brochure
How can I explain the saline bath so it does not sound like a specimen?
How long does it take for the water to transform the appearance of the baby?
Some changes will appear immediate, while others take 3-4 hours. The fingers and toes start to float immediately, but the decrease of redness may take up to 4 hours.
What do I do when the water turns pink?
The water will turn pink from any blood that seeps out. The water can be changed as often as the family wishes. Many parents like to change the water every 3-4 hours like they would change a diaper. It gives the family another way to parent their child.
How far do I fill the vessel with the saline?
Fill the bottle to the very top so that there are few if any bubbles.
What direction should the baby be placed?
It is recommended that you place the baby so the feet at the lid end of the vessel. That allows a better view of the baby’s face.
How long can the baby be kept in the saline before burial?
Salt is a natural preservative but this is not a long term preservative for a baby. Saline water only slows the deterioration of the baby and does not prevent it. Saline Bath technique is a natural way to temporarily preserve the baby a few days until burial. When not being viewed, the baby in the saline bath should be in a refrigerated place to further slow the deterioration.
What is the salt percentage of the saline solution and can I make my own?
The solution is a 0.9 saline and it is not recommended to make your own. Contact solution can be used if you cannot acquire saline solution.
Is it ok to take the baby in and out of the saline?
Yes that is not a problem but, of course be very gentle.
Can the baby be buried in the vessel in the saline water?
Yes, the vessels are made of plastic to allow some expansion if the ground freezes.
Is it OK to freeze the baby in the saline vessel?
We do not recommend freezing the vessel or the baby.
How will the appearance of the baby be when taken out of the vessel?
The baby’s appearance will be improved after taking them out of the vessel. The baby’s redness should continue to be less. The baby can start to dehydrate if left out for a prolonged period.
Who can I call if I have additional questions?
Please call Heaven’s Gain Ministries with any additional questions. One of our Advocates for Parents of Perinatal Loss (APPL) will be happy to answer your questions to the best of her ability.