Capturing a Short Life: Losing Our Beautiful Babies (Family Documentary) | Real Stories 

I’m going to tell you something that I don’t talk about much, I had my son at 24.5 weeks and he had so many complications. He was only one pound. We were called up to the hospital at midnight one night and we were told he wasn’t going to make it through the night and Drs recommended we remove him from life support. I refused, he fought so hard for his life only for his intestines to rupture and his little lungs to collapse over and over. I still couldn’t take him off life support 😢. I felt so selfish. I just couldn’t do it. My son fought so hard for his life. By some miracle he pulled through the first hurdle ,on some days it was like 3 steps forward then 5 steps backward. Infection after infection,surgery after surgery,he pulled through. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to the doctors because he is here today,by some miracle. He just turned 19 and he is such a amazing kid,I don’t know how my life would have been if I would’ve listened to the doctors.

Losing a child, no matter how long they were here on Earth, is a trauma beyond description.

My sister was born in 1990, she lived for only 4 days. But my parents never forget her birthday and the day she left. They still break down into tears. We mourn her till today and we always will.

As a mom who has been through this twice, this topic needs to be talked aboit more. People often forget our babies were here and lived and were so very loved.

To Christine, and all parents who lose a child, I hope you know that you are still 'mommy' and 'daddy' - your child no longer being with you does not change that.

Never question a parent with a dying child. It is their decision to make, what they believe is best for their child. Hugs to the families.

My son was born with spinal meningitis and the contracted pneumonia. Within 12 hours they moved him to a NICU at another hospital. I didn’t understand newborns don’t get fevers. He was in very critical condition. They put me in a room on another floor with a woman whose baby died. My son was 24” long, 9 lbs and induced 2 weeks early. So looked big and strong compared to the preemies. For 3 weeks every day we were sure he’d die. Thank God he didn’t . Now he’s 43. It’s a miracle I celebrate daily but relive that trauma often.

It broke my heart when the big brother told his dad, don't worry she's still here, what a sweet boy, you can see he's going to be a great big brother.🙏💙🙏

My son died at 49. So unexpected. Nearly miscarried him and always smiled to see him grow into a handsome man. He's been gone 8 years today. You never get over it.

I’m totally touched by this treatment of babies dying. On August 13,1969 I had a Stillborn daughter,they threw a rag over her and put her aside. I sat up begging for her and I was shoved down and held me down from seeking my baby, I begged for her to hold her,kiss her all the usual things a new mother does! I pleaded till I was exhausted. No one did one thing to grant my requests, I wanted pictures. The treatment throughout my stay was appalling! It was medical maltreatment! In September 1986 I lost a son who died of SIDS 26 days old. The years since we lost his sister,Katherine Kubler Ross wrote book on stages of grief and changed the way people think about death, mourning & grief. Infant deaths have a cold cot ( bassinet with cooler ), giving parents more time to spend with their baby. This helps my heart heal. My Prayers are being answered. And please thank those photographers who so lovingly gave those parents memories I wasn’t allowed to have. God Bless Compassionate People that have the ability to go where Angels have trouble going to! Thank you for listening to a Mother’s heart!

I'm Grandma. Not only do we watch our grand baby go though the trauma of all the tests, surgeries and procedures, we watch our adult daughter and her family go though the stress, trauma, and pain of watching their child not living as she should. And then, just shy of 6 months, not ever having a chance to go home, something totally unexpected happens and life ceases. The memories remain but those left behind are forever changed.

Unfortunately I have witnessed this 1st hand. My niece found out that her baby girl was going to be born with severe poly cystic kidney disease. She arrived on her due date. She was beautiful, a head full of thick dark hair, perfect little angel on the outside but on the inside her kidneys were so enlarged that her lungs had no room to develop. She never made a sound, never open those precious eyes, just gasped for air like a fish out of water… her sweet soul left that precious little body about 45 minutes after being born. It was an experience I shall never forget, nor shall I never forget her. Her short time on earth left me in tears, in sadness, wondering why these things happen to such innocence. We as humans naturally question these situations, the only peace we have is knowing these babies are resting in glory with our Lord Jesus Christ…

We lost my niece to a rare genetic disorder at a yr and 26 days. Took her off support on her 1st bday...she lives 26 beautiful days in hospice. She made me believe in angels.

I so appreciate this photographer and her organization. They’ve captured life and death of their babies.

You were great parents! She is NOT mad at you - she is in heaven and YOU will see her again!

I was a NICU nurse for 7 years in the 1990’s. I have so many memories of the families and babies I cared for. For some reason, or call it a gift, I was really good at having difficult conversations, to help families get answers they needed to make those hard decisions. I celebrated with families as they took babies home and helped families grieve when a baby died. I have saved the notes and letters and cards I was given and have stayed in touch with 2 families.

@45:57 I felt the same. Everything she said is how I felt after my daughter passed away. Life goes on for everyone else. You never get over it. Very emotional. 💜

Thank you to the families who agreed to be a part of this video. It's a brave move and a big one. It's also necessary for the rest of us to be made aware. This could happen to any of us in various capacities.

Found Kayla's parents on social media, happy to report among all this sadness she is now a beautiful, happy teenager!

I love how the dad sits with his son and talks about his baby sister in a very positive way ❤

This is the most heart breaking thing ever that a human can endure. RIP to all the beautiful babies, may you all be transported to a life where there is no pain, no suffering. I’m 38 weeks pregnant and I already love my daughter more than anything in this world.

I gave birth to twins at 24 weeks weighing 23 and 26oz they are now 24 years old and you would never know how hard they had to fight to be here. I was 1 of the lucky ones and I was blessed with 2 miracle babies My heart breaks for the parents who didn't have the same outcome 💔

43 years ago was my baby's first day home from the hospital. He was 7 days in NICU and 3 in the regular nursery to make sure I could truly breast feed him. I saw many other parents who had their baby fighting more complicated problems. I saw some die. My son had sepsis. A heart murmur. A blood transfusion. IV antibiotics. IV's are through the head for the largest vein. He was 8 months. 4lbs. 6ozs. I had contracted rubella at a polluted beach at 7 months (I did not see the warning signs at the beach). The titer showed an increase, but because I was past 6 months they assumed the pregnancy would progress normally. He is 43 years old. A father with three adult children. I prayed so much for him. I prayed for all the babies and parents. Those first few days we're all in the same boat. I am amazed every day because he survived.

I have worked as a pediatric hospice nurse and a pediatric vent/trach home care nurse. I have witness the miracle babies, the ones who die shortly after birth and the ones who survive with no quality of life. My own child was in the NICU and it is a wonderful place, sometimes I feel that just because we can, doesn't mean we should. When all a baby knows is pain from procedures, infections and surgeries I ask myself if this is medicine (healing) or not.

My son died at 25 years old. You do move through the grief and will get to the other side of it. It takes time. You aren’t the same person at the end as you were at the beginning. The wound heals but stays tender. Draw close to Jesus. It’s hard to believe, but you will laugh again, love again and live again.

I lost 4 children to miscarriage. I lost them early in my pregnancy but they were as alive to me as any other child could be. The callousness of the medical people , even family was nearly the tipping point for me. Even now all those years since, my heart still aches , I could barely get through this video. I'm glad that grief teams and support groups are now available for parents like me. I did name my children, something everyone thought i was crazy for doing years ago. I'm so glad I did. Now in my sixty and preparing for my own time of passing, My husband and I have put all their names on our grave stone. Forever to rest with their mom and dad in spirit until we're all together again. Much love to all of you who will and are walking this road of tears...❤

Watching these videos is so hard and I wonder sometimes why I do it but there are many people whose pain is never acknowledged. I think these babies, their families, these parents all deserve to be seen. Everyone gave me sympathy for a week when I lost my babies mid pregnancy then they moved on. I didn’t.

EVERY BABY MATTERS! 💗💜💗😊 These photos are amazing! The parents deserve to have memories of their babies and something they can treasure forever...

Must never forget we aren’t guaranteed to have life beyond this moment even in the womb! Cherish every second…

11:49 bless her heart! Wiping the dad’s nose for him! This is amazing for her to donate her time and her talents to do this for grieving families! To gift them these beautiful memories of their beautiful babies! I hope she knows how meaningful it is! And how appreciated she is! ❤❤❤

My heart mourns with these families.

I was told to terminate my son due to complications of the pregnancy. They kept telling me the pregnancy wasnt viable due to my health. We fought for him and hes a healthy little boy today. They said his lungs would be severely under developed due to lack of fluid. However when he arrived at 35 weeks he breathed on his own. Spent 2 weeks in the hospital and had one surgery at 6 months and one at 6 years. But hes a lovely little boy. Very smart and great at sports. Incredibly sweet.

What an amazing photographer. Such a loving way to give of her talents. ❤️

I'm a mama of 1 live birth and 6 babies that have miscarried. The pain doesn't leave.

To all the Mum’s,Dad’s , significant others and extended family members. I’m so sorry for your loss. I thank you for sharing your heartbreaking, but beautiful stories. The love you have for your sweet babies is the shining light of this documentary.

It took so much courage for these parents to share this. I have spent a lot of time at sick kids hospital and am so grateful for the amazing care we as a family received

Kayla’s big brother knew she was coming home so he wasn’t worried. Kids have a intuition that is unmatched

I lost my son in 1989, he lived only two days. If it weren’t for the NICU nurses I wouldn’t have any pictures of my son. He was born with a heart defect and coded during open heart surgery. Forever in my heart. Preston Levi 6/26/89-6/28/89

My 23w6d old micropreemie son was born at 1lb 9oz. I was.told there's no hope. He is now 32 years old and about to be a father.

It is truly one of the hardest things to go through. I lost my son on September 28th, 2011, and it still hurts. I hope all of these parents are doing better now.

Rest in Peace to all the beautiful babies that passed away in this show 🕊

I was a 24 wk micro preemie only weighing 1lb 9oz. I have a identical twin sister we both just turned 20 in July 😊❤

I just wanted to commend the producers for doing such a beautiful job with such a tragic subject and commend all the parents for their remarkable bravery.

I used to work with adults with developmental disabilities. Some of them were severely affected both physically and mentally, while some of them only had mild impairment and were considered high functioning. I worked with the later type first. These individuals were such a joy to work with as they achieved their goals towards living independently and maximizing their potential. It was so much harder to work with the severely impaired. Their bodies contorted in painful submission, there were times I could only hope that they were unaware of their circumstances. We provided sustenance through tube feedings and cared for their bodily needs. I remember at times wondering about God's grace in allowing them to continue to exist day after day year after year. It appalled me to see them cared for at times by neglectful and even abusive caregivers who did the job only to make as much money as they would in a fast food restaurant but in a home like institutional environment where they could sit back and relax oblivious to their charges needs. These were the helpless individuals that we see here as babies, if in God's wisdom they had continued to live instead of peacefully transitioning to the spiritual afterlife. I can't help but think that in a way these babies are the lucky ones.🕊

These babies were so loved! They had what so many other children never enjoy…the unconditional love of both parents and their siblings. Thank you each for loving that child as long as you could no matter what!

"You want your kid to cry in your own arms". ❤

Like that one mom said u never get over the loss of a child u just learn how to live with the pain.. i lost my second born daughter in 2009 to SIDS and it still hurts to this day...

Although this was a very difficult video to watch, it shows the compassion of the doctors and especially the nurses. I have a son born with Spina Bifida and spent months in the Children’s Hospital in Boston NICU . You build bonds with other parents knowing most of the babies will die In some ways you help each other. Bless you all

Thank you so much. My first child, Maggie, lived for 48 days 47 years ago. I think of her every day, miss her, love her. Your film is such a perfect depiction of the profound, complete attachment and love that thrives between newborns whose lives will be as brief as a breeze and parents who long to love them through all of many thousands of days…. You are a gift!

Wow the twins !! Her brother was right SHE'S STILL HERE THERE'S STILL HOPE . GOD HEARD THEIR PRAYERS i really hope the family are doing well today. At least there was one happy ending . Very ssd documentary 😢😢

My heart broke for these parents. I watched my still born nephew come into the world. We knew prior to the birth that he had gone. It was a blood clot in the cord. He was a super tiny 26 weeker. That's a pain that never goes away no matter how many years have passed. It was a great surprise to see little Kayla at the end. An update now would be good. I know this documentary is a little older.

❤ My heart goes out to all of you ❤️ my daughter was born poorly and passed away age 3 months. I never got to bring her home. Thank you for being so brave in sharing ❤❤🙏

To loose a baby is like loosing a grown person, because it's a life as well.

16 years ago October I lost my little butterfly 🦋 it still hurts so deeply God bless all these angels who have gained their wings love be with you all ❤❤

Im so sorry for the grief these families suffer.

I am 43, no kids by choice. I don’t have the instincts. As a person usually unmoved by parenthood, I was surprised to find myself crying along with these parents. I’m a nurse and I see death more than I care to admit, but I work with the elderly. these conversations about end of life come often, it’s a part of the job but my patients lived full lives. Regardless of age, The families struggle with the decision of allowing their loved one to die. The guilt is debilitating for them. Losing babies is infinitely more difficult and requires an entirely different skill set than geriatrics. Thank you for sharing.

My mother endured losing a baby and raising his surviving brother. My brother has outlived his twin for nearly 57 years.

She is not mad at you, she is gratefull that you had the strength to let her go!

My first was brought back twice, once in the operating room, again in NICU while I was in the OR fighting for my own life at that point. After everything I developed a fever. I had spent two weeks in labor and baby went into distress at 28 weeks. I will never forget signing the papers yes I want them to resuscitate. Because we knew due to the medications I was given and the quickness with which the hr dropped and had been at 22bpm for over 45 min that baby wouldn’t be breathing, I heard no cry, I didn’t even get to see my little one. Ten hours later I got a grainy photo of this tiny little thing with tubes and things everywhere. And the smallest footprints you’ve ever seen. I heard the phrase “your baby might not survive through the night” so many times I lost count. At some point I made the promise that as long as my baby was fighting so would I. My tiny peanut is an A student, is amazing and here and turning twenty in the spring. We’ve got other issues due to genetic conditions that weren’t even DX until my child was 14 and so we still cope with the knowledge that we’re looking at the very real possibility that we will outlive our oldest child. I’m glad they did the C section because we found out an extremely short umbilical cord found during the c section would have meant death had we attempted a vaginal delivery. Thankfully baby was sideways and never turned right side up or down and that saved us partially and the most amazing surgeon and medical teams did the rest and our fight helped a lot. We nearly lost our child again due to sepsis developed quickly after kidney stones two years ago just days before turning 17. In fact my kiddo was released from the hospital on their birthday and we threw together a birthday and it was not what was planned but it meant so much because that first night was so bad they didn’t think I would be taking her home. I have family and friends who have lost infants. One to sids, another to a rare heart defect, one to a rare birth accident and another to the ego of a piratical not on the team at all who decided to give something to a five month old who had survived the worst of meningococcal meningitis and was supposed to be going home. Instead his intervention took her life within two hrs. He was never meant to be anywhere near her. 😢. This breaks my heart I met so many moms while in NICU with my own and so many who went through the most unimaginable choices. Many who got to bring their babies home and so many who didn’t. Many who’s babies thrived and broke all the expectations and others who never were the same and able to run and play the way they were meant to the way we all hope our littles will get to be I guess is better way to put it. The best way to explain NICU is it is a rollercoaster. You don’t plan past that moment, that second and you don’t think about when do we go home you think about when I get back from dinner what will my baby be doing? Will they still be stable. One moment they are just fine then suddenly every alarm is blaring and suddenly there’s the entire team and you’re signing papers and being rushed away and taking that extra long look hoping it isn’t the last time you get to see them. I met my first when she was 48 hrs old and it was a mix of feelings I don’t think I’ll ever be able to explain fully. I was scared and happy and terrified and so in love with this tiny little peanut. I was afraid to touch her and wanted to fold her tight and afraid that anything I did would be wrong but wanting so badly to hold her and love her and be able to be her mom. You feel like you are watching the grass grow on the good days and on the days when everything is going south you’re just trying to remind yourself to breath. I feel so much for these families and wish I could take all of this pain away and wish there was a way to fix every baby. No parents should have to see their little one go before they do. ❤

This was so sad and hard to watch. My mom, who passed almost 10 years now, had a miscarriage, a stillborn and a baby boy who died of SIDS. I can’t imagine the pain she went through. I don’t think I would have the courage to try again, but she did. I was born at 7 months and the doctors told her they didn’t think I would live. This was 1970. I made it and I have two wonderful brothers, and three kids of my own. My son is named after one of my brothers who passed. I hope I get to meet them someday😢

Thanks to everyone that made this possible; for sharing a super important time in your lives with so many that now see how prescious life is for each of us.

God bless the photographers. Those pictures are SO important.

I feel so bad for you. The loss of a child is the worse thing ever. I know, I lost my baby boy at 7 months old. It's not something you ever get over.😢😢

This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you 💔💐 RIP beautiful xx

The tears didn't start coming until the sweet older brother of Kayla told his mum that he wants her to survive. I loved how the parents talked to their older children about this. They're living this loss, too. And it's so important to help them understand as best as we can and help them with their grief. How we explain and talk to our kids when they experience such a heartbreaking loss is so important. And it's so incredibly difficult when you as the parents are also going through the most difficult time of your life, but it's so important.

I was very touched by these stories. The photographer and families captured the pictures in a very beautiful way. My great-grandaughter passed away at 14 weeks old from SIDS. We were so grateful for the time we had with her. My granddaughter and her husband kept her on life support so the family members could gather together the next day to day goodbye. Thank you for sharing the stories.

To the young father that said, I couldn’t get over it, I couldn’t stop crying. Don’t you dare beat yourself up for that. I want everyone to know, don’t let anyone tell you how long to grieve, and when to grieve!

You were so blessed to have delivered a living child. You got to hold it , tell them how much you loved them and be mommie and daddy even if only for a short precious time. You are very loving, selfless, and strong. One day you will all be together again. May God bless you and keep you until that day.

I am so sorry for anyone affected by child loss. My heart breaks for you all. I am so sorry. You are all loving and compassionate. You will be reunited with your babies one day, I promise you that 🩷

Lydia and her parents just broke my heart. What a beautiful little girl. I hope they have found some peace

RIP Angel babies! Gone but never forgotten. 😢

Kayla’s baptism was so precious.

NOAH..I REMEMBER AND LOVE YOU..MARCH 13. 2010 I KNOW YOU LIVE ON❤

This video was beautiful and so respectful to the families whose stories were shared. Thank you…

Oh my god to see Kayla at the end THRIVING! She seemed a bit more advanced than her twin even!! Yay Kayla!!! 🎉❤

❤ while living in the UK, during lockdown, I joined the many people who knitted for the NICU babies and for the Angel babies. Now I am back in Africa and knit booties for the thousands born here without anything to keep them warm. Their parents don't have anything for their preemies and even for their full term newborns. Hyperthermia is a genuine risk and takes many new lives. Here hospitals and clinics don't have the supplies needed. ❤ Thank you to the family's who shared their childs lives with us. ❤

She is absolutely a beautiful little angel I'm sorry for your loss. Sending love from Arizona

I had my second son at 28 weeks, and he was in the NICU for 150 days. He was 2 lbs. He is now 14, and he's in 8th grade . I will be praying for you guys ❤

Never felt pain in my life until my niece passed away seeing my sister so broken is not something I can wish on anyone 😢she left us two children for her brother to raise and 5 years later it still feels like it just happen yesterday

''She felt the sun on her face, and the wind too. ...She liked that'' Much love to all the people in this documentary.

This child would be 16 if they were to live in 2023. This is so very sad for all these babies and the families. My heart breaks for all of them. They are now angels dancing in heaven with all the other babies ❤️

I’m watching this with tears rolling down my face on what would of been my little sister’s 39th birthday, she passed away at 10 months of age.

A greater pain I can not imagine than losing a child! Condolences to all!

That little was communicating. She told you she was hungry with her cry. Just because she didn’t have the reflexes to suck and swallow doesn’t mean the end was there. She obviously was a fighter as she didn’t stop breathing. Her heart was still going meaning she still had life. Was she without hurdles? No,but as parents you fight for them. Glad I didn’t listen and my 19 yr old son is here and healthy.

My daughter gave birth a little over a month ago. I finally got a grand daughter. I feel kinda guilty after watching this 😢 but God works in mysterious ways, and those babies are in Gods arms now 🙏🏻

Those nurses are some of the strongest souls...seeing the most gut wrenching pain of the family/parents and the suffering of innocent children, multiple times a day, everyday, for years. Without breaking down while seeing first hand the anguish and raw grief of the family/parents. I’d be bawling my eyes out with them.

Absolutely heartbreaking! There are no words 💔

This was a beautiful and heartbreaking documentary. I am so sorry for the parents losses. I know how devastating it is. Please know that your babies are with God! He is taking care of them. Though any words cannot ease your pain and grief I pray that your hearts be filled with love and peace. The photos were done with such loving care. Truly a blessing to have those photos and hands and feet plasters. Sending you all so much love and prayers!💝🙏❤💔

I held my sisters baby as she died in '89. I was 18. My sister was far too early in the pregnancy for the baby to survive, about 26 weeks( i know they can sometimes save them that young these days) My sister lost several babies earlier in the pregnancy. You never forget all the details like her eyelashes and her fingernails. She fit in the palm of my hand.

My dear Mum lost 3 babies before i was born. One full term, and 2 almost full term. She didnt talk about it. I never understood how painful that was for her until my son ended his life at 24. Thankfully Mum and Dad had both passed and did not have to endure that pain as well. My life changed forever the day my son passed. One day we will meet again. This was a heartwrenching video but so enlightening. Thank you to those who allowed their stories to be told.❤

What beautiful babies. May they all rest in Paradise. My sincere condolences to all of the parents and families. Thank you for sharing your heart wrenching experiences with the rest of us. Your strength is an inspiration.

Omg. Poor Babies. Poor Mommys and Daddys. Poor Brothers and Sisters. Poor Families.😢

That was really hard to watch.. as a mother with now a 22 year old son I can't comprehend how heart breaking it would be.. I'm so sorry for your loss of your beautiful souls 🫂

This programme was so sad..losing a child no matter what the reason or the age is horrendous but losing a baby is inconceivable...when I lost my daughter all that kept me going was that god needed new angels and he took the best ones....I'm not remotely religious but it got me through some of the pain...but you never forget the loss...love to the parents in this video.❤

I dont think I could carry on because I got severely depressed after a traumatic 15 week miscarriage years back.

Idk if any of the families we've seen on this very sad but educational documentary are reading this; I am so very sorry for the loss of each of your gorgeous babies. I know my words may not mean much you just know you were to them, and always will be enough. God Bless. ♥️

I'm so sorry for your loss I can't imagine the pain. Sending love from Arizona

In a perfect world no babies would pass away but they do x my son died aged 17 years and a month born on a 20th died on 20th he would be 43 now it really never goes away and you don’t get over it,you just find a new way of living with it bless all tha children x

My baby girl was born by c section at 33 weeks after a complicated pregnancy weighing 3lb 7oz she was not breathing at birth and was ventilated, she stopped breathing several times when attempting to remove ventilation, however she is now almost 30 and a mum of 2 beautiful boys, my heart goes out to all that have had to endure the loss of a child. God bless you all

So much devotion and love for these children. I admire these parents so much. The siblings are amazing, too.