Féileacáin (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support) was formed in 2009 and subsequently registered as a charity in 2010 (CHY – 19635). Féileacáin was formed by a group of bereaved parents to offer support to anyone affected by the death of a baby around the time of birth, and the organization is now the national charity supporting families affected by perinatal loss. Féileacáin is a not-for-profit organization and receives no funding from central government, relying instead on the support of our community and the families who avail of our services.
Our Mission
Féileacáin is dedicated to supporting those affected by the loss of a baby. We provide personal, emotional and practical support to bereaved parents and their families, whenever they need it. This includes Memory Making, counselling, social work advice, befriending services, play therapy, support meetings and Services of Remembrance.
Our Vision
Our vision is the prevention of avoidable deaths of babies.
When a baby dies we envision a future where every bereaved parent and family member has the opportunity to create precious memories with their baby at the time of their baby’s death and all necessary support services will be available to them afterwards.
We strive for a Society where the impact of perinatal death is fully acknowledged, supported by enhanced public awareness, education and appropriate legislation.
Our Values
Inclusivity
Compassion, Empathy and Respect
Collaboration
To work with Integrity and to be Accountable
Quality & Development
Our aims are
To provide each Maternity Unit and Children’s Hospital in the country with our ‘Gifts of Remembrance’ Services. These services are provided free of charge to the hospitals and their delivery is supported by a nationwide team of Féileacáin staff and volunteers.
Included in the Gifts of Remembrance Service are:
Remembering…
Memory Boxes which are provided to parents who lose their baby around the time of birth. The Memory Boxes offer information and support as well as artifacts that support parents in creating precious memories in the short time they have with their baby.
Imprints so Precious
Clay imprints of their child’s feet or hands are offered to parents to create a lasting and precious memento of their baby. The imprints are created by a Féileacáin staff or volunteer who will come to the hospital, make the imprints with the parents and return the framed prints once they are painted and glazed.
Remembrance Candles
While funds allow Féileacáin offers each bereaved family a hand decorated candle with their baby’s name inscribed.
Cuddle Cots
Each maternity unit and children’s hospital has up to 6 Cuddle Cots which supports parents to keep their baby with them while in hospital, and to wake their baby when they return home if this is their wish. If a Cuddle Cot is not available to the parents from the hospital then a Féileacáin staff or volunteer will provide a Community Cuddle Cot for the family.
Sibling Support
The impact of the loss of their little brother or sister on older siblings is immense, and they are often forgotten about during the trauma of infant loss. Féileacáin offers advice and telephone support as well as a Play Therapy service to children following the death of a sibling. Each hospital is also provided with Sibling Teddy Bears and Resource Packs
Cocooned Project
Many babies who are born too soon are too little for the garments provided by the hospitals. Féileacáin offers beautiful hand knit gowns, dresses and suits for parents of tiny little infants. These garments are lovingly made by our team of volunteer knitters, who also supply beautiful little cradles and cocoons in which little babies may be laid.
Little Pix
Along with Little Pix (bereaved parents who manage this project) Feileacain have provided each hospital with at least two high resolution digital cameras